by Sandra Schulz, Contributing Writer
Grouper Tips
Grouper season is open once again. Starting from May 1 and running all the way through December 31st, 2019.
We catch many different varieties of grouper in our area consisting of red, gray gag, and black. These are the most common in our area and are all VERY tasty!
The grouper food source varies, and they are not too particular of what they feed on. They will dine on live baits such as grunts, blue runners, and goggle eyes, but they will also hit a dead bait such as Spanish sardine on the bottom.
Groupers can be found around structures, wrecks, and reefs. In our area off Boynton Beach it ranges from 60 to 120 feet, but we also have some deeper wrecks up to 195 feet deep. The trick to landing one of these beauties is to get them off the bottom as quickly as possible after you hook them. Grouper love to run under the rocks or under structures once hooked and will try to break your line off, (which happens a lot) so do not hesitate after that bite.
Pictured here is VIP Angler Christian Rodriguez who caught this 18 pound black grouper. He was using a 5/0 double trailer hook rig, dead Spanish sardine with 50 pound leader, and 1-½ ounce weight on the bottom. This was caught onboard the Southern Comfort IV charter boat out of Hypoluxo, FL.
Sandra Schulz Living On Island Time Drift Fishing • Hypoluxo, FL
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