Catching Grouper in Inshore Waters

Some may think that you have to get out to deep water to target grouper, but truth be told, there are plenty of places and times when you can effectively target black grouper, gag grouper, red grouper, and others, in inshore waters. Added bonus: few fish, if any, can beat grouper on the plate.

The fish pictured here was caught in a mere eight feet of water, at the mouth of a small canal where it met open water. The sides of the canal were lined with rocks, many of which had spilled off the shoreline and into the channel. And this is exactly they type of place to look for: a channel or hole with water deeper water than the surrounding areas. Structure of course, is a must for this species. It can be in the form of rip-rap, rock, or a wreck or reef, but these fish don’t stray far from significant structure.

Because of this, and because most people fish inshore waters with lighter tackle, grouper that get hooked close to home often get away. You’ve probably tossed a jig on light gear into relatively deep water, felt a hit like a freight-train, then got snagged and broken off, right? There’s a fair chance that was a grouper.

Getting them away from the structure fast is often the key to landing them, so when targeting grouper in specific, it’s a good idea to up the ante when it comes to line and leader. You don’t necessarily have to use the tow-truck gear employed for those big offshore grouper, but 40 pound braid mainline and 60 pound fluorocarbon leader is not out of line. Rods should be stiff so you can apply maximum pressure from start to finish.

What about the offering? Grouper will hit jigs and jigging spoons, but it’s tough to beat a live pinfish, grunt, or even mullet. Set the plate on a 6/0 to 8/0 circle hook, and the moment you get a take do everything you can to muscle them away from their hidey-holes. If you’re successful, you’ll be in for one heck of a tasty fish fry.