Goliath Grouper fishing in Florida

Goliath grouper are the giants of Florida's inshore waters, living around bridges, deep docks, jetties, pier pilings and mangrove-lined channels mainly from the central coasts south through the Keys. They are catch-and-release only in Florida: harvest is prohibited, so every fish must be released. From shore they are targeted around big structure in the warm months, often in slack or slowing current. Tackle has to be extremely heavy, with 80 lb or heavier line, a very heavy mono leader, a large non-stainless circle hook and a big chunk of fresh bait such as a jack, ladyfish or mullet on a sliding sinker or knocker rig dropped beside the structure. When one takes the bait, lock down and pull it away from the pilings immediately. Large goliaths should stay in the water; do not lift them onto a pier, seawall or bridge. Cut the leader close to the hook or remove it quickly, keep your hands clear of the mouth and gill plates, and let the fish recover before it swims off. Check FWC's handling rules for goliath grouper before you fish for them.