By: Capt. Andrew Bennett
One of the many things that I love about being a charter captain is the way that I get to learn the subtle changes in the seasons and the way that fish respond to them. Typically, in September there are less anglers on the water because many vacationers are going back to school but the gag grouper fishing is just getting started.
Gag grouper are a gift from God. They are a valuable resource that provide anglers with a fantastic fighting, great tasting fish species to target. Because they are so precious, we must manage them carefully, and the state of Florida has been changing the season dates in recent years to try and get it just right. Only a few short years ago the season was several months long, then was drastically reduced. At most of my fishing and diving spots I am seeing more gag grouper than ever before, which seems to indicate that the shortened season is not justified. This year; like last year, the gag grouper season opens for just 14 days beginning September first.
During last September’s grouper trips, I was able to get several of my anglers many pounds of beautiful grouper filets and fun filled memories of collecting them. Dropping a live pinfish over structure in Tampa Bay or in the Gulf, is an effective way to get a bite, but too often by the time that you know you are getting a bite, the fish is bringing your line into that structure and after a short struggle, the result is broken tackle, a free fish, and a frustrated angler.  One way around this is to deep troll jigs or lipped plugs near that same structure. In order to strike the lure, a grouper must swim up and away from the rocks, and when they take the bait, the momentum of the boat can set the hook and pull the fish into open water where they can be fought with little chance of cutting the line. Even in open water, a gag grouper will put up a tremendous fight that is fun to watch and even more fun to experience. Many anglers agree that, pound for pound, a gag grouper is one of the hardest fighting fish in our area.  Another advantage of this method is that fishing from a moving boat can be more comfortable than sitting still at anchor in the September heat.
This year for the first time, any undersized, or over the limit gag grouper that I release from my boat will be tagged. I have been given tags from FWC to attach to any gag groper that I catch and release. I will report the size and location of each grouper that I tag. The tags have a unique identification number and contact information for FWC. If they are caught a second time, their location and size can be reported and that data will help the State make good decisions regarding the future rules for gag grouper to ensure their continued abundance.
Contact info:
Chasing Limits Fishing Charters
941-725-8441
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