12/6 Keaton Beach

[firedriver90]

Yesterday we went out of Keaton beach and went to two reefs in an attempt to catch some grouper.using pinfish and bottomfishing,we caught 1 sea bass and brought up a large flounder but did not get him in the net.fished till 3:30 then went into the flats to try for some trout.2 hours later using pins we had our limit and headed in.great day out just wished that we would have caught a grouper or two.is it possible that all the stone crab traps have them scattered?or is there something we are doing wrong?this was our first attempt at the groups and any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks, Bob

[Tom Keels]

Yesterday we went out of Keaton beach and went to two reefs in an attempt to catch some grouper.using pinfish and bottomfishing,we caught 1 sea bass and brought up a large flounder but did not get him in the net.fished till 3:30 then went into the flats to try for some trout.2 hours later using pins we had our limit and headed in.great day out just wished that we would have caught a grouper or two.is it possible that all the stone crab traps have them scattered?or is there something we are doing wrong?this was our first attempt at the groups and any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks, Bob

When the water is cold the fish don't want to eat, and when they do, it's not very often. I have seen from above and below water experience that grouper in cold water stay very tight to cover and are slow to chase a bait. Good stinky ly's cut into smaller pieces seem to work much better in colder months than live bait. Plus you were fishing on a crappy moon with pretty lousy tides. Speaking of stone crab traps, they don't scatter the fish, in fact they are good places to start looking for live bottom. They don't call them "stone" crabs for nothing.

Winter time grouper fishing is normally feast or famine. When you can find the fish feeding, you can clean up, however when they are not biting, there is very little you can do. It's a war of attrition in the winter.

I would stay with it. Try to maximize your chances by picking good moon phases (2-3 days before a new or full moon are my favorites) and fish stronger tides.

[firedriver90]

Thanks Tom for the info.silly question, whats a good stinky ly?. never thought about the relation between the stones and the bottom,but now you say that the light comes on.
Thanks again, Bob

[Tom Keels]

stinky ly = Frozen LY's (baitfish) that can be bought by the box or bag at most bait and tackle stores.