From June 1st until December 31st we will be targeting the Shallow Water Grouper. We are fishing for these hard pulling fish in anywhere from 8 feet to 35 feet of water. Crystal River is home to some amazing bottom habitat for these gag grouper to hide and ambush their prey and to house them all year long.
Most would not think of catching these Grouper in such shallow water but that is what makes our fishery so special. From bottom fishing with live and cut bait, to trolling shallow diving plugs, to throwing casting plugs at shallow rocks these fish put up a huge fight trying to get back into their home. We are targeting rocks, ledges, springs, holes, and any kind of structure that will hold fish.
The best time of year to fish for gag grouper in the shallows would be from October through the end of the season in December, however, they can be caught all year long.
Since these fish are so strong on their initial run we use extremely heavy tackle to keep them out of the structure and into your cooler. We are using heavy spinning tackle from 6000 to 8000 sized reels with anywhere from 60 to 80 lb braided line and 80 to 1300lb fluorocarbon leader.
Our main goal is for you to enjoy a great day on the water pulling on some extremely strong fish.
