Grouper Fishing Florida's Big Bend - Capt. William Toney

June is a month that I feel fish and humans are getting accustom to the heat of summer. Some of the best baits that I've used over the years has been cut bait. Some of the best cut baits are mullet, pinfish, lizard fish and ladyfish. With the water temps nearing 80 degrees cut bait will disperse more scent than live bait. Think of leftovers in the fridge verses leftovers in the trash can in the kitchen. Even cutting the tail off of a pinfish will create more scent. Artificial lure's like MirrOlure LiL Johns that are scented can give you an edge on hot days with hot water. This being said "to catch fish you must first find fish"!

Saturday June first is the opening of grouper season. Gag grouper is the predominate grouper in the big bend area. It's possible to catch a keeper in shallow water at 12 feet but 30 to 40 foot will be more realistic. Local offshore captains are looking forward to capitalizing on putting some fish in the box that have been catch and release since this past December. Two gag grouper with a minumium of 24" per angler with no captain or crew take is legal. Live pinfish is good but remember a stinky sardine might put the copper belly in the box. High incoming tide will be in the afternoon this weekend. 

William Toney

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