1st Grouper Trip Question(s)

[reel therapy]

Yes, I am a true rookie--or even better, a novice. Other than drifting over the flats with a live shrimp under a cajun thunder looking for trout, or bouncing a jig off the bottom of the river catching sheepshead and reds, I have no experience. But I have a chance to get out this Thursday, and as of now the forecast is calling for calm seas. So I would like to try some nearshore grouper fishing.

From what I have gathered (e.g. reading posts from other BBF.net members, magazines, etc.), I should probably try trolling some stretch 25's and 30's in about 30' of water over structure and/or live bottom.

Ok, so what is meant by structure, or "live bottom?" I think I know what structure is, but what about live bottom? Are they the same? Not having any experience (or any particular numbers saved on my GPS), I am just planning to try the St. Marks Reef and Rotary Reef, and probably some of the other close reefs. Anway, I'm not sure what else to ask, but any suggestions would be great (even numbers ) .

Thanks.

[EddieJoe]

Ok, so what is meant by structure, or "live bottom?" I think I know what structure is, but what about live bottom? Are they the same? Not having any experience (or any particular numbers saved on my GPS), I am just planning to try the St. Marks Reef and Rotary Reef, and probably some of the other close reefs. Anway, I'm not sure what else to ask, but any suggestions would be great (even numbers ) .

Thanks.

Reel:

Structure refers to any abrupt change in the bottom contour. Could be a steep dropoff, an abrupt rise, or something like rocks, a reef, or a wreck. "Hard bottom" is a naturally occurring type of structure, usually exposed limestone with undercuts, holes, and crevices.

Trolling the St. Marks and Rotary is a good place to start. You may also wish to try trolling the "Buoy 24 Barge" artificial reef area (check this site for the GPS numbers), and from there head S.E. and troll. If you see stone crab buoys they are always on "hard bottom" so that is a good area to troll. Watch the buoy lines and your plugs, though. Troll stretch 25's at about 5 knots, with 150' of line out. Hot colors right now are chrome with blue back and fire tiger. If you get deeper than 30' you can troll a stretch 30.

Last two times out I limited on grouper trolling, but I am guessing we are getting towards the end of good grouper trolling time until next April. December can be good, November is much better. Depends on the weather.

Luck,

EJ

[Redfish Jim]

Last two times out I limited on grouper trolling, but I am guessing we are getting towards the end of good grouper trolling time until next April. December can be good, November is much better. Depends on the weather.

Luck,

EJ

I'll second EJ's assessment. Went out yesterday and trolled all my hot spots in 20 - 25' and no grouper. Water temp was 52 and I usually quit having luck in shallow water once it drops much below the high 50's. Just be warned that I've only done this for about 3 years so this observation may not mean anything at all.

Caught all the nice-sized black sea bass I wanted, however, so you can always anchor up or drift over structure and send a Gulp jig or piece of cut bait down if you want to bring home a little dinner.

I think the #24 barge and surrounding environs will probably be your best bet with the cooler water since it's a little deeper than the other places you mentioned.

[Perch Jerker]

Hey RT, you seen this?

http://www.bigbendfishing.net/phpbb/vie ... hp?t=11864