Groupers are one of many prized fish that we can catch along all coasts of Florida and the Bahamas. Hard fighting and good eating bottom fish, The Southeastern US particularly Florida Keys groupers provide the best grouper fishing in the world. Groupers are a firm, white meat fish that makes a spectacular onion-garlic sauté for your dinner table. Enough recipe chats!! Let's catch fish.

Classic method of grouper fishing entails bottom fishing with heavy tackle. Grouper are aggressive strikers, so right when they inhale the bait, they will normally go right into the rocks or structure that is surrounding them.

Another favorite method for grouper fishing is trolling. This method works in water from 15 to 25 feet in depth and works wherever grouper are found.

If you are fishing in shallow water 4 to 12 feet, another popular way to Grouper fish is called flat lining. Most of the time if there are grouper on the structure where you are, you will have a hook up fairly quickly.

NOTE: Goliath Grouper, formerly known as Jewfish, are totally protected from harvest in Florida waters. Also, Red Grouper, gag grouper, and Nassau grouper (spawn in April and May) prefer water temperatures between 66 and 77 degrees F.

I. Bait for Grouper

Just remember, big bait, big fish, small bait, small fish. From gag grouper in at little as ten to twelve feet of water to the mighty Warsaw grouper in several hundred feet of water, all grouper tend to like the same types of baits and presentations whether they are on the bottom or by trolling.

II. Bottom fishing with live baits

The bottom structure that you're near tends to pull them in closer, housing a variety of species of fish, including tons of bait. Pinfish and large grunts would be your best bait. What you want to do is see which way the tide is moving and go to the side where your bait will go away from the pier, find a good rock pile and just keep letting line out until you know your bait is right in front of your grouper.

You will find that most baits that live primarily on the bottom will not be suitable for trolling, but will be good for bottom fishing or even mid-water fishing if the boat is at anchor or drifting slowly. The best bait for these fish is cut squid which is provided onboard. Sand perch are also good bait when filleted or steaked and used as chunks. Sardines and live pinfish are good grouper bait and can be purchased on the dock before sailing each morning.

Keep an eye out for birds sitting in the water because they're on top of the bait, and all you have to do is wait a few minutes for Mr. Grouper.

III. Fishing Tackle

- A rod with a lot of backbone, a reel with the ability to crank down an extra hard drag, and 60 to 80 pound test line are the usual equipment on a bottom fishing trip for grouper. One of the most common rigs for grouper fishing is called the sliding or egg sinker (aka knocker) rig. If you're bottom fishing with live baits such as pin fish and large grunts, use a 3 to 8 ounce egg sinker, 2 to 3 foot of 50 to 100 pound leader and a 5 to 10/0 hook, depending on the size of bait.

IV. Trolling, Bottom fishing- Flat lining for groupers

Bottom fishing

- Classic grouper fishing involves bottom fishing with relatively heavy tackle. Grouper are aggressive strikers, so right when they inhale the bait, they will normally go right into the rocks or structure that is surrounding them. Trolling

- Another favorite method for grouper fishing is trolling. This method works in water from 15 to 25 feet in depth and works wherever grouper are found. In the winter and early spring, black grouper and red grouper make their way up from deeper water to the relative shallows of near shore patch reefs to spawn. Some patches climb almost vertically, and all have holes and caves serving as home to a variety of fish, including our groupers. The feather lures or lures with a ballyhoo combo & running about 12 to 15 feet deep attract the groupers to run out of their holes as the bait goes by.

Slow Trolling

- The method we use during this time is to slow troll feathers with strip bait, such as mullet on deep troll downriggers, between, next to, and sometimes over the patch reefs. The wire line is necessary to (1) get the bait deep enough, and (2) provide a no stretch line to insure the fish is moved away from the reef. The feather will run about 12 to 15 feet deep and the grouper will run out of his hole as the bait goes by.

V. Flat Lining

If you are fishing in shallow water 4 to 12 feet, another popular way to Grouper fish is called flat lining. What you want to do is see which way the tide is moving and go to the side where your bait will go away from the pier or boat, find a good rock pile, and just keep letting line out until you know your bait is right in front of our groupers' dinner table.

The majority of the time if there are grouper on the structure where you are, you will have a hook up fairly quickly. This is why heavy leader is required. You can bet on one thing; if you want to catch a few grouper, you are going to go through some tackle.

Watch the water for fish next time you head out; be aware of what is going on in the water. Bait fish attract predator fish, and there is no reason for not fishing the area around a big baitfish school.

So trolling their dinner behind the boat will be our way of catching & hooking up these fish. If the fish don't strike your bait while you're trolling fast, slow down, and let the bait sink a little.

When a fish hits, Let go of the line, count to five, snap the bail closed, and start cranking.

When you've hooked your fish, work on him so he gets tired. You don't want to get a 40 lb fish back to the boat until he's quieted down a bit.

Tight Lines & enjoy your fishing,

Marilyn Davis

By: Marilyn Davis
Thank you for choosing our Grouper Fishing article!
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A great place to go after sailfish is not too hard if you pay attention to many of the great anglers. Of course, finding them for yourself requires a keen eye for the habitat in which the sailfish strive. One such place is located of the Florida coastline near Fort Pierce, where in 65 feet of water, you can find the breeding grounds for a great number of predators as well as bait fish along the series of reefs.

By November however, the waters become too chilly for the sailfish since the temp can drop below 70 degrees with ease. But do not fear; just go out a little further to where the water get between 150 and 120 feet deep and there is another great set of reefs which is known to have one of the largest concentrations of sailfish in the area.

It is in this area, which is located roughly 8 miles off from Fort Pierce in which you will find the locale that is known as the 8 mile. Here, the warm Gulf Streams push a great number of not only sails and other predators, but bait fish as well right up into the reefline. Since the sailfish is more of a pack hunter, looking for the bait balls along this reefline, will put you in perfect location to catch yourself some sailfish.

From that point, you will need a trained eye to catch the surface activity of the sailfish tailing the swells just on the shore-side of the Gulf Stream. If you can find these tailers, you are in a good position to hook yourself a sailfish. Now there are two major, as well as proven methods to catching these sailfish. The first method is by tossing some pitch bait in front of the fish, while the second is to use a drag bait situated in front of the sailfish's bill.

Many local family fishermen use a ballyhoo rigging in order to catch the sailfish, but with a little time and practice you can pick up on the local techniques. The whole goal of course is to make your own artificial bait pod to attract the sailfish right to your rigging.

By: John Old
John Old Webmaster of: Best Fishing Club Writer of: Sailfish Fishing
Visit us at www.bestfishingclub.net

My most favorite fishing charter is, light tackle fishing for mangrove snapper especially at night. In Naples Florida, where I operate, our primary snapper is mangrove but we also catch yellowtail, mutton and red snapper.

To catch snapper consistently at night requires knowledge of and adherence to basic fundamentals. If the guidelines listed below are followed you will be successful and find the same enjoyment that hundreds of my customers have had over the years.

The first order of business is to locate a spot where snapper hangout in good numbers. Most often this will be a ledge, submerged shipwreck, underwater spring or even an area where barrel sponges are closely grouped.

Once you have determined where you are going to fish it is critical to anchor the boat in the proper location. To make certain the boat is properly located I drop a marker buoy near where I want my boat to end up, after we have dropped the anchor. A cyalume stick or small light attached to the buoy makes it much easier to properly position the boat.

To get your boat properly situated, drop your anchor in such manner as to allow the boat to drift back towards the structure but not over or beyond it. Ideally you would be a few feet above tide from the spot with the ocean current moving from your stern directly toward the spot. This is extremely important.

After positioning your boat, you should illuminate the water off the stern with deck lights or other auxiliary lighting. After getting the area lit you should begin chumming, either by cutting up handfuls of bait and tossing them into the water or placing ground up fish in a chum bag hung from the stern. Your chum line should travel in the current over your submerged structure.

Now that all the work is done the fun begins. I like to take a 7-foot casting rod, Newell 2/0 revolving spool reel with 20-pound line with little or no weight and a 3/0 long shank hook. Disengage the reel and strip the line out and let it flow out behind the boat. Keep stripping the line out until you the bait is about 150 feet behind the boat and at that time, if you have not gotten a bite retrieve your it and start again. I suggest you vary the weight from nothing and go up so that the bait sinks to where the fish are hanging. Most often they will eventually come up to the surface but adding weight gets the bait closer to the fish when you first start. Experiment with weights and depths until you locate the school of fish.

If you follow these techniques and go to a spot that holds fish I guarantee you will have success more times than not. Be patient but determined and you will be rewarded.

By: Allen Walburn
Allen Walburn has been a U.S. Coast Guard licensed master of power vessels up to 100 tons for 30 years. He has operated A&B Charters http://www.aandbcharters.com from the Naples City Dock since 1977. Recently he has become managing partner for Alaska's Kodiak Island Resort. kodiakresort.com.

Submitted by:
George Snedrow
Free Reverse Directory

Can you conquer the bones? Sure, the Bahamas can offer sunshine, seclusion, solace, and a sexy tan, but did you know it can also offer the chance to engage in some of the best fishing in the world? Exuma bonefishing is truly a challenging and gripping sport and the regional coastlines are particularly exceptional for this spirited pastime. Bonefish are some of the most elusive fish in the sea and can be a slippery prey to hook; however with a knowledgeable guide and a few tricks and know-how, hooking yourself a "bone" can be a truly satisfying and pleasurable experience.

The Bonefish
Bonefish are native to the Caribbean, but are particularly plentiful just off the coast of the Exuma Islands. The immaculate sandy flats of the Exumas provide the ideal location for this sport, as bonefish keep to shallow muddy and sandy flats when digging for food. Parts of the south-east side of the island are known to have some particularly good spots. Bonefish are usually caught for the sport and spirit of the chase; they are not particularly known to be so great-tasting. In fact, bonefish are said to have the most fight per pound of any other fish!

Fly fishers flock to the islands of the Bahamas every year to experience the challenge and adventure of Exuma bonefishing. Bonefish are silvery in color and are very fast-moving; it is not uncommon to see three or four enthusiastic fishermen splashing merrily through the shallow waters, rods in hand, to chase down a school, which can reach up to approximately 300 fish. A bonefish can streak up to 25 miles per hour in order to evade sharks, barracudas, and of course, energetic fishermen! An average bonefish weighs between 4 and 6 pounds, but can reach up to a whopping 19 pounds. Although bonefishing is popular in any season, the months of May to July are said to be particularly exceptional for this spirited sport.

Exuma bonefishing
Bonefishing is not your typical fishing expedition by any means. Exuma has many resources and facilities where visitors, whether amateur or pro, can visit to learn the techniques of bonefishing and seek aid from experienced and enthusiastic guides. Most guides on the island have grown up in the area and are well-versed in the movements of this slippery, silvery fish. It is important to rig up your rod straight away while your guide prepares the boat; you definitely do not want to be caught unprepared as a school of bonefish swiftly heads your way. If the tides are high, you can expect to be fishing in creeks and mangrove shorelines, as Exuma bonefishing is tide-dependent. Depending on the weather and seasonal changes, the average number of bonefish schools sighted per day in Exuma is 40 to 400, while the average number of fish caught per day is between 3 and 45.

Essentials for Eager Bonefishers


Fly rods
Reels with plenty of backing (150-200 yards)
Spare flylines
Leader material/tippets
Flies (Gotchas, Christmas Island Specials, Charlies)
Pliers/clippers/hook sharpener
Wading shoes
Wading pack
Fly tying kit
Sunglasses, hat & sunscreen
Water bottle
Light rain gear

Whether you have the craving for an exhilarating fishing experience or just want to try something new and different, Exuma bonefishing is the ideal choice. It is definitely not a passive activity and can be enjoyable for the whole family. Hooking your first bonefish is a unique and fulfilling experience that may have you adopting the sport full-time. As any local bonefisherman will tell you, there is nothing as exciting as casting your line out into that azure sea and waiting in anticipation for that impending thrill of the chase. The avid bonefisher is always scanning, anticipating, and moving in order to hook their next big one.

By: Amanda Smith-Barrett
Amanda Smith-Barrett is the author of numerous articles for oceaniaproperties.com concerning the Bahamas and has her finger on the pulse of new and exciting opportunities that arise in the area. By exploring current trends, traditions, and the Bahamian lifestyle, she was uncovered several fresh, exhilarating activities and events native to the region. See Oceania Properties Bahamas Real Estate for more information.

If you a fishing enthusiasts but have never experienced the thrill of big game fishing, then fishing for bluefin tuna should be your entree into this exciting sport. Bluefin tuna is a delicacy and highly prized by sushi connoisseurs and should be on the list of “must catch” for every big-game angler.

The bluefin is one of the swiftest and most elusive fish you’ll every attempt to catch. Their speed and size is what make the bluefin popular among experienced anglers. Bluefin tuna weighing almost 1000 pounds have been caught in Ireland. Smaller size bluefin tuna are also commonly captured.

Hunting a bluefin tuna requires patience, careful planning and a little research. The Northeast coast of the United States and the Western coast of Ireland are two popular areas where bluefin tuna have been frequently captured. On the Northeast U.S. coast, June through November is the peak seasons for bluefin. On the Irish coast, August through November is the best time for bluefin tuna angling. Depending on your budget and travel preferences, either location is an excellent choice for capturing a trophy bluefin tuna.

Bluefin tuna can only be caught in the deep waters – they never approach shallow coastal shores. The bluefin’s specific habitat has resulted in enterprising anglers to establish themselves as knowledgeable experts in locating and capturing bluefin tuna. Your best chance to catch a bluefin is to charter a private boat with a reputable skipper who uses well maintained equipment. The skippers should have a verifiable reputation for catching bluefin tuna or other big-game fish. You should avoid charters who claim they know where to find these sea giants but can’t document or prove their claim.

Scheduling a date and an experienced crew is not the only things you need to worry about. You should also use professional-grade equipment (rod, reel, etc) that is designed for big game angling. If you are an occasional big-fish angler, investing in this type of equipment might not be cost effective. That’s why the boat you choose to hire should provide all the necessary equipment you’ll need to catch a bluefin tuna. Most skippers include the rental of this equipment with the price of the charter. Other skippers will charge an extra nominal charge. Before finalizing your charter boat reservation, make sure what equipment is included so that you won’t incur any unexpected expenses. You should also be aware that that you might also be responsible for equipment that is damaged or loss. Verify your reservations “terms and conditions” before confirming your charter.

Most boats come equipped with a “fighting chair”. This is a chair that is anchored to the boat’s deck from where you can easily “fight” the pull from a big-game fish. The chair is designed to anchor your fishing rod such that it makes it easier for you to reel in large powerful fish. Although this specialized equipment is not required, having a fighting chair makes reeling in your giant bluefin tuna a more memorable experience.

By: Conrad Evans
Conrad is an avid angler, has experienced big-game fishing all over the world and urges you to choose wisely before committing to hire a fishing charter. The last time he went bluefin tuna fishing was in Northwesten Ireland and he selected an experienced crew at Broadhaven Charters.

If you are interested in the finest Marlin fishing year round; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is the place to go. With an abundance of Marlin populations, Cabo San Lucas is known as the “Marlin capital of the world”. The beautiful blue waters of the Baja Peninsula bubble with bountiful Striped, Black, and Blue Marlin.

An abundance of fish:
Los Cabos is not only home to Marlin; a copious of other fish inhabit the surrounding waters. If looking for that prize winning catch of Mahi Mahi, Tuna, or Snapper; you are in the right place. However, the abundance of a particular species of fish depends on the season. Although Marlin can be caught year round, the best time to fish for Striped Marlin is in the winter, Blue and Black is in the summer and fall. In the summer you are more likely to find Tuna, Sailfish, Dorado, and Wahoo. Striped Marlin and yellowtail are most plentiful in the winter and spring.

Best fishing areas:
There are many places around the coast of Cabo San Lucas that are ideal for fishing. Most of the best fishing areas are located within 40 miles of the port. There is also a spot that is two miles from the old lighthouse near a 600 ft ledge. The Tinaje Trough is a deep underwater canyon on the Pacific side of the cape, where you can find many different species of fish. Located between the San Jaime Bank (the deepest point of the Tinaje Trough), and the Golden Gate Bank (12 miles to the north) is the pathway of underwater currents. This is the best place to fish in Cabo. These warm currents carry enormous amounts of Skipjack Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and Blue Marlin.

Plan your charter ahead of time:
Charter boats provide an excellent way to tackle the true Los Cabos fishing experience. There are over 350 charters that operate out of the marina. There are many types of charters offered; you can find anything from 21 ft center consoles to 100+ ft luxury yachts. Some of these charters offer all inclusive packages. Whether you are an expert who knows all there is to know about fishing, or a novice casting a line for the first time; there is something to suit everyone’s fishing needs. Depending on how much money you want to spend, how many people will be traveling with you, and how long you want to go for; there are many options to accommodate your needs. To insure availability of your charter boat; be sure to make reservations as far in advance as possible.

There are a couple of things to take care of when setting off on a fabulous fishing excursion in Cabo San Lucas. You will need to purchase a fishing license in order to fish. These can be purchased the day of your fishing trip at the marina for $12/day or $25/week.

Sign up for fishing tournaments:
Cabo San Lucas holds some of the most well-known fishing tournaments in the world. Most of the tournaments take place in October. These include; the Annual Los Cabo Billfish Tournament, the Pete Lopiccola Charity Tournament for cancer research, and the Bisbee Offshore Challenge. The largest tournament that takes place in Cabo is the Bisbee Black and Blue Marlin Tournament. The Western Outdoor News’ Mercury Tuna Jackpot Tournament is scheduled early in November. The summer months bring the Rolex/IGFA offshore Championship in May, the Lucas Billfish Challenge in June, and the Mercury Light Line Fly Fishing World Championships in July.

If catching plentiful amounts of world-class Marlin in a tropical paradise sounds like something you would like to do; take a trip down to southern tip of the Baja Peninsula to fish the warm waters of Cabo San Lucas.

By: Kristy Bateman
Kristy Bateman is the writer for Earl's Blog on SellUrBoat.com. These articles are unique and helpful to anyone interested in learning about boating and or fishing. Please visit SellUrBoat.com to view a variety of unique articles from Kristy. SellUrBoat.com is The Simplest Solution to Buying and Selling 'Ur' Boat.

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