grouper

Question
I've recently started grouper fishing off st.pete.I'm an avid inshore angler for snook,trout and reds but can't seem to find a decent grouper. I keep hearing reports of cool water shallow fish but have tried from 20 to 45 feet with bottom rigs and trolling deep divers and jigs.any advice would be greatly appreciated.thank's Dave

Answer
Hi David:
Locating grouper is the first task, as you seem to have found out already.  Successful grouper fishermen have their secret holes and they may not share them with you.  To locate these, I have found that slow-trolling in water up to 25 feet over grassy areas, rocky places, etc. is the best way to find a decent spot.  Troll with tackle heavy enough so you won't break off.  For lures you can use deep-running plugs, feather jigs, or large plastic soft fish imitations.  Once you pick up a fish, stop and drop some chum around and bait up with whole fish, squid, shrimp or some parts of these.  If in 20 minutes you haven't brought up any fish, move and do the same elsewhere.  See my book for more complete info.  Boris