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Step 1
Select a bait or lure to use. You can catch groupers with clams, crab, fish, shrimp, squid or worms as bait. For lures, you use feathers, plugs, spinners or spoons.
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Step 2
Choose a location. You can fish from shore if there are bridges, piers, rocks or other structures. From a boat you can fish wrecks, reefs and ledges.
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Step 3
Fish on the bottom or troll near it to target groupers. You can troll with lures or bait, but you should bottom fish with bait. Start with cut bait because the smell will attract groupers and get them to start feeding.
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Step 4
Reel in your line when a grouper takes your bait. Don't set the hook like you would with other species. Once the line is tight and the rod bent, use the rod for leverage to pull the fish out of its hiding place. Continue to reel in all the slack that you create. Once you have the fish off the bottom, stop lifting with the rod to avoid pulling to hook free when the fish makes another run.
