How To Catch Gag Grouper In Southwest Florida

Gag Grouper are back in the shallow waters of Southwest Florida. A couple weeks ago a friend of mine caught 10 keepers gags 5 straight days in a row. Several of the gags were over 30 inches. Please be aware that new fishing regulations are in effect that limit the number of Gag Grouper. Always check local fishing regulations before you decide to take a fish home. Gag Grouper also has a closed season now.

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I have also been doing very well, but I consider my friend Rick Dugan of Cape Coral the best fisherman in Southwest Florida for Big Gag Grouper, Redfish and Snook. We have also been catching a lot of Mangrove Snapper, Cobia, Snook and Redfish. The best way to catch the fish right now is to free line pinfish around any structure in Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound.

* Photos submitted by Rick Dugan

Some fish are being caught in shallow water only 4-6 feet deep. The bigger the pinfish the better. We have been catching big Black Gag Grouper on pinfish bigger than your hand. Its best to use a fluorocarbon leader of 50 lbs when fishing the dangerous underwater structures. The big grouper will run around a dock or rock and break you off if you don't really lock the drag down tight. You have to take control of the fight quickly before he has a chance to turn his head downward.

* Photos submitted by Rick Dugan

This is some very exhilarating fishing. You will also need a stout rod and reel with 30 lb Spider Wire or equivalent. The limit is currently 5 keepers per day per person and must be over 22 inches. Red Grouper have a different bag and size limit, so always check on the latest fishing regulations to make sure you know the latest requirements.

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Another successful method to catch Big Gag Grouper is to troll for them using a Mann Stretch 25 deep diving plug. Gags can be found inshore in as little as 3 ft of water , but its also a great time to fish the coastal reefs and ledges. Find an area with a ledge in 20 - 30 feet of water. Troll the plugs parallel to the ledge and let them bounce off the bottom. This will help draw a strike. Gags have been known to come to the surface and strike also, so be mindful as you reel in your line. I have caught some of my biggest gags this way.

* Photos submitted by Rick Dugan

You can also try the passes, but the passes see a lot of boat action and there are also a lot of boats drifting or anchored that presents a problem to trolling lines in the water. Floating weeds can also bring trolling efforts to a halt.

The Mangrove Snapper are also hitting very good in the passes on Shrimp, White Bait or Pinfish. Use a 3/4 ounce round lead sinker on 20-30 lb line with a # 2 hook and light tackle and you'll have a ball. We did our best fishing in less than 20 feet in the passes. We caught several over 5 lbs and managed to limit out every day. Keep in mind you need to set the hook a couple seconds before the mangrove snapper bits as my buddy Rick says. Just kidding, but you really have to be ready and keep a tight line so you can feel the strike.

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Great Luck On The Water and please send us a picture of your Gags and we'll post them on this page with your name. Also check out our Kayak Fishing On Lake Arenal Costa Rica and our Lake Arenal Lakeview Lodge Bed & Breakfast