Downrigging For Grouper

By Ted Koppel

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 on the water.

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. This type of line comes in handy for this type of fishing but is not always necessary because a good downrigger has a counter to let you know how deep you are.

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 these baits tied to about an 80# test monofilament or fluorocarbon leader with a swivel.

   Artificial lures such as spoons, skirted bait, and plugs can be very effective when trolling for grouper. I like to tie a squid to a skirted hook with bronze wire; the Grouper love em’. Be sure that the lure does not constantly scrape the bottom; this will dull hooks and hang you up when trolling with downriggers.

Best downriggers

   Cannon makes some of the best downriggers in my opinion. Their electric downriggers produce an electrical field around the rigger ball that actually attracts fish. Most models have a positive ion control that allows you to adjust the voltage, regulating this 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 keeping 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 that can be fished at different depths and lengths, increasing your chances of finding the fish.

   With a little practice and experimentation, you should be able to bring in your fair 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!

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