When fishing for groupers under a bridge, you must keep some specific tricks in mind. For example, following the water flow, choosing a shaded spot, having the right gear, and changing fishing spots every once in a while. The fly-fishing method is most recommended for this, as it helps you place lures in hard-to-reach places.
Why should you fish for groupers under a bridge?
Grouper fishing has become quite popular among passionate anglers for many reasons. First, the meat is delicious enough for people to crave it. Mainly, it’s the challenge that comes along with tackling such a giant, heavy fish. These fish are not only difficult to pull up once they catch the bat, but they are also fierce fighters when you bring them on board. This challenge, and the boasting rights accompanied by winning it, is undoubtedly a good enough reason. To catch a grouper or any fish, it’s essential to know where exactly you should throw the bait. When you ask an experienced angler about the best spot for fishing groupers, most will probably give you the same answer: find a bridge, but do you know why they tell you that?
There are two main reasons why. First, the water flow under a bridge is always constant, and the shadow lines are where the fish like to stay while waiting to ambush their prey. Most fish swim with the current, and the water flow and the changes in water quality keep bringing more and more fish to that spot. Especially among the shadow lines are the best places to throw your bait, whether for daytime or nighttime fishing. Grouper fish will always congregate at the shadow lines.
Second, fishing on a bridge or under is less costly since you don’t have to rent a boat, but you still have an equal chance to get a good catch. Piers specialize in grouper fishing, like Skyway Fishing Pier, from where you can also rent fishing equipment.
Tips to fish for grouper under a bridge
Here are some things you should keep in mind while you’re on that bridge hunting for a grouper:
Follow the water flow
This is a general case scenario, so there can be exceptions to it as well. However, when you’re fishing, it’s always advisable to follow the direction of the water flow. Especially when you are fishing on bridges, because that’s one of the main reasons why you should fish there, it’s best to choose a spot where the water isn’t too rough and a time of the day when the winds and waves aren’t too strong. If you try to fish against the current, your lures and lines can go wayward in unpredictable directions and make the process difficult. Also, when you are trying to reel in something heavy, the flow might take the line behind you and cause you more trouble.
Fishing for groupers is already a headache since the groupers will definitely put up a strong fight against you. Having the water flow in your favor can be a big help in the war. It will keep the line free of stress, and even if you struggle with the catch, there will be fewer chances of the line snapping, and you will lose the catch. In order to determine where the water is flowing, there are mobile apps you can use, and if there are other anglers on the bridge, most of them would fish on the same side anyway, so you can follow that. Make sure to choose a spot where there aren’t a lot of anglers; otherwise, someone else might grab it before you.
Throw the bait near man-made structures
If you have done your homework about groupers, you must know that they like to stay near man-made structures like the legs of bridges, shipwrecks, or other concrete materials. They usually take shelter near such places when the sun’s heat gets too much, and the temperature of the water rises. There are also various types of debris in different parts of a river. These can be concrete or planks that were left around while the bridge was being made. Over time, the growth of algae and seaweed on those turns them into an ideal spot for groupers to hang around. If you throw your bait there, you may be able to grab a bite.
Selecting the gear is important
You can never underestimate the massive size and the troublesome aggressiveness of a grouper fish. The only way you have a chance against these mammoths is to own the right gear. It’s a must to use a reel that can pull at least 20 lb while also handling the drag and aggressive movement stress. After all, if you are fishing on a bridge, you must reel them in from a greater height. Just to be safe, keep more than one fishing line with you in case one snap.
It’s good to pair the reel with an 80lb braided line and a 100lb leader to lessen the chances of the line snapping. Try to use a local bait in the area since groupers are more likely to be attracted to those.
Don’t stay in a single place
Finally, don’t stay in one place for too long if you aren’t having any luck. Sure, being patient is important, so don’t change the spot too frequently, but a pier is a large place and there are plenty of areas to cast the lure. If one area isn’t working out for a long time, it’s never a bad idea to try your luck elsewhere.
Fishing on or under a bridge is a super cool experience, and if you manage to catch something as big as grouper, then it’s even better. Just keep those tips in mind, and you might just be able to have some delicious grouper meat for dinner.
