Water temperature dictates the migration of many gulf species. Larger gag grouper have been the main topic of conversation at the docks lately. Gulf waters dropped to the high 70s, bringing in decent-sized fish. Most have settled on many of the small ledges and wrecks within 10 miles of shore.
The use of 50-pound line with 80-pound leader is the norm when grouper digging. This week, however, we had to beef up the tackle to 80-pound line and 100-pound leader in order to pull fish up to 20 pounds away from the rocks.
Live bait has been the key for catching bigger fish. The "big-bait, big-fish" theory works during this active month. Big grunts, 12-inch shad, hand-sized pinfish and even 2-pound blue runners have been the best attracters. Blue runners must be restricted before descending to the bottom. This feisty bait will tangle lines if you don't cut the tail off. Removing the tail gives the runner a wounded wiggle effect that attracts big gags. Be sure to hold on tight, since a grouper would have to be 15 pounds or more to take a mouthful of that magnitude.
While many anglers found success in 35-40 feet of water, I was content with the more shallow depth of 25-30. Anchoring uptide from the structure was important. Short sessions of chumming will draw the curious gags away from their homes, putting the odds in your favor. This tactic is pretty much the only way anglers can get one of these bigger grouper up from the more shallow water. Don't throw too much chum overboard. You can overfeed the fish, making them uninterested in the baits with hooks. A couple of small chunks of fish every few minutes works fine.
- Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call 727 595-3276, or e-mail sales@jawstoo.com
