| When angling for bottom fish, grouper fishing is the | | | | around bottom ledges, as well as in artificial reefs and |
| most popular sport fishing in the western hemisphere. | | | | wreckage. The like shelter and a place to hide, and |
| Because there are so many different types of | | | | though you might think differently because of their |
| grouper, fishing for them can be good all the way from | | | | name, grouper are very solitary fish, especially the |
| the New England states, through the Gulf of Mexico, | | | | larger ones. |
| and down to Brazil. You'll find red, yellowfin, black, gag, | | | | Though you might find that grouper fishing can be |
| and Warsaw grouper to choose from along many | | | | accomplished through waiting for the fish to chase the |
| coastal regions, and it's rare that there is no abundance | | | | bait, this is most often not the best tactic. Grouper |
| of the species. However, beware of the strength and | | | | prefer to ambush their prey as it passes over their |
| cunning of these fish. | | | | hiding places. Because the grouper can change its |
| First, you must know a little about bottom fishing, and | | | | coloration to match the hues of its surroundings, much |
| then plentiful grouper fishing opportunities will follow. | | | | like a chameleon, they blend in easily and have an |
| Start with a fifty-pound test monofilament line. This will | | | | advantage over unsuspecting prey. However, their |
| handle just about any grouper that you can possibly | | | | tendency to rush the bait makes grouper fishing a |
| encounter. Anything larger becomes a hassle and is | | | | simple task in terms of hooking a fish, though a bit |
| also a bit too visible to your target fish. Use a terminal | | | | difficult in terms of actually landing the catch. |
| tackle - a sinker, leader, and hook configured with a | | | | Grouper fishing is best accomplished by using bait that |
| bank sinker on the end of the leader and a 12-inch-long | | | | is natural to the grouper's feeding habits. In open |
| loop tied abut 18 inches up from there onto which the | | | | waters, grouper feed on other smaller fish, crabs, |
| hook is tied. | | | | crawfish, other small crustaceans, and squid. Most of |
| When grouper fishing, it is also wise to understand the | | | | the time, you will find grouper waiting in a hole or under |
| habits of the grouper. These fish are commonly found | | | | a ledge until an easy catch comes by, at which time |
| around bottom structures of almost any kind, though | | | | they will attack, eat quickly, and return to the shelter. |
| they do have preferences, especially in certain areas. | | | | Free-lining live bait, straight bottom fishing, and slow |
| For example, in southern Florida, grouper fishing will be | | | | trolling are the most successful approaches to grouper |
| most productive around the tropical coral reefs. In the | | | | fishing, with trolling being the best option for the Gulf of |
| northern shores of the state, you'll find grouper in and | | | | Mexico. |