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wes
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Posted: Fri Dec 21st, 2007 11:05 pm |
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Where is the best place and what is the best bait for Grouper and Snapper?
Thanks
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MOBILE MIKE
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Posted: Sat Dec 22nd, 2007 02:26 am |
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| Yea, I'd like to know that as well. I would think deep water would be the ticket at this time of year but I dont really know. Thanks Mike
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No Sniveling
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Posted: Sat Dec 22nd, 2007 02:55 am |
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OK, you asked for it...deep water, rocky bottom mixed with sand areas and larger structure like boulder piles. Strong current is best, but you have to figure out how to anchor to take advantage. Look for current flowing over the top of structure, with a chance to position your bait on the "up-swell" side. Large live bait would be best - mackerel, small barracuda, even small skipjack if you want a Big Boy on the other end. You'll find areas like this over "The Reef", but you can be fishing 300-800 feet of water. You'll need good electronics and arms like Popeye (or electric reels - wimpy!), 100# Spectra and a 24-48 ounce weight. Dropper loop with a BIG circle hook (12/0-16/0 would be good), a little luck, and you're filling the boat!
Never done it, but that's how I hear it's done! 
You might also talk to Ernesto Amador on the Huapanguero and Petrel - he seems to know a few things about snapper and grouper. For the right incentive, I bet he would take you there! 
If you find them, you gotta promise to tell me where...
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fishingnut
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Posted: Sat Dec 22nd, 2007 02:35 pm |
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I have actually caught a lot of deep water grouper and snapper. Location is around some sort of structure and we catch the big ones in 300 to 1000 feet. They may be deeper as well but I do not use electric reels so there is a limit for me. We drift over them so you need good electronics to see the bottom well. These fish are hiding and ambush so they will attempt to go back to the hiding space when hooked. So, I use a single hook rig. The line from the reel, at least 100# spectra, is hooked to a big snap swivel and that is attached to 100# steelon leader, about 6 feet. This is hooked to a large 3 way swivel. One drop from the three way has a 14/0 or so circle hook, I like the vmc and large super mutu, attached with about 2 feet of the same steelon. The bottom drop is with 50# mono, about 2 feet or so, which is attahed to a really big lead weight, usually a 6#, but maybe as high as 10# with high current. The weight should be rounded on top to help prevent hooking up. The big lead sticks like old window weights work really well. But if it does, you save the rest of the rig. The steelon helps prevent the cut-offs when they dive back into the hiding spot. I also use a glo-lite hooked to the big swivel when fishing over about 400 feet. The glo lite and the lead bounding with vibrations on the bottom and stuff seems to bring them to you. For bait, something that will not come off easy...the head of a small fish works well. A small fish in the 6 inch to 10 inch range is good but must be well hooked..I usually go through the part between the eyes and mouth in a good bony part. Groupers also really like what we call the grouper sandwich...a piece of squid, a fish filet, then another piece of squid. That sometimes works when they are not biting anythin else. Be sure and have the big circle well exposed so it can hook up soon. Also, the immediate bite is go/no go time...you must prevent the fish from going back into the hiding spot or sometimes they get wedged in and are just not coming out. So when they grab the bait, really clamp down with no mercy and just start hauling them up. Once you get them 50 or 100 feet from the hole you just keep them from going back down. In really deep fish, say over 500 feet, they will also have a huge expansion of the swim bladder at a certain point and will them just come to the surface on their own. Your first one that does that may freak you out since their eyes and stuff will be popping out. My vote for the best eating fish in the water goes to the grouper/snapper type. Hence, the work and effort. They are also just fun to catch.
Good luck,
fishingnut
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MOBILE MIKE
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Posted: Sat Dec 22nd, 2007 10:09 pm |
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Wow!! That sounds like a lot of work!! I have everything that you said and am going to try it. I think I will hire a local captain (Joel) that can take me out and show me the ropes. I dont have any numbers yet but hope to get a few while I am there. Snapper and grouper sound good to me when nothing else is happening. Thanks Mike 
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No Sniveling
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Posted: Sat Dec 22nd, 2007 10:38 pm |
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I am surpised no one hit me with the "DROP AN ANCHOR IN 300-800 FEET??!!!" Maybe at 300 feet (if you have someone strong and willing to pull it!) but I don't know anyone with enough line to set in 800 feet! .
Good Luck!
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MOBILE MIKE
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Posted: Sun Dec 23rd, 2007 05:22 am |
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| I wont be dropping anchor in water any were near that deep. I was planing on drifting. If I need to anchor that deep I'll hire a captain. Maybe on the last day of fishing I'll drop the hook myself that way I'll be able to rest my arms all the way home!! Mike
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Stuart
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Posted: Sun Dec 23rd, 2007 04:42 pm |
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| Come up to Puerto Penasco, that's the best place. I'll show you how it's done.
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No Sniveling
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Posted: Sun Dec 23rd, 2007 04:47 pm |
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I was wondering when the "King of the Bottom Feeders" would chime in....
Merry Christmas Stuart and Connie!
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Stuart
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Posted: Mon Dec 24th, 2007 04:04 pm |
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Hey... if the shoe fits...
Merry Christmas, Craig!
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