Conventional wisdom says you need a boat for grouper fishing. And, yes, the bite is strong now in 70′ to 140′. But, it’s also good standing on the Merry Pier on 8th Avenue in St. Pete Beach. Of course, there were plently of snapper and mackerel around, even a few sheepshead. But the highlight this weekend was grouper:

There were big greenbacks- and I mean BIG, like 6″-7″- that were popping on the surface soon after sunrise. Although they were scattered, it was possible to get a few with a sabiki. And they were just the ticket for big grouper, like the 23″ and 24″ pair pictured above.

Sunday’s fish fry brought over a dozen guests, who dined on blackened grouper fillets, panko crusted deep fried grouper fingers, and a grouper-peppers-onion-sausage creation, along with salad, veggies and pasta. Yum- gotta love fresh grouper!

 

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