Want Grouper? Go Downringing!

Offshore downrigging for grouper can prove to be very rewarding with the proper saltwater fishing tackle. Fishing from a boat outfitted with downriggers is a great way to produce some delicious grouper for the dinner table or just a fun day on the water.

Where to find them

Trolling with downriggers can also help to locate the exact spot these bottom feeders are hanging out in. You will want to look for rocky bottom structure such as reefs, and locations with natural underground springs that create cooler water. A good fish finder/ depth recorder with color helps in locating these areas as well because they can help distinguish between soft and hard bottoms.

Tackle choices

You will need a good heavy action rod with a nice level wind reel spooled with 50 - 60# test line or a heavy duty spinning reel spooled with 40 - 50# test fishing line. Some people prefer line that is segmented with different colors that let them know just how much line they have out. This [type of line comes in handy for this type of fishing but is not mandatory because good downrigger usually has a counter to let you know the depth.

Bait and lure types

There are many good types of bait for grouper, frozen white bait, squid, or sardines make excellent bait for grouper if live bait is not obtainable. Best live baits are pinfish and Spanish sardines. You will want a good 7/0 to 8/0 hook when using these baits tied to about an 80# test monofilament or fluorocarbon leader with a swivel.

Artificial lures such as skirted bait and plugs can be very effective when trolling for grouper. It is very useful to tie a squid to a skirted hook with bronze wire because the Grouper "love em’". Be sure that the lure does not constantly scrape the bottom; this will dull hooks and hang you up when trolling with downriggers.

Best downriggers

Cannon makes some of the best downriggers in my opinion. Their electric downriggers produce an [electrical field around the ball that can attract the fish. Many models have a positive ion control that allows you to adjust the voltage, regulating the "fish-attracting" electrical field. A 10 to 12 pound downrigger weight should be enough for grouper fishing in deeper water.

Technique

Let out about 10′ of line with your lure or bait attached. Keeping the bait inside 10feet of ball guarantees it is within the electrical field creatd by the Cannon downrigger. Put the line trough the release clip, release your bail and lower the downrigger keeping a thumb on your line to make it taunt. When you feel it reaches the bottom you have to bring it up a couple of feet; this is the place to troll at variable speeds until you find the fish. Close the bail on you reel and crank down on the line enough to cause a bend in the rod so that it will snap up once the fish hits it. Two downriggers placed at the back corners of the boat will enable you to use two separate fishing rods at a time that can be fished at different depths and lengths, enhancing your chances of finding the fish.

With a little amount of experimentation, you will be able to bring in your share of grouper using a downrigger whether you use live bait or lures. So, get out and go fishin when you can, cause it is gooooood fer ya!

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