Luring one of the tastiest fish on the menu

Recently, I have become obsessed with slow pitch jigging. This technique appeals to me because it is so interactive and highly effective. Especially for grouper, one of my favorite fish to eat. Slow pitch jigging is fun and provides a steady supply of my favorite food. What’s not to like?

 

However, when fishing for grouper, you have to bring a professor from MIT to explain the regulations. Well, at least I do. I bring Brody, the amazing fish-finding and stock-trading dog. He has a dog-torate degree. All kidding aside, grouper regulations are pretty easy to understand. The season is closed from Jan. 1 through April 30. You need to be able to identify each grouper species as there are different size and bag limits for each species. Additionally, there are also aggregate bag limits. Rather than put a dog through graduate school or befriend an MIT professor, you can review the most recent regulations at bit.ly/3AA51GL. 

 

Don’t worry, it is easier to catch grouper than to figure out if you can keep them. The other day, Elliott and Brody went slow pitch jigging and did pretty well. They focused their efforts on ledges in 250 feet of water. The slow pitch technique is not rocket science. You drop the jig to the bottom where the grouper live. Then rhythmically lift and lower your rod tip. This movement makes the jig look like a wounded or distressed baitfish. Grouper cannot resist. They strike almost every time.

 

Given the strict size and bag limits for grouper, there is a good chance you will need to release some of the fish that you catch. This is best accomplished via a fish descending device. You can learn more at bit.ly/3B1ntK3. 

 

Give slow pitch jigging a try. It is fun and highly productive. Not just for grouper. Snapper, cobia, amberjack and blackfin tuna are regular catches. If you have questions about the regulations, give Brody a call.

Contact Captain Greg Peralta at capgregp@gmail.com or call (843) 224-0099.