Help with some advice - free lining for grouper.

[tristan]

Trying to prepare for a trip to the pier. I'd like to try freelining large baits for grouper out to the rock piles. From reading this and other sites, it seems that a 8-9' medium-heavy to heavy spinning rod, 6500-8000 series reel, and braid with a 80+lb leader is the setup people use. Is 65lb braid sufficient?

What hooks do you recommend for grouper? I've got some standard J-hooks up to 4/0 or 5/0, and a few circle sea hooks up to 7/0. Which works better?

Do you use a swivel to attach the leader, or do you go mono to braid?

Which tide is best for targeting the rock piles? I assume a high, outgoing.

Are there any grouper hanging out under the pier? Would the gear be different to target them under the pier?

Other than Gag grouper, which species are available at the piers?



I appreciate your feedback and advice.

[havetofish]

First off grouper season is closed til July, but if you just want to try for catch and release then...

Yes 65lb braid is fine.
Targeting a reef fish your supposed to use circle hooks. 7/0 is fine I use 8/0.
Yes, use a swivel when freelining.
Outgoing is best because it is easier than trying to freeline under the East side pier unless you have a lot of experience. Remember there are no rock piles on the NSP pier East side, but are on both sides of the SSP.
Gags do hang out under the pier, but most of the structure is out on the rock piles.
Other species available depending on time of year.

myfwc.com/media/2834422/saltwater-seasons-chart-gulf.pdf

Welcome aboard.

[tristan]

Thanks for the info, havetofish. Looking at the chart you linked, it appears that the open season is April through June, but perhaps the inverted the color scale?

This site: myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational/groupers/gulf-grouper/ states open season from Jul. 1st till Dec. 3rd.

Are there any other species of grouper at the pier than Gags?

[havetofish]

The April thru June is not in the right counties.
Gag Grouper is closed til July.
I have caught some small Red Grouper, but never seen a keeper caught at the Piers

[tristan]

After checking the regs, I see that *inline* circle hooks are the required model, and as it happens all mine are *offset*.

Do ya'll have any preferred models of inline circle hooks? Do the Eagle Claw circles stand up to this type of fishing?

Has anyone ever been checked at the pier?

Even though the season doesn't open till July, I think I will try it in the next couple months, to make sure I've got the gear sorted out.

[havetofish]

No, I have never seen anyone check on any kind of hook. Was just stating the reg's since you asked. What you have should be fine.