By: Caitlyn Gatrell
In the mangroves tucked in the backwaters, there are quite a few species lingering around. There are schools of bait fish flickering around the mangrove lines, groups of snapper and jacks frolicking between the underwater branches, and larger predators like snook and redfish hanging around the shady structures. But there’s one species that you can commonly find here that puts on a different type of fight: The Goliath Grouper.
Goliath are one of the almost 160 Grouper species to exist across the globe. Not to mention they are among the strongest marine creatures out there, even the little guys. You can find goliath grouper in various oceans and countries, but Southwest Florida holds plenty of them, and the mangroves are amongst their favorite spots to hang out. We hook up to them almost every time we head out there, whether it’s one of our honey holes or a new spot we are just trying out. They are definitely very abundant down here.
We typically fish close to the mangroves, looking for pockets, fallen branches or submerged trees, and any surface activity. Goliath like to tuck themselves in anywhere they can get into and cover as well as a chance to ambush bait. You’ll want to cast as close as possible to the structure, just be careful! Sometimes they strike on bait and then immediately get back into their holes. From there it’s almost impossible to get them out.
We toss out live or dead baits like mullet, shrimp, pilchards, ladyfish and sometimes even lures if we’re running low on bait. When they hit, you’ll know. It’s not a nibble, it’s a full-on strike, like your line just got thumped hard. Once they’re hooked, the battle begins. They’ll run, trash, and do everything they can to fight back and make their way to their holes again. Once you feel the thump, you have a few seconds to get a hold on them or they’ll be back in there in a hurry.
It’s all about max drag and muscle. Basically, you want to rip them up and out quickly, but it’s a balance. If you crank on them too hard, you’ll snap your line or rip the hook. Just use your best judgement when you hook up to one. You’ll be able to feel the line and can get a feel for their location and movement as you battle against them.
Fighting these beasts of the mangroves is unpredictable, challenging, and downright addicting. Every hookup feels like a test of your gear, your skills, and your patience. Whether you pull a good one out or get broken off, you walk away with shaky hands, a racing heart, and a story worth telling. It’s an exciting battle, no matter the size you catch. And let me tell you, if you hook up to a large one you are in for a real treat!