The month of May and grouper fishing have become “happy dance partners” for the offshore fishing parties as the four month “closure” of several species of grouper comes to an end on May 1st. May kicks off the full contact battle for “Grouper Groceries” which pits rod and reel anglers against one of the strongest of all the bottom dwelling species that roam and take up residence on the Treasure Coast’s offshore reefs and wrecks in depths that range from 50 to 180 feet.
Grouper species, such as the gag grouper, becomes a favorite fishing target.
Gags can be found tight to bottom structures in varying depths. However, water depths of 80 to 150 feet are preferred go to zones to snag these bottom brawlers. Once “attached” to a 20 pound grouper, anglers quickly embrace the full contact concept of fishing ultimately realizing why fishing is considered a “sport” that is the physical interaction between two opponents! Other species of grouper that are frequently caught offshore of the Treasure Coast inlets are the red, black, and scamp groupers.
Successful grouper catching relies on heavy tackle. Besides lead weights heavy enough to deploy and hold baits on the bottom, anglers will need to employ 4/0 to 6/0 class reels, spooled up with 80 to 150 pound line. Also, similarly sized terminal tackle (swivels and heavy leader) that can survive an intersection with the sharp edges of the reef, and 7/0 to 10/0 hooks. Live baits (especially tomtates, pinfish, threadfin, and sardines) are proven grouper getters, although, any assortment of dead baits (cut squid, bonito, and grunts) will also provide positive results. Additionally, a variety of artificial lures or jigs will promote grouper strikes with vertical butterfly jigs being a current favorite.
Whether anchoring or drifting over the reef, enjoy hooking, battling, catching, and finally keeping grouper this month.
FORECAST BY: Capt. Rocky Carbia
Safari I
Pirates Cove Resort and Marina
Port Salerno, FL
Reservations: (772) 334-4411
www.Safari-1.com
[imagebrowser id=6]