When to Catch Grouper

Where to Catch Grouper

Weather, season, water temps and the type of grouper can all effect where they are available. Snowy's, for example, are deep water species found on the bottom 300' to 800' deep. When the shallow waters are warmed by the summer sun, groupers in shallow waters move to deeper waters. So in the summer you will find more on deeper reefs and holes. During the spawning seasons (different species have different spawning seasons and these are even different in the Gulf than Florida Bay and the Atlantic. Some studies suggest several species spawn throughout the year in the warm waters of the Florida Keys) most move to deeper reefs. Your best bet is to visit your local Bait & Tackle shop and check out where they are being currently caught.

How to Catch Grouper

Standard Grouper Fishing Equipment

Reels: Level wind reels with 30 to 80 # test line. Heavy duty spinning reels with 30 to 50 # test line. If your are "going deep" greater than 300', you might consider electric reels to save your arm muscles.

Depth Recorder/Fish Finder: Color shows the type of bottom better.

Weight: If you are bottom fishing you will need heavy weights from 4 oz to 1 lb depending on the current. Down riggers can help.

Leaders: Depending on the type of cover available to the groupers. a minimum of 6' of 80 # Flourocarbon is recommended.

Braided Line: "Braided line has a small diameter that lets it cut through the water," explained Capt. Ralph Delph of Key West. "You need very little weight to reach the bottom with braid, and you have no big bow in your line like conventional monofilament lines have. You might have to use a pound or more of weight to get a mono line to bottom. Six-pound test braid will go to the bottom with 4 ounces of weight."

Hooks: Sturdy hooks in the 5/0 to 8/0 range are a must. You will often need to apply a lot of pressure to keep the fish from retreating to cover or remove them from the same.

Down Riggers: Or planers if you are trolling, are required if you are to get your baits down to the fish.

Baits: Live baits (mullet, pinfish, grunts, bluerunner, ballyhoo). Dead baits (same as above as well as squid and various chunk fish). Artificials from large spoons and hard bodied lures to large jigs all work. As normal be prepared with several types of baits to deal with the finicky feeders.