92: Fishing Groupers On Soft Baits Part 2

Fishing Groupers On Soft Baits – Part 2

Searching For Groupers

By: Phil Foo

This here is the second part of Fishing Groupers On Soft Baits. For those of you who have not read part 1, do check it out in the last issue. In the last issue we took a look at what groupers are and how they feed or hunt for food. In this issue we will focus on searching for them. We will also take a look at the recommended fishing tackle to use when fishing them.

Locating a grouper’s hunting ground is no rocket science. Most of the time we rely on boatmen to bring us to areas of the sea where groupers hide out or hunt at. Of course these areas are known to them. So, it is a very good idea to have good rapport with your boatman. Treat him or her well and in time you will be catching plenty of fish.

[ Generally, groupers hangout around structures that are solid… ]

Of course you can also try to locate them on your own if you have your own boat. This can be done with the help of a depth sounder. Generally, groupers hangout around structures that are solid. A good sounder can show you the difference between solid structures and weeds. When you locate a solid structure on your sounder; that would be a good place to try.

*Needless to say, look out for fish as well. Good sounders do show more information including fish (or things that could be fish).

A sonar will be plenty of help when locating fishing holes out at sea.

Fishing Groupers

Once you have located your fishing zone, the next thing to do is to fish it. Since groupers are known to grab food and shoot back into any nearby structures; ensure that your fishing tackle has the appropriate power and strength to stop the fish. There certainly is a need to dampen the sudden burst of energy placed on the fishing tackle (rod, line, reel, jigheads, etc.) lest something breaks. The absorption of the pressure must allow for a good hook-up and also to stop the fish without breaking any part of your fishing setup.

A soft bait such as this grub is great for fishing groupers.

Heavier tackle will be recommended especially when fishing on a boat out at sea. But the tackle used must still be able to manipulate the soft baits used. There are fishing rods that have a strong and powerful backbone yet a tip with good enough softness and rebound to manage soft baits.

Fishing lines should ideally have less resistance. Thinner lines with fast sinking or dropping qualities are preferred. Fluorocarbon lines sink fast. Unfortunately, they are not the thinnest of lines (diameter to break strength). Superlines are thinner but most of them come with a low or slow sink rate. There are some superlines that have the sinking quality of fluorocarbon lines. These will be the ideal lines for grouper Fishing.

Superlines are awesome lines to use when fishing groupers as well as other fishers.

As for the leader line, a fluorocarbon leader is recommended. Fluorocarbon lines are harder for fish to spot since these lines have a similar density to that of water; and they turn somewhat invisible underwater. They are also smoother than monofilament lines and hence has a lower resistance level in water.

Fluorocarbon leaders are also tougher and can handle abrasion much better than the usual monofilament leaders can. Choose a fluorocarbon leader that has very minimal or no stretch. This helps with setting the hook and stopping the fish from shooting back into cover. Should they make it back into cover, the abrasion resistance quality of Fluorocarbon leaders helps keep the fish on the ine.

Fluorocarbon leaders are almost invisible underwater making them great lines for fishing.

When it comes to jigheads; ensure that they are jigheads that come with high quality and tough hooks. Some hooks can bend out of shape easily and some can break. A good quality hook will help ensure that the fish is not lost due to the failure of hooks used. We have lost fish because of hook failure. Well, as a fishing magazine we have to test all sorts of hooks and losing fish is part and parcel of it. Anyway, hooks are an important investment. Ensure that they are strong and sharp.

Quality jigheads are highly recommended.

There you go; some of the recommended fishing tackle needed for fishing groupers and also how to locate them out at sea or at a saltwater pond. In the next issue we will take a look at some of the soft baits that you can use when it comes to fishing groupers. As for now take care, stay safe, and happy fishing.