Here’s a typical message from a woman who, speaking on behalf of herself and her husband, would like to give trolled baits a try:Hi Capt Mel My husband and I are grouper fishing enthusiasts. Our method has always been "drop the bait to the bottom and wait". However, lately, I keep suggesting we do some trolling. We've never trolled for anything and he keeps coming up with an excuse not to, i.e., we need plugs, we don't have outriggers, or some other reason. Do you really need outriggers to troll and can you troll with the same bait we use for bottom fishing? I can't find anyplace on the web that gives specific instructions on how to troll and what you "must" have to troll. This probably sounds like a beginner computer user asking how to turn on the computer, but I'd really appreciate some info on trolling to give us another method. Sometimes we go out and sit over a hole that's supposed to be good, and all we get is a suntan. Thanks in advance for any help you can give us. Joan
Here was my response:
Dear Joan: For many years -- before there was loran, GPS, depth recorders – grouper diggers located the popular bottom fish by trolling until they located a school that was hungry enough to go after a trolled bait. And you want to know something, grouper still respond the very same way today.
Most of today’s bottom fishers have that irresistible urge to head straight out to their favorite rock pile or ledge, anchor up, drop a bait and catch fish. This usually works well enough to hook a few grunts and an occasional keeper grouper, but it is nowhere near as productive as trolling can be. There is a somewhat different mindset to trolling as opposed to bottom fishing. You get your trolled baits out, sit back, open up a cold one and enjoy the ride. Head for those same hard bottoms and ledges areas, but troll over them using a planer or downrigger and a large spoon, plug or skirted bait, fitted with a strip of mullet. You will be pleasantly surprised at how much action you ultimately will get.
Once you get into trolling, you’ll find it a very pleasant way to fish, and you’ll be able to find several new grouper spots. I should hasten to add that trolling for grouper does not preclude bottom fish. As a matter of fact, after locating that school of hungry grouper, you simply mark the spot, anchor up and bottom fish. You will most certainly enjoy considerably more productive bottom fishing trips.
The most popular technique for finding good grouper bottoms is to troll until you get a strike. When you do, have someone throw a jug to mark that spot. Then go back over that some pile of fish and, when you hook another, toss another marker. Now, all you have to do is anchor up in-between to two markers, and you should get into lots of bottom fishing action.
Most Suncoast anglers use larger planers tied off to a cleat on the stern, with at least 30-feet of leader going to the lure or bait. A swivel in the middle of the leader is a good idea, to minimize bait twisting. You can also use a downrigger to accomplish the same thing. With a downrigger, you will be able to troll a bait using your rod and reel, with the line going through a release clip attached to the downrigger ball. You can also attach a release clip to a planer and troll using rod and reel.
Remember, as with conventional grouper digging, the bait has to be right on the bottom when trolling. This entails letting the planer drop until is just begins bouncing off the bottom.
Finally, I would highly recommend going with someone who knows how to troll for grouper. This way you and your husband can see first hand how it’s done. You might also want to invest in an offshore charter with a skipper who specializes in this technique. You can also consider joining one of the many fishing clubs. There you’ll be able to meet and fish with other more experienced anglers who would be happy to take you under their wing and show you the ropes.
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