Grouper Fishing
Grouper fishing is definitely worth the time and effort. Grouper are not wimpy fish. They are really hard and aggressive strikers. When they strike, you will certainly know it! These formidable opponents will fight tooth and fin to get away. Half of the fun of catching grouper is the struggle to capture them! |
Grouper have stout bodies and large mouths. They are like vacuums when sucking up their prey. They use their mouths to create shelters in the sandy floor of the water. Once situated in their shelter, it’s pretty hard to get them out.
The biggest gag grouper caught was recorded at about eighty pounds. Most fishermen catch gag grouper (first picture) at around ten or twenty pounds but thirty pounds is not out of the ordinary. The world record for a warsaw grouper (second picture) is 436 pounds - how long do you think it would take to land that!
Grouper love to hang out at holes or ledges. They prefer the deep grassy, flats and can also be located around structures in any depth of water.
Grouper enjoy a variety of meals. It is best to use bait such as shrimp, octopus, crab, clam or baitfish. Many fishermen are successful at using spoons, spinners, feathers or plugs. Catching them is a matter of trial and error on any particular day. If you are within speaking distance of another angler than is getting hits, ask him what bait he is using for bait.
Many fishermen prefer to troll for grouper. If you know that grouper are in the area, troll at about twenty feet deep. Be sure to keep a watch on the movement of the tide. The tide will usually give you an idea of which direction the fish will be moving. This will be the key information for you to know which way to troll.
When you know that grouper are hanging out by a structure, it may be wise to flat line. Simply tossing your baited line into the water will almost always ensure a hit if grouper are definitely residing there.
Be sure to use a rod that is strong enough for a big fish. It is advisable to use between 60 and 80 pound test for the job. Be sure to use a sliding egg rig for the best success.
OK! So now you been grouper fishing and caught at least one awesome grouper. You spent all day trying to find it and then you fought and conquered it. Now, dinner is the only thing on your mind. This is an absolutely incredible recipe for grouper that I learned when I lived in the Bahamas. Believe me, this is the best tasting dish that you will find and it is easy to make.
To make Bahamian Grouper you will need:
4 grouper fillets
1 sliced green pepper
1 sliced red pepper
1 diced goat pepper (bird or jalapeno will work too)
1 sliced onion
1 clove of garlic diced
2 tablespoons of tomato paste
½ cup water
2 cups of cooked white rice
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra virgin olive oil
Coat a pan with olive oil and heat to medium. Season the fillets with salt and pepper to taste. Place them into the pan and cook them for four minutes on each side.
Take the fish out, add a little more olive oil and toss in the rest of the ingredients. Once the veggies are softened, place the fish back into the pan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes on each side.
Serve the grouper and veggies atop a bed of rice. This is a delicious and easy meal. Bet you are ready for your next grouper fishing trip!
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