Grouper Problem

[BigBoiFishing]

I found a spot that has some 15-20# groupers, mostly Gags. All I do is use a bottom rig w/ herring as cutbait. It takes about an hour or so (refreshing bait 2-3 times in between) and I hook one, always. They seem to be residents...lol. Now, the gear I use is a Penn 140 Squidder (spooled w/ 25# test), my leader is mono 50# test.

Heres the scenario....

Line starts screaming out the reel, I flip the lever on which stops the spool from turning. Then I adjust the drag a bit so she won't pop the line. After about 30secs I tighten the drag & reel up on her a bit. Then she darts into a bunch of huge rocks & I'm s.o.l. Sometimes, they come back out, when they do this is usually when the line pops while I'm trying to prevent her from getting caved again and BYE BYE sinker, bead, swivel & hook....oh yeah...and grouper.


I'M ALL EARS.

[permitchaser]

the first thing you need is a skiff and i got it.

[PhishingPhanatic]

I think you need to up your gear. A 15-20# grouper is a strong fish and you need heavier then 25# main line. I'd bump it up to a 4/0 size reel spooled with 50 lb mono, with 50-80 lb flouro leader and a locked down drag. As soon as you know that fish is on, put that reel in gear and crank like hell to get it off the bottom. Or, you could take me to your spot and I'll try and show you:mrgreen:

[permitchaser]

like pp said and nail the drag no slack you dont have to show us your spot its ok

[BigBoiFishing]

Will a Senator do?

[PhishingPhanatic]

Yeah a Senator will be fine, those reels have probably landed more bottom fish then all others combined. Make sure it is on a stout enough rod. I'd go somewhere around a 40-60 blank. When targetting grouper, the first few seconds are the crucial part of the battle. Once you get them off the bottom you are home free, you just need enough power to winch them out. Don't try and be sporting, you'll lose almost every time.

[BigBoiFishing]

Good deal. Thanks 4 the advice. Out of 6 times I've gone there specifically to target them they've been there 5 out of those 6. I'd say before 11am, I get hit twice, I mean HIT like the scenario above. After 11am, no action, I think it has to do w/ the heat. So how many groupers have I lost? One too many, I'm taking your advice & muscling up on em.

Thanks again.

[fishnfool73]

Bring me there and I'll bring my grouper outfit it has caught a grouper or two. As pointed out upgrade your gear. I use an Accuratized 4/0 with 80 lb mono when I fish for grouper on the bridges in the Keys. My rod can lift a 5 lb fish without bending. Targeting big grouper means targeting to win the fight but left with fish stories. Grouper aren't line or leader shy in my experience so go big or stay home.

[bolo]

Accurate 665 spooled with 80lb with stout rod. Follow these steps and you will be successful. Drop bait, set hook, and proceed to lift and wind. Repeat lift and wind motion until fish is landed. I hope this helps. If you do not understand and require a picture diagram please let me know.

[Green Tide]

Yea the resident fish know the safe zones and all the holes. Once you clear out a couple of old ones , new ones that aren't as familiar will probably show up if it is a good feeding area for them. They also like larger pinfish.
Take time for pics when you get one.

[BigBoiFishing]

Bolo & Fishnfool, I'm definitely stepping up my gear, not just 4 these gags, but for all the other big fish I lose. I typically lose big fish due to being hesitant about forcing my gear. I know alot of you guys invest alot of $$$ in fishing eq. Most of my cash aside from bills goes into my djing eq. I recently spent $ on the last dj equipment upgrade I needed, now I that I'm done with that its time for some new gear.

All I work with is a BG60 & Penn 140 Squidder, which I feel put a limit on how or what I can fish.
I gotta wait, this is the month I pay my property taxes...

Yea the resident fish know the safe zones and all the holes. Once you clear out a couple of old ones , new ones that aren't as familiar will probably show up if it is a good feeding area for them. They also like larger pinfish.
Take time for pics when you get one.

You hit it on the bullseye. The are alot of pinfish there. The fact they "cave" themselves quickly is truly because thats their spot. As in pics, after I gear up hopefully they'll follow.

[fishnfool73]

I understand on the money issue . I have a 4/0 wide for sale cheap if you are intrested in it. Needs a new dog spring but other than that works fine. A nice 4/0 is a great overall reel that won't break the bank.

[permitchaser]

also ebay they got good deals .lets slay those groupers

[diggin4grouper]

another trick

when you get rocked up , keep the line tight and start playing the line like a banjo and that normaly annoys the crap out of them and you can get them out .

[permitchaser]

it work for jewfish / blacks dont go for that they dont care

[bolo]

Bolo & Fishnfool, I'm definitely stepping up my gear, not just 4 these gags, but for all the other big fish I lose. I typically lose big fish due to being hesitant about forcing my gear. I know alot of you guys invest alot of $$$ in fishing eq. Most of my cash aside from bills goes into my djing eq. I recently spent $ on the last dj equipment upgrade I needed, now I that I'm done with that its time for some new gear.

All I work with is a BG60 & Penn 140 Squidder, which I feel put a limit on how or what I can fish.
I gotta wait, this is the month I pay my property taxes...

All you need to upgrade is the Penn Squidder to Penn Senator. Spool it with 80lb mono and you are set. Make sure you have a stout rod. You do not need expensive equipment to land fish. We choose to buy them because we can and they will last forever since I don't baby my reels.

[bolo]

another trick

when you get rocked up , keep the line tight and start playing the line like a banjo and that normaly annoys the crap out of them and you can get them out .

Do you have a particular tune you recommend to play?

[bolo]

it work for jewfish / blacks dont go for that they dont care

Blacks like Sir Mix-A-Lot.

[bolo]

it work for jewfish / blacks dont go for that they dont care

Correct Video.

Blacks like Sir Mix-A-Lot.

[permitchaser]

bolo LOL no sound here darn it

[PhishingPhanatic]

Well, there went this thread. I'm impressed, it made it almost a page of serious answers before it got BOLOIZED.

[permitchaser]

with rap music they may come out of tha whole

[BigBoiFishing]

Bolo thanks for the advice. I'm buying fishnfool's 4/0. After I pay off my property taxes I'm going shopping too. One thing, I'm probably preaching to the choir but regular maintenance doesn't hurt dog. I regularly maintain my PS3, PSP, PC, dj mixer, turntables, speakers, reels & rods, aquarium, etc. etc. & nothing craps out or dies. Regular maintenance for possessions is good especially when they provide entertainment, they deserve it.

Regardless, thanks to everyone whos helped out on this topic.

peace.