How far out must one go to catch Grouper and what minimal size boat for that type of fishing. Appreciate any help.
What size grouper? Technically, they spend the first 6 months of their lives in our estuaries until about October, when they egress out with the tide on the big moon. Then, they gradually work their way offshore as they get larger. We’ve caught keepers in as shallow as 50’ before in pretty good numbers and there are plenty of them from that depth on out.
I’ve caught juvies under docks inshore…on the fly.
Redfish Baron Extraordinaire
Thanks fellows. I am so new to this salt water fishing that you may not bother with one so low on the totem pole. I don’t even have a boat. I am looking and saving very serious for one. I believe in researching beforehand to be equipped with at least the basic. I appreciate your help. I’ll consider going out a little further each time until I reach a comfort level. I’m 64 so most of my cowboying days are behind me.I was in the Marine Corp so I still have that sense of adventure, with some wisdom. As I read some of the discussions on CharlestonFishig,I take into practice those things such as quick turn around weather, height of chops, weather in near future, tide etc. I sure am looking forward to some fun. I lived in Maryland’s Eastern Shore and did some Rock fishing with others. My main thing was crabbing with a 16’ Jon boat using a trot-line and a 5hp Merc.The Chesapeake is not the ocean I know this much. Well,I have babbled long enough. Again fellows, I sure appreciate your great help. Thank you!
Semper Fi brother…Come by my seafood store in Summerville and I will make sure you learn how to catch grouper…check my references!!!
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PROUD YANKEE
Oyster Baron
NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
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SKINNEEJ: Not sure what size. I suppose something for the family of 3, without having to go to a market and say, Honey I hit the jackpot. How far out is 50’? I am also interested in Mahi.About the best tasting fish I ever had. Most other fish have a little more oil than I can handle. Besides, any day skunked after a long fish day is better than working.
quote:
Originally posted by sellsfishSemper Fi brother…Come by my seafood store in Summerville and I will make sure you learn how to catch grouper…check my references!!!
.
PROUD YANKEEOyster Baron
NMFS = No More Fishing Season
“Back home we got a taxidermy man. He gonna have a heart attack when he see what I brung him”
Semper Fi Yankee
0311
Figure on going to 80- 150’ for good grouper fishing usually. Roughly 25 - 40 miles offshore. They can sometimes be caught closer in, in the winter, but not reliably.
Take Sellsfish up on his offer. It will save you a few years of figuring it out and a thousand dollars in fuel 
Thanks for your service to us, we owe you a few fishing spots at least.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
“Ships are the nearest things to dreams that hands have ever made.” -Robert N. Rose
You can easily bag gags in 50/60’ of water in the fall. About 20 miles off. We got a keeper in July in 60’. We were all pretty happy and surprised. It was in one of our big bass spots. Speaking of which come Nov/Dec you dont have to go far for them. And they are taaaasteeey…
Lot’s of good gag grouper fishing in 50-60’ off of Charleston. I’ve got dozens of gag spots where you can see land.
I’m no grouper fisherman, but did catch a big gag (by my standards) in 60’, 22 lb gag. Actually the biggest one I’ve ever caught.
Pat Condon
“Carla Dee”
You better quit that story telling Jason! No Grouper of any size less then 85’!
If it got any better I couldn’t stand it.
I caught three keepers at edisto 60 during the edisto shark tournament so yes u can catch nice grouper in shallow
quote:
Originally posted by Bug CatcherYou better quit that story telling Jason! No Grouper of any size less then 85’!
If it got any better I couldn’t stand it.
No Red Snapper either!!!
Redfish Baron Extraordinaire
quote:
I caught three keepers at edisto 60
You didn’t have to tell that…No need to be so specific.
218WA Sailfish
The "Penn"sion Plan