The west-central Florida region has grouper season all year. You will reel in these giants every day with the right Captain at your helm. However, it is important to pay close attention to the size limit as well as which subspecies are available for harvest.
This article contains tips from a Florida charter captain to help you improve your grouper fishing skills in Florida.
What is a GROUPER FISH?
The common Florida fish species Grouper can be found all along the Atlantic coast. Florida groupers are large bottom fish, which live on caves, cracks, and reef ledges, are structured-oriented fish.
There are several grouper species that can be found in Florida’s west-central region. These include the red grouper and gag grouper. Red and gag groupers are the most common grouper in central Florida.
Crabs, squid and octopus are the main food sources for groupers. There is also baitfish like threadfins and pinfish. These can all be used to catch Florida grouper.
The Goliath Grouper is a new grouper that you may have heard about. Goliath grouper, one of the grouper species, can weigh up to 360kg and is mainly found in the Atlantic Ocean.
FLORIDA GROUPER FISHING: HOW DO GROUPERS CATCH PREY
Groupers can be found in both inshore and reef fish species. They will lie down and wait for food. Then they will ambush their prey by opening its mouth, sucking it in.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR GROUPER FISHING IN FLORIDA
Before you go fishing, research the area and ensure it is legal for grouper harvesting.
Frozen squid or octopus can be used to catch grouper. Dead stink baits are sometimes better for grouper ambush predators like groupers.
Live bait can be used on a fishfinder rig that has a 4-8oz sinker, about 3ft 40-80lb Fluorocarbon leader, and a 6/0 or 9/0 circle hook.
Don’t forget your Florida fishing license! However, a charter fishing boat for grouper fishing should provide this.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO ATTACK A GROUPER IN FLORIDA
There are many ways to catch grouper when fishing.
Bottom fishing is the most popular method used by fishermen.
However, there are many other ways people fish. Trolling is another option. Groupers love to fish with a slow pitch or vertical jig.
The most popular method of fishing for Grouper in Florida is bottom fishing. You just need to set up your bait and wait for the grouper to arrive. Next, reel in fast with a firm grip and let the hook travel upwards through their mouths.
Once you catch a grouper, raise your rod tip, and then reel in to set the hook.
You should not pull the rod out of the mouth like you would for bass fishing. This will usually not work and the only thing it does is to yank the bait out of the mouth. The preferred method is to reel fast to drive your hook in.
CONCLUSION ABOUT FLORIDA GROUPER FISHING:
Florida’s most popular fish is the grouper. You can learn the tricks and techniques to catch this huge fish with the right charters!
Contact us if you’re looking for the best fishing charter in St. Petersburg to hunt these incredible fish! In no time, our 8-hour fishing charters will have you catching a memorable trophy fish!
The article was written by a professional charter captain at Salty Knots Fishing Charters with 15+ years of experience in the Gulf of Mexico. Salty Knots Fishing Charters is a local fishing charter service based out of St. Pete Beach, Florida. “We know what it takes to catch a giant trophy fish!” Salty Knots Is the best when it comes to St Pete Fishing.
