| iv> | | | | Artificial lures such as spoons, skirted bait, and plugs |
| With a little amount of experimentation, you will be | | | | can be very effective when trolling for grouper. I like |
| able to bring in your share of grouper using a | | | | to tie a squid to a skirted hook with bronze wire; the |
| downrigger whether you use live bait or lures. So, get | | | | Grouper love em'. Be sure that the lure does not |
| out and go fishin when you can, cause it is gooooood | | | | constantly scrape the bottom; this will dull hooks and |
| fer ya! | | | | hang you up when trolling with downriggers. |
| Offshore downrigging for grouper can prove to be | | | | Best downriggers |
| very rewarding with the convenient saltwater fishing | | | | Cannon makes some of the best downriggers in my |
| tackle. Fishing from a boat outfitted with downriggers | | | | opinion. Their electric downriggers produce an |
| is a great way to produce some delicious grouper for | | | | electrical field around the ball ,which actually attracts |
| the dinner table or just a fun day on the water. | | | | the fish. Many models have a positive ion control that |
| Where to find them | | | | enables you to adjust the voltage, regulating the |
| Trolling with downriggers can also help to locate the | | | | "fish-attracting" electrical field. A 10 to 12 pound |
| exact spot these bottom feeders are hanging out in. | | | | downrigger weight should be sufficient for grouper |
| You will want to be looking for deep holes structure | | | | fishing deeper water. |
| such as reefs, and places with natural underground | | | | Technique |
| springs that produce cooler water. A good fish finder | | | | Let out about 10' of line with your lure or bait |
| depth recorder with color helps in locating these | | | | attached. Keeping the bait within 10' of ball insures it |
| areas as well because they can help distinguish | | | | is within the electrical field produced by the Cannon |
| between soft and hard bottoms. | | | | downrigger. Put the line trough the release clip, |
| Tackle choices | | | | release your bail and lower the downrigger keeping a |
| You will need a good heavy action rod with a nice | | | | thumb on your line to make it taunt. When you feel it |
| level wind reel spooled with 50 - 60# test line or a | | | | reaches the bottom you have to bring it up a couple |
| heavy duty spinning reel spooled with 40 - 50# test | | | | of feet; this is where you should troll at variable |
| fishing line. Some people prefer line that is segmented | | | | speeds until you find the fish. Close the bail on you |
| with various colors that signal just how much of the | | | | reel and crank down on the line enough to create a |
| line they have out. This kind of line comes in handy | | | | bend in the rod so that it snaps up once the fish hits |
| for this type of fishing but is not mandatory as good | | | | it. Two downriggers placed at the back corners of |
| downrigger usually has a counter to let you know | | | | the boat will allow you to use two separate fishing |
| how deep you are. | | | | rods that can be fished at different depths and |
| Bait and lure types | | | | lengths, increasing your chances of finding the fish. |
| There are many good types of bait for grouper, | | | | With a little amount of practice, you will be able to |
| frozen white bait, squid, or sardines make excellent | | | | bring in your share of grouper using a downrigger |
| bait for grouper if live bait is not obtainable. Live baits | | | | whether you use live bait or lures. So, get out and |
| that work well are, pinfish, blue runners, cigar | | | | fish when you can, cause it is soooo much fun! |
| minnows, and Spanish sardines. You should have a | | | | For more great fishing tips, tricks and stories visit our |
| good 7/0 to 8/0 hook when using these baits tied to | | | | fishing forum at MyTackleSpace. A free blog and |
| about an 80# test monofilament or fluorocarbon | | | | forum for fishermen of all walks of life. Join now and |
| leader with a swivel. | | | | have your very own fishing page! |