Grouper

Grouper fishing out of Freeport means venturing into deeper Gulf waters. While not as abundant as in some other Gulf locations, gag and scamp grouper can be found around offshore structure. Focus your efforts on natural reefs, ledges, and oil rigs. The best time to target them is during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring. These fish are ambush predators, so present your bait near the bottom around structure. Live bait, like pinfish or croaker, is highly effective. Be prepared for a tough fight! A local tip: use a breakaway rig when fishing around rigs to minimize tackle loss. Also, be aware of the specific regulations regarding grouper size and bag limits, as they can change frequently.