The Best Grouper Bait

Grouper are large bottom dwelling fish that offer an action packed fight from the bite to the landing. Their depths vary depending on the ocean and the time of year and they can be found in shallow water 30 feet deep to depths of over 300 feet. The best grouper bait changes according to fishing method and depth of the fish you are targeting.

  1. Chunk Bait

    • Chunk bait is an effective bait for tight lining grouper on the bottom. Use an appropriate weight at the end of your line with a hook 12 to 18 inches above it with bait secured. Squid, sand perch, anchovies or any native baitfish to the area make an ideal bait to cut up as chunk bait. Cut the bait fish into sizes appropriate for the fish you are targeting. Normally the larger the bait you use the larger your catch will be, since smaller fish won't be able to fully ingest the bait.

    Live Baits

    • You can utilize live bait to mimic naturally occurring bait fish around the grouper you are targeting. Species such as grunts, pinfish and sand perch make ideal live baits that you can rig for catching grouper as you are anchored or slowly drifting. There are several methods for rigging live bait including placing the hook through the top lip or placing one or several hooks through the top of the fish, allowing it to swim in a lifelike motion.

    Artificial Baits

    • Artificial baits are ideal while trolling for grouper due to their integrity and variety of styles and colors. Anglers can troll several styles and colors at a time to try to trigger strikes and attach cut bait for an added attraction. Using wire line, lead core or down riggers are all effective methods of getting the lures to the bottom and within reach of the grouper. Popular lures are feather lures and diving plugs slowly trolled along the bottom and over bottom structures such as reefs and ledges.

    Tackle

    • Heavy tackle is essential for increasing your chances of landing a grouper due to their size and often rocky environment they live in. Use a heavy durable line that can withstand the abrasion from being drug across the bottom. Anglers targeting grouper often lose gear from break-offs and line breakage on the bottom while fighting the fish.