Winter Grouper fishing tactics - some tips
By Capt. Mel Berman, 970-WFLA

Despite a series of cascading cold fronts that have invaded our area, grouper fishing continues to be hot. With water temperatures hovering around 60 degrees, chances are the gags might be leaving our shallow waters. Before you head out, here are some hints and tips you might want to check out. They could very well make your fishing day.

"Don't horse that fish," implored the frustrated charter skipper. "Just keep that rod tip up, with a good bend in it, and when you reel in line, take what he gives you."

Even though grouper fishing is not brain surgery, there are many subtleties associated with the sport. When mastered, these advanced techniques could make a run-of-the-mill grouper digger into one who brings back the bacon... er... fillet.

One of the best ways to drink in the required knowledge is to charter any of our many talented offshore skippers. But if you do, you must pay attention!! We often remain oblivious to what's happening and to any offered advice when riding with a skilled grouper guide. Most captains truly enjoy the role of teacher, sharing their years of offshore fishing experience.

When I was running charters a some years ago, there always seemed to be one passenger who made me look good. They caught most of the fish, not only exhibiting an innate instinct for fishing, but were receptive to any advice offered. For instance, most folks hold the butt of the rod under their armpit. After a few hours of fishing, you're suddenly aware that the old armpit is aching, and you're not reeling in any grouper.

It may seem awkward at first, but try holding the grouper rod with your left hand on the fore grip (in front of the reel,) and your right hand on the butt of the rod. This not only makes it easier to "feel" a grouper bite, but also provides excellent leverage when working a fish.
There is also a school of thought that says we should drop the lead down to the bottom, then reel up three or four turns. However, if you talk with most expert grouper diggers, they will tell you the best technique is to drop the lead on the bottom... then take up only the slack in the line. This way the leader and your bait can float upward, beckoning any gags within range. Keep the rod tip pointed down toward the water, ready to set the hook with a deliberate upward swing.

At first the grouper might gently bump the bait. Most skilled bottom fishers develop the ability to sense these initial subtle signs of interest. Then slowly lifting up on the rod tip, the angler generates a response from the interested grouper, where it grabs the bait so as to prevent this tasty meal from getting away. That's why you will often observe skilled anglers frequently lifting up the rod tip slightly.
There are also those exhilarating moments when the fish eliminates all the preliminaries and makes a running strike and grab at the bait. In either case, once the fish is snared, you should be prepared to keep the rod tip up, pointed to the sky. The immediate instinct of a hooked grouper is to make a beeline downward for the nearest ledge or rocks. Your job is to prevent this. If that dire consequence occurs, you not only stand a good chance of losing the gag, but you will also "kill the bite." The commotion of a frightened fish trying to escape has a very negative impact to others in the school.

So get that rod pointed upward, and don't pump. The fish will pull downward, and you should keep a good bend in the rod. This applied steady upward pressure eventually tires out the fish. As it eases up, take in line slack by reeling downward, then resume your bend in the rod. Repeat this routine until the triumphant moment when the big gag reaches the water's surface and is gaffed into the boat.