Grouper

pierfish · Posted: Sun Oct 14, 2007 8:28 pm Post subject:

I would recommend getting a 4/0 Penn without the level wind. The level winds often become more of a problem then a help. You will also find that the Penns without the level winds are more durable.

SNOOKER · Posted: Mon Oct 22, 2007 7:27 pm Post subject:

Reccomend the Penn 4/0. try bluefish for your bait on a freeline.

SNOOKER

Filletnrelease · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 3:27 pm Post subject:

The Penn 309M can be purchased new at Boaters World or on line at their web site for around $59. This has a level wind, which I am not particularly fond of, but if you are new to conventional reels it would be a good start. The reel holds 350 yards of 30# or proportionately less of higher pound test. Coupled with a good heavy or medium heavy 7' rod and you should have a nice starter rig. You gotta start somewhere or you will never end of with 40 or 50 rod and reels. Please don't tell my wife, she seldom goes out to the barn.
Capt'n Jack

Cookinman · Expert Joined: 28 Dec 2007 Posts: 192

pierfish · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 1:27 pm Post subject:

Now thats funny Laughing

Filletnrelease · Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 3:40 pm Post subject:

That's a good one there. I think I resemble that.

pierfish · Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 1:02 am Post subject:

Just to add to this post. My previous advice was based around using cheaper tackle, which is fine but here is my current grouper setup:

8' custom Calstar equipped with a Diawa saltist 30
Spooled with 270 yards of 80lb pp with 55 yards of 80lb top shot
10/0 Gamakatsu hooks

andreww · Posted: Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:34 am Post subject:

Thanks pierfish do you use the high speed senator?
_________________
quote of the week

Wemon are like corn chips they can be great but also really hurt the roof of your mouth

rtoner79 · Newbie Joined: 07 Mar 2009 Posts: 5

Hello,

I am new to the Forum, I think it is awesome. I am from Pittsburgh originally. I now live in Bradenton, FL. Anyway I have been to the Skyway pier many times. Some days are good and some bad. Its either hit or miss for me. I go to the South pier and I either use finger length mullet or the white bait from the water. Does anyone have any suggestions on bait to use and rig set up. I use multiple heavy duty rods with a 4 oz barrel sinker. I also use a steel leader. Does it sound like I have the right set up or am I missing something. Also, I wanted to know what areas of the south pier have the best structure for grouper fishing? If some one could help me that would be great.

Thanks,

-Ryan

andreww

rtoner79 · Newbie Joined: 07 Mar 2009 Posts: 5

Hello,

Just waiting to see if anyone will answer my original post about grouper fishing on the Skyway...

Thanks,

-Ryan

pierfish · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 5:04 pm Post subject:

Hello rtoner79, we have been having great success with the balloon method. The rig you mention will work but it's most popular in deeper water. The lighter the weight the better. You want the bait to look as natural as possible.

rtoner79 · Newbie Joined: 07 Mar 2009 Posts: 5

I did notice the rock piles. They look like they are pretty far from the pier. I did see a few people using the balloons... I like to use the heavy 4 oz weight to get the bait out there... Also, How do you hook up the rig?, Do you use a balloon about the size of a softball and a small weight? Not quite sure how it all works. Can you explain?

Canadian · Expert Joined: 11 Nov 2007 Posts: 185

you also might wanna try fluorocarbon leaders, its more expensive but for most fish species it'll pay off.

wakeman · Newbie Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 6

I have used many higher end reels like fin-or and they didn't have level wind on them. It seems to be more of a preference?