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Old 08-15-2018, 08:44 AM   #1
Eibwen
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Grouper hunting

Anyone care to share some tips on how to get within shooting distance of cautious grouper? This past weekend there were some nice sized reds but I couldn't get within 20ft of them. I did try setting my stringer down on the sand, kicking up some of the bottom, and hiding behind some rocks in an ambush position. Worked to bring in a bunch of mangos (I wouldn't try this if I saw any sharks in the area). The big grouper came in a bit but sat well outside my shooting range.
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Old 08-15-2018, 01:04 PM   #2
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Re: Grouper hunting

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Originally Posted by Eibwen View Post
Anyone care to share some tips on how to get within shooting distance of cautious grouper? This past weekend there were some nice sized reds but I couldn't get within 20ft of them. I did try setting my stringer down on the sand, kicking up some of the bottom, and hiding behind some rocks in an ambush position. Worked to bring in a bunch of mangos (I wouldn't try this if I saw any sharks in the area). The big grouper came in a bit but sat well outside my shooting range.
Sounds like you are on SCUBA, so this may not be as useful if so, but what I've found is that most grouper don't like something swimming toward them at their level (from the sides or front). When you dive bomb them from above, they seem to let you get much closer. Thinking about it one way, the shark comes from the side, the turtle comes from above. Be the turtle. Just a thought. I'm no grouper expert. Although I did manage a nice one last week.
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Old 08-15-2018, 02:15 PM   #3
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Re: Grouper hunting

Generally red grouper are stupid and will just sit there and/or follow you around. Gags on the other hand are pretty skittish with scuba, especially as they get bigger. Often you have to chase them for awhile at a steady speed from above them until they decide to turn around and look at you. That or shoot them in a hole.
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Old 08-15-2018, 03:15 PM   #4
Gary H
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Re: Grouper hunting

Shoot one of the mangos - leave it alone while you load your extra shaft. If the grouper has not come over to check out the action, then shoot another mango (or something else). Even if the grouper doesn't swim over at least you picked up some groceries
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Old 08-15-2018, 04:30 PM   #5
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Re: Grouper hunting

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Shoot one of the mangos - leave it alone while you load your extra shaft. If the grouper has not come over to check out the action, then shoot another mango (or something else). Even if the grouper doesn't swim over at least you picked up some groceries
I like this!

Going to be in your neck of the woods starting Sunday - I hope you do well on your 4 day ARS season - LOL.
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Old 08-15-2018, 05:00 PM   #6
Gary H
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Re: Grouper hunting

Thanks, good luck to you! This is what last weekend Red Snapper season looked like, the one's between the Sheeps and the Red Grouper are Trigger:
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Old 08-15-2018, 05:04 PM   #7
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Re: Grouper hunting

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Thanks, good luck to you! This is what last weekend Red Snapper season looked like, the one's between the Sheeps and the Red Grouper are Trigger:
Damn, I LOVE trigger and haven't gotten one in 3 years. Stupid regs over on this side of the pond are insane. And they just closed it again for the rest of the year.
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