Everglades Grouper Fishing

Fishing for Grouper is a whole lot of fun in the backcountry. In the Everglades area surprisingly there are many of them found around mangrove edges and structure on the bottom. Normally, people think of grouper only being caught in deep water but this is totally not the case at all. Everglades Grouper Fishing usually takes place in only 4-18 feet of water. To know where to go and what bait to use is the key to consistently catching these monster size fish. Your fishing guide has spent many years learning the secrets of the Everglades and where to find grouper.

Grouper = Very Common In The Everglades

Usually Shallow Water = 4 to 18 Feet

Grouper fishing in the Everglades is usually "Spot Oriented" rather than blind casting in random areas. This is because Gag Groupers and Goliath Groupers are very territorial. They will often find an area that has lots of structure and even holes on the bottom. This structure gives them hiding spots so they can hide from Dolphins, Sharks, Alligators, and Crocodiles which are all common in the Everglades.

Species of Grouper = Gag & Goliath or "Jewfish"

Found In Holes & On Structure

These structure areas they call home often have many othger species living along side them. Snapper, Pinfish, Jacks, and Ladyfish are just to name a few. This allows them to not ever have to travel far for a meal. A common technique your guide will use is to actually catch Jacks, Pinfish, or Ladyfish and use them for bait in these secret fishing spots. Dropping them down on a 20-30 Light Tackle Spinning rod for fish 5-60 LBS or if there is a monster fish 50-300 LBS around he may even use Conventional Reels with 200+ LB Line and a fighting belt.

Normal Size Grouper = 5 To 50 LBS

Monster Grouper = 50 To 300 LBS.

Tackle Used = Light Tackle Spin 20-30 LB Braid

Big Fish = Conventional Reel 200+ LB. Mono Filiment

Everglades Grouper Fishing