Best way to fish for large grouper? And what is the limit on grouper off of St Johns Pass.?

Answer 1

For offshore on a reef : Use a stout "Stand-up" boat rod,(Ugly Stik), W/Penn/Daiwa/Shimano Reel, fighting belt, Spider-wire 20/50 line, leader must be 4-5 FT, leader SHOULD be 30-80 LB fluorocarbon, use 2-6 OZ of weight (depending on current), and appropriate to bait sized circle hook.


Use a live Grunt, Pin-fish, Goggle Eye, or Speedo. OR fish heads, large chunks of dead fish or squid. ("Live" is the way to go!)

You can also use large 4-6 OZ white/green "bullet-head" jigs with a trailer,(or strip), of dead mullet. (This is more "sporting" and you can catch ANYTHING with this rig!!)

Make sure when you first "stick" (strike) him, to begin to REEL quickly because grouper (on a reef or structure), tend to have a "Hidey-Hole" they live in, and they will cut you off in a heartbeat trying to get back "home"!

Good luck! And send me some grouper fingers! (lol)