Yellowmouth Grouper
Identification
Yellowmouth grouper closely resemble scamp grouper but are distinguished by the bright yellow-orange coloration inside the mouth and along the edges of the gill covers. The body is tan to grayish-brown with darker mottling and darker fin margins. They have an elongated, somewhat pointed snout similar to scamp. Yellowmouth grouper are relatively rare in OBX waters compared to scamp and gag, making them a prized catch for grouper enthusiasts. They typically run 5 to 15 pounds.
Habitat and Behavior
Yellowmouth grouper prefer deep rocky structure along the continental shelf edge, typically in 150 to 400 feet of water. They associate with ledges, deep-water wrecks, and rocky outcroppings. They are ambush predators similar to other groupers, holding tight to structure and darting out to seize prey. Their diet consists of small fish, squid, and crustaceans. Yellowmouth are less common than scamp in OBX waters and are usually caught incidentally while targeting other grouper species.
Fishing Techniques
Standard bottom fishing with live bait or cut bait over deep structure produces yellowmouth grouper. Live pinfish or grunts on heavy bottom rigs (12-20 oz sinker, 80-100 lb leader, 6/0-8/0 circle hook) are effective. Deep jigging with butterfly jigs in the 200-400g range over high-relief structure can trigger strikes. Because yellowmouth are uncommon, most are caught incidentally while targeting scamp, gag, or other deep-water groupers.
Baits and Lures
Live pinfish and small grunts are the top yellowmouth baits. Cut squid and sardine chunks fished on the bottom also produce. Butterfly jigs in natural color patterns (blue/silver, pink, amber) worked aggressively near structure will draw strikes. The same baits and lures that work for scamp grouper work for yellowmouth, since they share the same deep-water habitat.
Best Times and Locations on the OBX
Yellowmouth grouper are available year-round in deep water but are most commonly caught May through October. They are found on the same deep structure as scamp — ledges, wrecks, and hard bottom along the shelf edge in 150-400 feet. The Point, deep wrecks along the 50-fathom curve, and rocky ledges south of Hatteras are the areas where yellowmouth are most likely encountered. They are a bonus fish on multi-species bottom fishing trips.
Regulations
Yellowmouth grouper are managed under the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council regulations. The minimum size is 20 inches total length. The recreational bag limit falls within the aggregate grouper bag limit (typically 3 grouper total per person per day, combining species). The season is open year-round. As with all grouper species, check current NC Marine Fisheries Commission and SAFMC regulations before fishing.