How To Catch Gag Grouper

Do you have catching gag grouper on your bucket list as an angler? Do you want to learn how to catch gag grouper? Gag groupers are some of the most sought-after fish in the Gulf of Mexico. They are big, put up a serious fight when hooked, and are delicious. They can be found around rocks, reefs, and wrecks.

In this article, we discuss how to catch gag grouper and share information on the fishing methods often used to catch them. As well as the best baits and lures for gag grouper fishing and some tips and tricks to get them in the boat.

How To Catch Gag Grouper

1. Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing is one of the most popular methods for catching gag grouper. Anglers typically use heavy tackle and bottom rigs baited with live or cut baitfish, such as pinfish, mullet, or squid. The rigs are lowered to the seafloor near rocky ledges, reefs, wrecks, or other underwater structures where gag grouper are known to inhabit.

Once the bait reaches the bottom, anglers employ a variety of techniques to entice strikes, including jigging or gently bouncing the bait along the bottom to mimic natural movement. This method is highly effective for targeting gag grouper, especially in deeper waters where these fish often congregate.

2. Chumming

Chumming is a strategic method for attracting gag grouper to a specific area and encouraging them to feed actively. Anglers deploy a mixture of chopped baitfish, fish parts, or commercially available chum products into the water to create a scent trail that can draw grouper from a distance.

Once gag grouper are attracted to the chum slick, anglers present baits or lures in the vicinity, increasing their chances of hooking into feeding fish. This method is particularly effective when fishing in areas with limited structure or when targeting grouper in deeper waters where visibility may be reduced.

3. Drift Fishing

Drift fishing is a versatile method for catching gag grouper, especially when targeting fish in open water or along expansive flats. Anglers allow their baits or lures to drift naturally with the current, covering a wide area in search of actively feeding grouper.

This method is particularly effective when fishing with live baitfish, cut bait, or soft plastics rigged on jig heads. By adjusting drift speed and direction, anglers can effectively cover different depths and contours, increasing their chances of encountering gag grouper. Drift fishing allows anglers to explore large areas of water efficiently, making it an excellent choice for locating and hooking into these prized game fish.

4. Night Fishing

Night fishing can be a productive strategy for targeting gag grouper, especially during warmer months when these fish are more active and feeding closer to the surface. Anglers often use this method in combination with other techniques, such as bottom fishing or trolling, to increase their chances of success.

Gag grouper are known to move into shallower waters under the cover of darkness to hunt for prey, making them more accessible to anglers fishing from boats or shorelines. When night fishing for gag grouper, it’s crucial to choose the right location, typically around structure-rich areas like reefs, wrecks, or rock piles where these fish congregate. Anglers often use live or cut baitfish, such as mullet, pinfish, or squid, presented near the bottom or suspended at various depths to entice strikes from hungry grouper.

Additionally, artificial lures like jigs or soft plastics can also be effective when worked slowly along the seafloor or near structure. Anglers should employ heavy tackle and sturdy rods to handle the powerful strikes and dives of gag grouper, especially in low-light conditions. Using lights to attract baitfish can also draw in larger predators like gag grouper, increasing the likelihood of a successful catch.

Night fishing requires anglers to rely on their senses and feel for subtle bites, as visibility is limited. However, with patience, persistence, and the right techniques, night fishing can yield rewarding catches of gag grouper under the cover of darkness.

5. Vertical Jigging

Vertical jigging is a dynamic and effective technique for catching gag grouper, especially when targeting fish holding near vertical structures or in deeper waters. Anglers use heavy metal jigs, often equipped with assist hooks or bucktail teasers, and drop them vertically to the seafloor or desired depth.

By rapidly jigging the lure up and down, anglers create an enticing action that mimics injured prey, attracting the attention of nearby grouper. Vertical jigging allows anglers to cover a wide range of depths and effectively target gag grouper holding near wrecks, reefs, or other underwater structures where these fish are commonly found.

6. Trolling

Trolling is another productive technique for catching gag grouper, particularly when targeting larger individuals in offshore waters. Anglers use specialized trolling rigs equipped with deep-diving plugs, spoons, or large swimbaits designed to dive down to the desired depth where gag grouper is holding.

By covering a large area of water and presenting lures at various depths, anglers increase their chances of encountering feeding grouper. Trolling can be done along the edges of reefs, around underwater structures, or along drop-offs where gag grouper are known to patrol in search of prey. This method allows anglers to cover a wide range of habitats and depths, making it an effective strategy for locating and hooking into gag grouper.

7. Baitcasting

Baitcasting is a highly effective fishing method for targeting gag grouper, particularly when fishing in and around structure-rich areas such as reefs, wrecks, and rock piles. Anglers utilize specialized baitcasting reels paired with heavy-duty rods capable of handling the powerful strikes and dives of these hard-fighting fish.

To catch gag grouper using baitcasting gear, anglers typically employ a bottom fishing approach, presenting live or cut baitfish, such as pinfish, mullet, or squid, near the seafloor where grouper are known to inhabit. The key to success with baitcasting for gag grouper lies in accurate casting and precise presentation of the bait to enticing areas of the structure.

Anglers must carefully navigate their bait around rocky outcroppings and ledges, allowing it to sink naturally into the strike zone without getting snagged. Once the bait is in position, anglers maintain a close watch on their lines for any signs of a strike, indicated by a sudden movement or tension on the line.

Properly set drag systems on baitcasting reels are essential for handling the powerful runs of gag grouper, allowing anglers to gradually tire out these formidable opponents before bringing them to the surface. Baitcasting offers anglers the strength and control needed to target gag grouper effectively, making it a preferred method for anglers seeking these prized game fish in both shallow and deep waters.

8. Live Bait Fishing

Live bait fishing is a tried-and-true method for catching gag grouper, especially when targeting larger specimens. Anglers use a variety of live baitfish, such as pinfish, mullet, grunts, or pilchards, rigged on heavy-duty circle hooks and presented near the bottom in areas known to hold gag grouper.

The use of live bait adds an element of natural movement and scent that can attract the attention of these wary predators. Anglers may also employ a technique known as “free-lining,” where the bait is presented without any additional weight to allow it to drift naturally with the current. This method can be particularly effective in areas with strong currents or when targeting grouper holding in shallower water.

Gag Grouper Fishing Tackle

When fishing for gag groupers, the heavy tackle will work well as they are powerful, grow to be large, aggressive, and are hard fighters. Additionally, a reel with a drag system to handle the strength of the grouper will make fishing for gag grouper more successful. The line capacity of the reel should be about 300-400 yards of 80 lb braid.

Best Baits For Gag Grouper

1. Squid

Squid is a highly effective bait for targeting gag grouper, as these predatory fish are attracted to its scent and texture. Anglers often use fresh or frozen squid when bottom fishing or trolling in areas known to hold gag grouper populations. Squid can be rigged whole or cut into strips to increase their scent dispersal in the water, enticing grouper to strike.

When rigging squid for gag grouper, anglers typically use a strong and sharp hook to ensure secure hookups when the fish takes the bait. It’s essential to present the squid near the bottom, where gag grouper often forages for prey, particularly around rocky outcrops, ledges, and underwater structures.

Some anglers prefer to combine squid with other baits, such as live or dead baitfish, to provide a variety of options and increase the chances of attracting grouper. Additionally, squid can also be used as an effective bait when fishing with jigging or vertical jigging techniques, allowing anglers to target grouper in deeper waters or when fish are holding in mid-water columns. Overall, squid remains a staple bait for anglers targeting gag grouper, offering versatility and effectiveness in various fishing situations.

2. Sardines

Sardines are a popular and effective bait choice for anglers targeting gag grouper due to their strong scent and natural oils, which attract these predatory fish. When using sardines as bait for gag grouper, anglers typically rig them whole or filleted onto a strong and sharp hook, ensuring secure hookups when the fish strike.

Anglers can also thread sardine chunks onto a fishing rig to increase scent dispersion in the water column, enticing grouper to feed. Sardines can be used in various fishing techniques, including bottom fishing, trolling, and drift fishing. Anglers often deploy sardines near underwater structures such as reefs, ledges, and wrecks, where gag grouper are known to congregate in search of prey.

Additionally, anglers may use sardines in combination with other baits or lures to provide a diverse bait presentation and increase the chances of success. Overall, sardines are a versatile and reliable bait option for anglers pursuing gag grouper in both shallow and deep-water habitats.

3. Pinfish

Pinfish are a favored bait for anglers targeting gag grouper, known for their effectiveness in enticing these predatory fish. Anglers can catch pinfish using a variety of methods, including traps, cast nets, or hook and line. Using a trap baited with cut fish or shrimp is a common method for capturing pinfish in large quantities.

Anglers may also use a cast net to target schools of pinfish, which are often found near structures such as reefs, rocks, and pilings. Alternatively, anglers can catch pinfish using small hooks and bits of shrimp or squid as bait. Once caught, pinfish can be rigged onto a fishing line either live or dead, depending on angler preference and fishing conditions.

When rigging pinfish as bait for gag grouper, anglers typically use a sliding sinker rig or fish finder rig to keep the bait near the bottom where grouper are often found. By presenting pinfish near underwater structures where gag grouper reside, anglers increase their chances of success in catching these prized fish.

Best Lures For Gag Grouper

1. Trolling Plugs

Trolling plugs can be a highly effective lure for targeting gag grouper, especially when fishing in open water or along the edges of reefs and underwater structures. These lures mimic the appearance and swimming action of baitfish, enticing grouper to strike.

Anglers typically troll plugs behind a boat at varying speeds to cover a large area of water and locate feeding grouper. When selecting trolling plugs for gag grouper, anglers often opt for lures with bright colors and realistic designs that resemble the local baitfish species.

Additionally, plugs equipped with rattles or built-in diving lips can attract the attention of grouper from a distance. Anglers may also vary the depth at which they troll the plugs by using planer boards or downriggers to reach different parts of the water column where grouper are known to feed.

By trolling plugs along known grouper habitats such as drop-offs, ledges, and reef edges, anglers increase their chances of enticing strikes from these powerful fish. It’s essential to use heavy-duty trolling gear and strong hooks when targeting gag grouper, as they can quickly dive for cover once hooked.

How To Catch Gag Grouper In The Gulf

Gag grouper is one of the most popular saltwater gamefish in the Gulf of Mexico. With large and robust fish, the Gulf of Mexico is one of the popular fishing areas for anglers. Bottom fishing, trolling, and using jigs or artificial lures are some of the fishing methods used by anglers to catch gag groupers in the Gulf of Mexico.

How To Catch Gag Grouper In Tampa Bay

Gag Grouper likes to hide near structures. Look for wrecks, ledges, or a vertical wall of a shipping channel. One of the best ways to catch gag grouper in Tampa Bay is by trolling. When trolling for gag grouper in Tampa Bay, slowly move the boat as you let the bait move at the back of the boat. Move near the structures that gag groupers hang around with your bait or lures moving around those structures.

Gag Grouper Fishing Tips

1. Live bait is the best bait to get bites when fishing for gag grouper.

2. One of the popular fishing methods used by anglers when fishing for gag grouper is bottom fishing.

3. When the grouper is hooked, crank it; don’t yank as yanking will rip the hook right out of its mouth.

4. Gag grouper is often found around structures such as drop-offs, rocks, wrecks, and steep walls that are 50-60 feet deep.

5. Gag grouper is regulated by the state. Make sure that you are aware of the regulations concerning gag grouper fishing before setting out on a fishing trip for gag grouper.

6. Circle hooks are required in Florida when fishing reef fish.

7. Bottom fishing, chumming, night fishing, drift fishing, jigging, trolling, and baitcasting are some of the fishing methods used when fishing for gag grouper.

The Bottom Line

Gag grouper is a hard-fighting and aggressive fish. It is found around rocks, wrecks, ledges, drop-offs, and other structures. It is a favorite gamefish for many anglers for all of the reasons stated above and the fact that they are delicious.

In this article, we discussed how to catch gag grouper, the bait and lures anglers use, as well as the fishing methods often used. You can also read how to catch grouper, how to catch black grouper, and how to catch rock hind.