[dropcap]G[/dropcap]rouper will be on top of the “Fish Wish List” during December. Holiday anglers will spend this last month of grouper season (season closes midnight December 31), targeting these tackle busting, bottom dwellers. Large gag grouper from 20 to 40 pounds will be first on the scaly hit list, along with black, red, and scamp grouper, which will find themselves being saltwater stalked by near coastal meat hunters. All these species of grouper will be found on the natural and artificial reefs that dot the sea floor landscape offshore of Stuart. Depths of 70 to 180 feet will be the target zone for most recreational anglers. At depths of 70 to 100 feet, the best strategy for boat positioning, is to anchor the boat on top of the reef, as the majority of reef structures at these depths are relatively small or narrow in configuration, which would cancel out a drifting strategy under most conditions. By anchoring the boat, anglers can adjust and dial in the position of the boat over top of the reef and remain in a more ideal bait deployment target area for a longer period of time, thus increasing one`s chances for a solid bite. Deeper naturally occurring reefs from 120 to 180 feet are typically more expansive in their length and width, which will allow anglers to set their boat to drift over the desired reef sites. Drifting can be a desirable strategy as it is less labor intensive in terms of not having to deploy and retrieve an anchor, which can be a lot like work!
Regardless of the positioning strategy used, anglers must outfit themselves with heavy tackle to engage members of the grouper family—4/0 to 6/0 reels spooled with 80 to 150 pound braided main line will be the foundation for this full contact fishing. Terminal tackle must include matching heavy, mono leaders of 100 to 150 pound testing strength and proven hooks of 7/0 to 10/0 size class. Live baits (greenies, sardines, grunts, and pinfish) hooked through the nose or just behind the head will yield the most probabilities for success. Anglers who are lucky enough to get connected to one of these underwater fish athletes will immediately realize why fishing is called a sport, as the fishing fitness of all involved will be put to the test as these bottom bruisers will “school” the most seasoned of anglers. With this in mind, as soon as one hooks a grouper, pump away, and “don`t forget to breathe”!
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Grouper Fishing!