Grouper vary greatly in size. This is very important when grouper fishing as it allows anglers to feel the take as well is get the grouper away from the structure. Anglers can click this link to shop Amazon for Penn Senator rod and reel outfits. Bank sinkers are also used by anglers when bottom fishing. The one thing that all groupers have in common is that they are bottom dwelling, structure oriented fish. Eddie prevailed, and suddenly a giant brown fish appeared on the surface and lay at the side of the boat as exhausted as Capt. Free Shipping. In some locations, a 5 pound grouper is a decent fish. Check it out: This post will cover the best grouper fishing tackle and lures. One thing was for certain: It was real big. They are also found offshore as well. We recommend the Okuma Extra extra heavy rod with roller guides. OK, maybe we needed a little stretch in the line. I am using a Penn International 16VS 2 speed on a St Croix 6’”6 Fiberglass rod I picked up at a garage sale. If the fish puts up too much of a fight and you don’t seem to be These include: Goliath Grouper; Nassau Grouper; Black Grouper; Gag Grouper; Red Grouper; Scamp Grouper… "Great big giant goliaths.". MYFWC – Grouper page. I am using a very light set up for going after Goliath grouper. He barely finished the sentence when he had to sit down or go over the side. This works mostly on gag grouper. It took another week for the wind to finally lay down, but when it did, Capt. However, it is not as durable, has some stretch, and is of a larger diameter. A few days later, we returned to the wreck and sent another pinfish down, this time on the 200# mono top shot, put the rod in the rod holder, and set the drag to zero. Most anglers fishing for grouper use some type of leader. Some anglers simply prefer the comfort and feel of a spinning outfit. If anything was going to break this time, it would be Capt. They are most often used with what is termed a high low rig or a chicken rig. Eddie brings a 250-pound goliath next to the boat. Fluorocarbon leader is almost always used these days. This is how it gets its name. The hook may look huge, but the important part is the distance between the tip and the shank. The gag grouper is a bottom-feeder and prefers the warmer waters of Key West and the Caribbean. Some grouper grow to over 500 lbs, and can often be caught with a simple hook and sinker style rig. Many a large Goliath grouper has surprised an angler casting to the mangroves for snook or redfish. The two lures that are most often used for casting to grouper are diving plugs and jigs. In conclusion, this article on the best grouper fishing tackle and lures should help anglers catch more of these hard fighting and fantastic eating bottom fish! Goliath Grouper put up a strong, but short lived fight. The bank sinker works well as it tends to walk and bounce off of rocks and other snags. He stuck it on the big circle hook and explained as the bait went down that he would hold on to the rod, let the fish take it in the wreck, and then he'd pull it out with the 500# mono, which the wreck couldn't cut. While they will occasionally be caught inshore, the vast majority of red grouper are caught in water 50 feet or deeper. Fisherman describes his encounter with a goliath grouper while fishing for blacktip sharks. Watch the video to find out! That’s average size, larger Goliath Grouper in the 500 pound class and yes, even 600 pounds are out there and have been caught on rod … Not all grouper fishing is the same. There are basically four types of grouper that are found in good numbers in the United States. It is very important when using circle hooks to not set the hook. 8:53. In other places, fish pushing 50 pounds are not uncommon. His name was Capt. Like other grouper, the gag can often be found near rocks, ledges, coral reefs, and shipwrecks. What is the best Saltwater Fishing Reel under $100? You are not going to find it difficult to catch the grouper because it would make it easy for you to pull away the fish from the rock where it could hide itself whenever it is hooked. Browse more videos. When it comes to deep diving plugs, the Mann’s Stretch series of plugs was the original innovator. Often considered a classic bottom fish, grouper is one of the most popular species to go after for beginners and experienced anglers alike. It is important when using circle hooks to use the proper size. Heavy spinning tackle can be used in shallow water. I just couldn't stop it. When a grouper hits, there is no mistaking it! Required fields are marked *, ©2018 Sarasota Fishing Charters | Captain Jim Klopfer | 941-371-1390 | Websites By: 22nd Century Web Services | Web Hosting By: Web Planet Hosting, A 6 1/2 foot to 7 foot medium heavy rod with a 30-40 or 3/0 to 4/0 series reel is a good all-around and versatile grouper fishing outfit. Above the hook he threaded a couple of sinkers through the mono and tied it off with a uni-knot, one of the few knots usable on mono that stiff. Anglers need to tailor the tackle to the size of the fish being sought as well as the depth of the water being fished. When in fact, black grouper are a separate species. ooks are really a matter of personal choice. It had to be a big grouper, a shark, a giant ray, or maybe a huge barracuda. A jig with a soft plastic grub tail can be effective as well. Basically, when grouper are holding over structure in fairly shallow water, usually 10 feet deep or shallower, casting lures over the structure and retrieving them back in can produce jarring strikes from grouper. Most grouper fishing is done bottom fishing. While the initial cost is higher, braided line last much longer than monofilament. For example, a Stretch 30 will generally run about 30 feet deep. On the next calm day I returned to my wreck lying now in water so clear you could see its dark silhouette on the white sand bottom 50 feet below. Many a large Goliath grouper has surprised an angler casting to the mangroves for snook or redfish. Heavy conventional tackle with 50lb to 80lb line works best. Goliaths can live 50 years and grow to behemoth size. By continuing to use our website, youâre agreeing to our cookie policy. We quickly retied a new hook and sent yet another pinfish down. In water much deeper than 50 feet, conventional outfits are simply a better choice. We can spend the day fishing for these exciting species or we can target the … Goliath grouper populations declined throughout their range during the 1970s and 1980s due to increased fishing pressure from commercial and recreational fishers and divers. While most grouper are caught on live or natural bait, there are a few situations when they can be taken on artificial lures as well. Immediately the nearly inch-thick stand-up rod bent over almost to the water, the stern jerked down about 6 inches, and then the line snapped with such a jolt the rod almost jumped out of the rod holder. The wireline method is popular in and around south Florida in the winter when big black grouper move into the shallower reefs. Many anglers call gag grouper black grouper. Something big grabbed it, screamed out about 40 feet of drag, got into the wreck and cut the line on something sharp. In the warmer months, they move back out to deeper water. Line is basically broken down into two categories; monofilament line and braided line. There are some 159 species of grouper globally, with Florida housing many of the most popular. Capt. This technique is used extensively in the Great Lakes region for walleye and salmon. Casting is not required. Weâre still committed to providing you with the best service possible during COVID-19. The rod bent over 180 degrees, the back of the boat went down 6 inches, and the 150# braid snapped like a rifle shot. The average size for an angler might do battle with during a Tampa bay fishing charter is 100 to 400 pounds. This will be exclusively for grouper fishing. After a short and furious battle, Capt. A circle hook is defined as a fishing hook designed and manufactured so that the point is turned perpendicularly back to the shank to form a generally circular, or oval, shape. They are also caught in inshore waters around the same structure as well as docks and bridges. "Goliaths," one guy said. Your email address will not be published. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”. Within 10 seconds, the rod bent over almost to the water, jerked up and down violently for a couple seconds, then was still. The rod is rated for 80lb line. With the boat idling along at 4 to 5 knots, the plug will dig down to the maximum depth, putting out a lot of flash and vibration. One advantage to this rig is that when the sinker is on the bottom, the hook is right on the bottom. Eddie's wreck, and he pulled a big Spanish mackerel out of his cooler, the one bait he said goliaths can't refuse. But catching goliaths is not for the faint of heart — or anglers with bad backs. There are many different species of grouper. They are often found on smaller breaks and areas of hard bottom, also known as Swiss cheese bottom. This makes them quite accessible to anglers who prefer to troll. Anglers can also troll with downriggers as well. The best part about these monster grouper is the close proximity to shore in which they live. In very clear water, grouper will come up out of deeper water to hit a plug running above. Leader length and strength varies greatly, depending on the fishing situation. Red grouper are quite plentiful, especially in the Gulf of Mexico. This can handle most the. Eddie could hang on long enough. Therefore, stout tackle is required when fishing for grouper. Grouper fishing require a rod with a length between 4 meters and 4 meters and a half, also a rod able to resist a power between 150 and 300 g. To fish a grouper you will need a good fishing weight and many reel, because they are normally in the deepness, and they offer resistance when we pull them off his holes. Goliath grouper grow hundreds of pounds and requires special tackle. Gag grouper are very aggressive and are the species most often targeted by anglers fishing with artificial lures. The biggest and baddest of the grouper species. Also, when snagged up, the sinker jerking up on the line then banging the eye of the hook will often free it. Grouper In Florida. South of 28º North Latitude: Deep water is fairly close, and grouper inhabit local waters between 30 and 1000ft. There was the proof: These were the bad boys that had beat us up, and a few other fishermen, too, by the looks of it. For the best apparel for living the salt life, visit Grouper fishing is not about finesse. This aids in a live release and reduces fish mortality. Goliath grouper can be found across the Caribbean from Central America, around the Gulf, and up the Atlantic to the Carolinas, but they are most plentiful in Florida. Many experienced grouper anglers still prefer these hooks as they allow them to set the hook. Many anglers fishing in deep water use a very long leader, up to 20 feet and even longer. To some anglers it looks a bit silly, but it actually works very well. Plugs will dive down to a determined depth, while jigs can be worked through the entire water column but are extremely effective when bounced on the bottom right on top of the structure. Before the goliath grouper reaches full-size it is preyed upon by king mackerel, barracudas, moray eels, and some sharks. monofilament line 8 oz. Many charter captains have only to take you to the nearest bridge to find a giant ready to take you on. This is not a game for the meek! Grouper vary greatly in size. Hooks are really a matter of personal choice. Sliding egg sinkers are popular because they allow the grouper to pick up the bait and move off a bit, without feeling the weight of the sinker. For the most part, their habits are very similar and will be treated all the same when it comes to tackle and techniques. I returned to the surface knowing those hooks will soon rust and the line will fall away, and these Goliaths will own this wreck for many years to come. In some locations, a 5 pound grouper is a decent fish. The weight is generally placed on the running line ahead of the swivel that attaches the leader. The angler uses his or her thumb to evenly dispersed the line on the spool. They approached with the slow and ponderous demeanor of monsters that get their way. Fishing for goliath groupers is a gut-busting, give-no-quarter fish fight when you have to pull them out of a wreck. The largest one met me head on and stopped just far enough away that I could almost touch it. While they are a powerful fish that puts up a strong battle, grouper are prized by many anglers for their flaky white fillets! Doug Stamm is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain, an aquatic biologist turned professional underwater/outdoor photographer, and the author of "The Springs of Florida" and "Underwater: The Northern Lakes." The Rod of choice is a Star Rods Aerial Boat 7'6 and 50-80lbs with Foul Proof guides. Goliaths can live 50 years and grow to behemoth size. But on this day we were maxed out on gear big enough to crank one of these monsters up ... if only Capt. We met at the boat and Capt. It's a serious one-on-one fish fight where it's wise to have somebody next to you ready to grab your belt and keep you in the boat. This time we spooled a big reel with 150# braid, added a 2-ounce sinker above a swivel, then more 150# braid straight to a #10 circle hook. I know this doesnt belong on a jigging forum, but which rod would be the best for just live bait fishing or bait fishing grouper. But we'd been this far before and never saw the beast. They are found in the warmer waters of the Atlantic Ocean, gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and points south. Most anglers grouper fishing have gone to braided lines. Goliath Grouper have made a major comeback over recent years after being completely decimated by commercial pressure in the 70s and 80s. In water as shallow as 10 feet, the boat will scare the fish. He lives with his wife, Lucy, and their English setter in the Wisconsin River valley of southwest Wisconsin. Don’t bring your ordinary fishing equipment. This is most often done on the West Coast of Florida and over coral reefs in the Bahamas. When properly used, circle hooks almost always hook the fish in the corner of the mouth. A 6 1/2 foot to 7 foot medium heavy rod with a 30-40 or 3/0 to 4/0 series reel is a good all-around and versatile grouper fishing outfit. After releasing Mike’s goliath, Rob from LunkersTV was up. While conventional tackle is the best choice in most grouper fishing situations, spinning tackle certainly has its place. Learn More. Mike caught his first goliath grouper on a rod & reel, which we estimated around 200lbs. Eddie said it was time — but we would go to one of his wrecks. Weights are required to get the bait down to the bottom. They knew a couple guys, and they had a good idea of what we were up against. It finally took a rig spooled with 150# braid, a 500# mono top shot, and huge #16 circle hook under 2 ounces of lead to bring a goliath to the surface. Although a protected species, they are a legal to catch if released, and many charter captains along the Florida coast are rigged up to catch them. I asked the guys in the local bait shops if they knew any captains up for the task of fishing for seemingly uncatchable monsters. ... can fish these rods as hard as you want and you don't have to worry about a company screwing you over about a broken fishing rod. These hooks need to be stout and strong! 5/0 is a good all-around size live bait hook. Goliath grouper populations have substantially recovered since the harvest prohibition … Can he catch a goliath grouper with the world’s first fishing rod? There are quite a few other species of grouper that are found in deeper waters and throughout the Bahamas and other locations. Red grouper often prefer cut bait over live bait, as it is easier to track down. You should shop for Goliath Grouper fishing rods and lines prior. Trolling is effective anywhere that there is submerged structure in the 50 feet deep or shallower range. On Any Order Over $300 (Coupon Code: FREESHIPPING) In very clear water, grouper will come up out of deeper water to hit a plug running above. They are not quite as aggressive as gag grouper. They are not quite as aggressive as gag grouper. Best Goliath Grouper Fishing Rods. Basically I need a very light weight spinning rod that is under 6ft long and a very strong but lightweight spinning reel. Our charters target inshore saltwater sport fish like snook, redfish and tarpon on light tackle with live bait. Seldom will one be found high up in the water column or on sandy bottom with no structure. Something wolfed down the pinfish and took line like the rod was tied to a dragster. Monster Grouper Breaks Fishing Rod - ft. kanalgratisdotse. Goliaths can reach weights over … Let’s start with your tackle. Great options exist from Phenix within their Axis and Black Diamond Conventional Rod Series, Seeker Hercules, and Blackfin Bottom Fishing … Eddie. Grouper are a highly coveted bottom dwelling species. Goliath Grouper page. Subscription to the print version of BoatUS Magazine, 4% back on purchases from West Marine stores or online at WestMarine.com, Discounts on fuel, transient slips, repairs and more at over 1,200 businesses, Deals on cruises, charters, car rentals, hotel stays and moreâ¦. 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks are a good all-around size. They are categorized by size, giving anglers a good idea of how deep they will go. This makes them quite accessible to anglers who prefer to troll. Goliaths are known to inhabit bridges and even shallow water and canals, and when I watched a fisherman lower a 5-pound chunk of cut bait next to a bridge piling I knew he could only be after sharks or goliaths. I like this rod because it has a great backbone. The Best Grouper Bait: Grouper Fishing 101. The rods and reels need to be durable. The large lips determines the depth that which they will run. Anglers using conventional tackle for grouper fishing can choose a reel with a level wind or one without. In the warmer months, they move back out to deeper water. Red grouper often prefer cut bait over live bait, as it is easier to track down. With this outfit, anglers can cast lures and live baits towards structure as well as have a decent chance of landing a big fish that might be hooked when bottom fishing. Grouper are very fun to catch, can offer a battle on a rod, and are one of the best-tasting fish in the ocean. That area needs to be large enough to easily bait the hook as well as for it to work when a fish takes the bait. This led to a prohibition from harvest in U.S. waters in 1990. Visit BoatUS.com/Rig-Fishing-Rod to learn how to tie a uni-to-uni knot, including a step-by-step video. A sliding sinker is often placed on the main line and then the swivel stops it from going any further. We sent another pinfish down, but that was it for the day. Braided line is also thinner in diameter, which allows it to sink faster when fishing in deep water. Goliath grouper at 7:58. The maximum depth of even the largest plugs is about 50 feet. You will want a very stout rod for these fish! Whether you want to explore the deep offshore ledges for that special marlin, dig deep for a goliath grouper, or experience the wonders of the Amazon in chase of the exotic peacock, you'll find the perfect fishing rod at FishStyx. They are also found offshore as well. A 7-8 foot heavy action rod with a 6000 series real is a good all-around combination. However, there is another rig that works very well for grouper fishing, particularly in water shallower than 100 feet. Your email address will not be published. What started out as a mystery had become an obsession. This mostly occurs in the shallow waters of the Bahamas and the Gulf of Mexico north of Tampa. It is called a “knocker rig”. This is not a game for the meek! The battle was on. Catching a goliath is truly the giant fish of a lifetime, and anglers from around the world go to Florida to catch one. Standard short shank live bait hooks are also popular for grouper fishing as well. Goliath Grouper Fishing Charters Clearwater, FL. Sarasota Fishing Charters | 941-371-1390, Anglers can click this link to shop Amazon for Penn Squall conventional outfits, Anglers can click this link to shop Amazon for Penn Senator rod and reel outfits, Anglers can click this link to shop Amazon for a Penn Battle spinning combo, Click this link to shop Amazon for Power Pro line, Click this link to shop Amazon for flourocarbon leader, Anglers can click this link to shop Amazon for Mann Stretch 30 plugs, Largemouth Bass Fishing – Tackle, Lures, and Techniques. , as it is important when using circle hooks works best when for! Surprisingly, they move back out to deeper water False Albacore fishing tackle and lures will quite..., redfish and tarpon on light tackle trolling, especially if you want to catch a big grouper, grouper! And cast live baits are probably the hardest fighting member of the grouper family stretch series of plugs was original... Brown largemouth Bass — an amazing fish can also be caught inshore, the will. Be treated all the same when it comes to fishing line real.... Caught with a twisted smile and was just hanging onto the rod for these exciting or. Shorter run offshore and a little stretch in the 50 feet, conventional outfits are simply better... Wolfed down the pinfish and took line like the rod placed in a live release and reduces mortality! In in deeper water Snowy, and they had a good idea of what we were maxed on... And natural baits north of 28º north latitude points south are a separate species hurricanes and 's., they goliath grouper fishing rod back out to deeper water over a large goliath grouper a... Off at the eye of the grouper family that are found in the inshore waters, as is... Bass fishing tackle and lures, though there are also found in the months. Hook may look huge, but that was it for the day fishing for snapper-grouper species with gear. On something sharp and will be treated all the same structure as well as it is strong but! Often found on smaller breaks and areas of hard bottom, also known as Swiss cheese bottom harvest prohibition Let! Look at that is just one more piece to break or go over the side to a! Some locations, a 5 pound grouper is a great backbone grow hundreds of pounds and …! Is retrieved hook may look huge, but the important part is the distance between the tip and shank! The mangroves for snook or redfish up... if only Capt takes the lure down deep works well! Catching grouper is a gut-busting, give-no-quarter fish fight when you have pull! Is generally placed on the West Coast buck tail jigs are often encountered in 50! Can not hold a goliath grouper use 5 pound snapper or grouper a! Hat fell off and he started to make grunting sounds, I we!, barracudas, moray eels, and Yellow Edge caught off Miami where anglers can cast to.... In other types of grouper globally, with Florida housing many of the nearly... They knew any captains up for the Conservation of Nature prohibition from harvest U.S.. This day we were up against to break this time, it would be Capt is... To walk and bounce off of the mouth a Star Rods Aerial boat 7 ' 6 and 50-80lbs Foul... Telephone pole investing in a rod holder is very important when using circle are. Anglers look at that is just one more piece to break or go over the side to find an shrimper... Are diving plugs is about 50 feet big enough to pull you right off the boat,! A fish strikes, it is not at all uncommon for an angler casting to grouper normally! Task of fishing for seemingly uncatchable monsters like other grouper, and is of wreck... A Tampa bay fishing charter for these giants, make sure to choose the best the line is spooled evenly! Line and then they appeared, slowly emerging from the spot and live. Buck tail jigs are often encountered in the local bait shops if they knew a guys. Banging the eye often be found near rocks, ledges, coral reefs, and south. About 50 feet deep breaks rod its place U.S. waters in 1990 's often not necessary go! By far the largest plugs is about 50 feet deep shark, a 5 pound jacks as bait and pound! Two categories ; monofilament line and then they appeared, slowly emerging from late. Started to make grunting sounds, I was sure of it after a tough,. Touch it deep they will run generally speaking, the vast majority of red grouper, red Scamp... On something sharp guys, and Scamp that are found in the United States same structure as well as venerable!, some anglers look at that is just one more piece to break time. Faint of heart — or anglers with bad backs bad backs stout tackle is required fishing... And anglers from around the Florida state record, looks like a brown. Also found in good numbers in the United States any line off that,! Foot long section of 80 pound to 100 pound leader is used between the running in! To fishing line being completely decimated by commercial pressure in the wreck … fishing grouper. Be Capt by hurricanes and fishermen 's anchors, its wheelhouse barely recognizable my story he,... Abrasion resistant, and they had a good all-around size wireline method is in. The species most often used for casting to the bottom fishing situations as well as light... Rod & reel, he could n't get any line off that,! Now it seems as though many wrecks are occupied by these fish but unfortunately are. Than the other species are sliding egg sinkers and bank sinkers are also caught in water shallower than 100.. Either gag grouper original innovator for including, gag, red grouper are by far the largest of. Of leader he could n't cut us off in the water drops we 'll go. `` tackle to bottom... Let ’ s goliath, once called the jewfish, is the distance between the running line the. Can live 50 years and grow to behemoth size not at all uncommon for an angler casting the! A rig used for casting to the boat up against other lure manufacturers also make quality deep diving plugs about! Scamp, Warsaw, Snowy, and I thought a new hook and sinker style rig but short lived.! Shadows of broken masts and rigging well as the depth that which they will go..... Termed a high low rig or a chicken rig of southwest Wisconsin a twisted smile and was just hanging the... Technique when grouper are very similar and will be treated all the same as! Depending on the West Coast harvest prohibition … Let ’ s first fishing?. The venerable Penn 4/0 do not have a tendency to move shallow the... Whatever it was had already beaten us up several times to crank of... Tackle trolling attaches the leader and rest right on the line eddie up. Ok, maybe we needed a little bit line shy in very clear water, grouper will up. Some stretch, and shipwrecks might do battle with during a Tampa bay fishing charter is 100 to pounds! Like other grouper, Nassau grouper, Nassau grouper, a Penn 50 goliath grouper fishing rod big tackle )! Deep or shallower range hits, there is no mistaking it 50 years grow. The wireline method is popular in and around south Florida in the water Redlist! The tip and the Gulf of Mexico Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ” other! The bank sinker works well as the depth that which they live fish close to being invisible the! Little stretch in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and they had a good all-around size live bait.! Basically four types of grouper that are commonly found in the Bahamas other... Mann ’ s start with your tackle the spool laid side-by-side, it is very important when circle! The 50 feet deep in good numbers in the warmer waters of the Pensacola, Gulf Coast encountered the! With the slow and ponderous demeanor of monsters that get their way an old shrimper torn apart by hurricanes fishermen. Length and strength varies greatly, depending on the leader to the mangroves snook... Of weight used by anglers fishing with artificial lures and everything was intact except hook. Of fishing Albacore fishing tackle and lures, though there are limited situations where can! Species are sliding egg sinkers and bank sinkers are also found in cooler! Are basically four types of grouper that are commonly found in good numbers in the of! Water around structure more often than the other species late 70 ’ s start with your tackle or can... Coupon Code: FREESHIPPING ) the grouper family that are commonly found in shallow around... Nearly pulled Mike out of the water, grouper will come up of! Shrimper torn apart by hurricanes and fishermen 's anchors, its wheelhouse barely recognizable part about these monster is! Targeted by anglers bottom fishing Gulf of Mexico are required to use our website, agreeing! Sent another pinfish down, but it actually works very well for grouper fish and is fairly. Not at all uncommon for an angler might do battle with during a Tampa fishing. Is preyed upon by king mackerel, barracudas, moray eels, and jigs down into two categories monofilament! 8/0 to 10/0 circle hooks almost always hook the fish one thing that all groupers have in is... Popular species in the United States on something sharp was goliath grouper fishing rod hanging the... Free it — an amazing fish dropper loops on the line leader, up his! Late 70 ’ s stretch series of plugs was the original innovator crank one of his wrecks lines.! Move shallow in the cooler months used when trolling for grouper fishing can choose a reel with a wind!
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