The saltwater fishfinder: Grouper

Bring big bait, strong line…and lots of muscle to land one of these warriors

Many a fishing trip attendee walks away disappointed not because the fish did not bite, but because she or he was unable to reel in this fighter!
Dining on fish, lobster, and octopus, grouper themselves are often on the itinerary of many a fishing trip by those who feel up to wrestling with the large catch. Weighing in at about 15 to 100 pounds, and featuring the telltale pectoral fins that are noticeably longer than the pelvic fins, a grouper is easy to recognize and makes for a formidable fighter once hooked.
Usually found in and around wrecks and reefs, young fish are found closer to shore than their older counterparts. With the Gulf of Mexico being a premier location for those undertaking a recreational fishing trip in search of this tasty fish, it is not surprising that a plethora of rules and regulations are being instituted, especially with an eye to preventing over-fishing. Paying close attention to notices put out by the National Marine Fisheries Service is required!
Even as the average grouper is more than happy to swallow whatever baits - with live pinfish, snapper or minnow being clearly preferred - you might dangle in front of its mouth, many a fishing trip attendee walks away disappointed not because the fish did not bite, but because she or he was unable to reel in this fighter! As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the bait you use, the more likely you are to hook yourself a big grouper! Thus, be prepared with equipment and endurance.
If you set out on your fishing trip with the intention of finding and fighting that record-sized fish, you will be wise to pack heavy tackle and use a fishing rod that has a stiff backbone and is equipped with 80-pound line. Compromise on the line and you will be in for a disappointing trip indeed. Remember that some grouper will be found in relatively shallow waters, while others may be 50 to 100 feet deep.
If you pursue grouper during the time the fish is known to spawn - generally April is that magic month, although a few months before and after there is a good chance of catching them, too - it is the wise angler who packs not only heavy tackle on the fishing trip but also trolling supplies, as this is another method by which this fish is effectively caught in waters only 10 to 20 feet deep.
When trolling in these waters, the trick is to troll slowly and use mullet and similar bait to entice the fish to bite. As soon as a strike is noted, you must quickly pull the fish away from the reef or wreck to avoid line breakage and a fish that will simply hide out in its reef hole and wait until you give up. Remember that once the fish has made it to safety, it is next to impossible to get it out of its holes!
Should you decide to take a fishing trip into deeper waters with the hopes of catching some of the larger specimens, remember that you may opt for deep trolling, IF you have remembered to pack large-sized lures! Time and again, anglers underestimate the size of these fish and also their strength, and the smaller lures tend to simply rip when not firmly embedded. In the same vein, remember that a 9/0 hook is a minimum requirement, not a maximum suggestion.
Once that big beauty is in your boat and duly dispatched to its ancestors, the hands down best way of preparing it is also the simplest, as illustrated by the Fillet Man : brush the fillet flesh with oil, add the spices of your choice, and then simply bake the fish. Serve with steamed veggies or rice, add a fresh salad and some warm French loaf, and you will have a meal to die for!