Fishing Grouper Fishing On Key West Fishing Charters To The Reefs And Artificial Structures
Grouper only strike in deep water. The rig you use for grouper fishing really should be rather heavy. You would like a fantastic robust rod using a reel which will take a fantastic challenging drag and 60 to 80 lb. test line. You would like a large hook, 5/0 to 10/0. You will need to put a 6 to 8 ounce egg weight on the bottom with about 2′ to 3′ of robust steel leader 50 to 100 lb. test. For bait a fantastic sized pinfish or even a grunt need to do fine. Remember, larger bait & deeper water for larger fish, smaller bait and shallow water for smaller fish. Of course the smaller fish are easier to catch. If you’re on one of the Key West fishing charters just tell them you’re after grouper and they’ll set you up with the right tackle for the job.
You would like to find out which way the tide or current is running. You would like to find a place where it’s running toward the structure. If you may find a smaller rock pile away from a larger structure that’s preferable, so the grouper can’t run for the larger structure. Drop your line in and let it drift up real close towards the structure, right in front of the fish.
When a grouper hits the bait he’ll typically hit it fairly challenging and fast. He’ll try to swallow the bait almost instantly which works in your favor. Immediately after he hits the bait he’ll duck under a rock or some structure like part of a sunken ship if he can. You really should be positioned so that you may immediately pull him away from his refuge. Once you’ve got him out in the open you really should be able to get him into the boat. This is not a case where you need to let him run if you may help it. He’ll run right into the rocks and chances are, you will never get him out.
If you’ve never been grouper fishing then do yourself a favor. Get yourself onto one of the Key West fishing charters that go out grouper fishing every day. They are able to help you set up your rig and catch that large grouper. They’ll even take care of your fishing license and make sure you’re legal limits are OK for you.