Grouper fishing in 30 feet is red-hot. Gags 5-15 pounds can be found in Tampa Bay and the rocky bottom 5-6 miles offshore. In the bay, most action is on the edge of the shipping channel. The best depth to target is 26-32 feet. Offshore, you'll find good numbers hanging over ledges and hard bottom in 30 feet.
Large pinfish and grunts will produce bigger fish. Frozen sardines and squid will help put smell in the area, but the big live baits have been the most productive. Past trips have produced gags 25-30 inches. Many larger fish were lost when using 50-pound test. Rigging tackle in the 80- to 100-pound class helps when dealing with bigger grouper. When fishing for grouper in water this shallow, don't reel down before setting the hook. Wait until you feel a strong tap on the rod tip. Then lift the tip as high as you can and start reeling. Don't lower the tip until the grouper is clear of the bottom. If you keep getting cut off on the bigger fish, move your boat over the sandy edge of the ledge. It may take longer to get a strike, but you'll have a better chance at landing the big ones.
Trolling for grouper has been equally productive. A No. 3 planner and a large gold and black crank bait rigged with 40 feet of 80-pound test will draw strikes when fished close to the bottom.
- Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.
