Games of Knowledge | Sports and Exercise

Posted By Games Guy on July 12, 2010

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 in the sea.

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 be looking for deep holes, rocky bottom, structure such as sunken wrecks or reefs, and places where there are natural underground springs that produce 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.

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. Live baits that work well are, pinfish, blue runners, cigar minnows, and Spanish sardines. You will want a good 7/0 to 8/0 hook when using those baits tied to about an 80# test monofilament or fluorocarbon leader with a swivel.

Artificial lures like spoons and plugs can be very effective when trolling for grouper. I like to tie a squid to a skirted hook with bronze wire as the Grouper "love em’". flashy field around the rigger ball that actually attracts the fish. Most models have a positive ion control that enables you to adjust the voltage, controlling the "fish-attracting" electrical field. A 10 to 12 pound downrigger weight should be sufficient for grouper fishing deeper water.

Technique

Let out about 10′ of line with your lure or bait attached. Keeping the bait within 10′ of ball insures it is within the electrical field produced by the Cannon downrigger. Put the line trough the release clip, release your bail and lower the downrigger holding a thumb on your line to make it taunt. When you feel it reach the bottom bring it back up a couple of feet; this is where you should troll or drift your bait 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 snaps up when the fish hits and releases it. Two downriggers placed at the back corners of the boat will allow you to use two separate fishing rods at a time that can be fished at different lengths and depths, enhancing your chances of finding the fish.

With a little amount of practice, 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!

For other useful fishing stories don’t forget to visit our fishing forum at MyTackleSpace. A free blog and forum for fishermen of all walks of life. Join now and have your very own fishing page!

Category: games of sport
Tags: Blue Runners, Bottom Feeders, Bottom Structure, Bronze Wire, cannon down riggers, cannon downrigger accessories, cannon electric downriggers, Cigar Minnows, Deep Holes, Depth Recorder, Different Colors, downrigger balls, Electrical Field, Exact Spot, Fish Finder, Fishing Line, Grouper Fishing, Heavy Action, Natural Underground Springs, Rocky Bottom, Saltwater Fishing Tackle, Spanish Sardines, Sunken Wrecks, White Bait