Groupers are a huge genus of fish, which includes about 100 species. Belong to the family of stone perches. In general, the family includes 50 genera and 400 species. Most groupers live in the Indo-Pacific region (more than 50 species). Fishes of this genus can be called differently, for example, merrow or black. Groupers, despite the general similarity, are quite different in color and size. Color variability depends not only on the species, but also on the conditions of existence. Pisces are often called “sea chameleons”.

Here is an overview of the content of this tutorial, feel free to jump to any section you care about:

For more fishing instructions, take a look at these popular Trizily links: Croaker Fishing, Halibut Fishing.

Grouper Fishing

Characteristics and habits of grouper

Characteristic features: a large head with a huge mouth, the lower jaw is advanced, a massive, laterally compressed body. On the jaws there are bristle-shaped and several large, fang-shaped teeth. When caught, the fish should not be grabbed by the gills. Gill stamens are covered with sharp appendages, so there is a danger of injury. The sizes, in different species, can vary greatly. In length, some individuals reach more than 2.5 m, although others grow no more than 20 cm. A giant grouper (Red Sea and Indian Ocean) grows over 400 kg.

Groupers are quite aggressive, some individuals can be dangerous for divers. Most likely, they perceive a person as a danger or competitor. All groupers, from an early age, active predators, food addictions do not exist. The fish sucks in its victims, creating a vacuum around the object of the hunt, widely opening a huge mouth of a rounded shape. It attacks both smaller fish or invertebrates, and, for example, sea turtles.

grouper-fishing-1

Hunting behaviors also demonstrate different. It lives at different depths near reefs of different origins, where it holds shelters, waits for a victim or patrols a section of the bottom near rocks or aquatic plants. They do not form large groups, they can come close to the shore, although they often live at great depths, about 100 m or more.

Reproduction habit of grouper

For representatives of the serranidae family, to which belong groupers, a certain feature in the method of reproduction is characteristic. Many species are hermaphrodites. Throughout life, they change their gender. In most groupers, such metamorphoses can occur several times during their lives, in one direction or another. During spawning, large groups form, spawning millions of eggs, but most of them do not survive. It is believed that during spawning, in fish, there is a strong zhor. In the Gulf of Mexico, during the spawning period, there is a massive production of groupers with nets and hook gear, which greatly affects the number of these fish.

Grouper fishing guide: Techniques, bait and gear

Grouper fishing techniques

Fish is greedy and voracious. The most interesting is amateur fishing on spinning lures. In addition to traditional spinning rigs, in various regions, trolling, drifting and others are used. The method of fishing and equipment depends not only on the preferences of the fishermen, but also on the conditions of fishing. In general, fishing occurs at sufficiently large depths at the bottom or at a complex rocky terrain. With any method of fishing, they use either heavy baits or special deep-wellings, as in the case of trolling. When choosing gear it is worth finding out the sizes of possible trophies.

Spinning for grouper

The main way of fishing with spinning gear is jigging. Fishing, most often, occurs with boats of various classes. For gear, in spinning fishing for sea fish, as in the case of trolling, the main requirement is reliability. Reels should be with an impressive supply of fishing line or cord. In addition to a trouble-free brake system, the coil must be protected against salt water. Spinning fishing from a boat may differ in lure feeding principles. Many types of marine fishing techniques require very fast wiring, which means a high gear ratio of the winding mechanism. According to the principle of action, the coils can be either multiplier or inertialess. Accordingly, the rods are selected depending on the reel system. When fishing for spinning sea fish, the fishing technique is very important. In order to select the correct wiring, consult with experienced local fishermen or guides.

Trolling for grouper

Groupers, due to their size and temperament, are considered a very interesting opponent for trolling. To catch them, the most serious fishing tackle will be required. Sea trolling is a way of fishing using a moving motor vehicle, such as a boat or boat. For fishing on ocean and sea open spaces, specialized vessels equipped with numerous devices are used.

Trolling-for-grouper

The main ones are the holders of the rods, in addition, the boats are equipped with chairs for fishing, a table for making baits, powerful echo sounders and more. The rods are also used specialized, made of fiberglass and other polymers with special fittings. Reels are used multiplier, maximum capacity. The device of trolling reels is subordinated to the basic idea of such gear – strength. Monofilament, with a thickness of up to 4 mm or more, is measured, with such fishing, by kilometers. There are a lot of auxiliary devices that are used depending on the fishing conditions: for deepening equipment, for placing lures in the fishing area, for attaching bait, etc., including numerous elements of equipment.

In the case of fishing for groupers, an important element of equipment are various sinkers (deepeners). Fish are most often caught barraging along reefs of various origins, spending bait near the fish sites. Trolling, especially when hunting for marine giants, is a group type of fishing. As a rule, several rods are used. In the case of a bite, for a successful capture, coherence of the team is important. Before the trip, it is advisable to learn the rules of fishing in the region. In most cases, fishing is carried out by professional guides who are fully responsible for the event. It is worth noting that the search for a trophy at sea or in the ocean can be associated with many hours of bite waiting, sometimes unsuccessful.

Drift fishing for grouper

Drifter fishing for groupers involves the use of specially equipped boats or boats with fishing rod holders. It is worth considering that the size of trophies can be very significant, which requires special training from the fishing organizers. Fishing is carried out using marine fishing rods with accessories for natural baits. The “drift” itself is carried out due to sea currents or wind. In most cases, fishing is carried out with the lure of predators by various bites of animal composition. On a snap, some anglers use bite alarms in the form of large floats. Slow movement of the vessel increases the fishing area and creates an imitation of the movement of the bait.

Grouper fishing bait

To catch groupers with amateur gear, they use various, both artificial and natural baits and baits. Among the natural ones, it is worth noting small live fish, for example, juvenile barracudas, sardines. In addition, small cephalopods are used. For fishing on a spinning rod, “kickback” or trolling, various wobblers and artificial silicone imitations are used.

Where to catch grouper

Where-to-catch-grouper

Groupers are distributed practically in all the warm waters of the World Ocean and its constituent seas. As already indicated, many species of groupers live in the Pacific and Indian Ocean. In the Atlantic, several species live in the Caribbean, as well as in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Off the coast of America, fish live in discontinuous ranges. Large catches of groupers off the coast of West Africa.

Similar Posts