Ok, so all the hype in grouper fishig today seems to be about jigging. It has taken the south by storm, and continues to spread. Well, I can see why. It is a great way to keep your self somewhat clean ( if that is possible ) while grouper fishing.
First of all, down go undersized. Keep it to 100 lb braid or larger and a Shimano Trevala spinning or casting is a great choice for a rod. I personally like the Bait Runner to use for the spinning combo or a Penn 350 GS casting reel. These both have more than enough power and drag to hold a grouper and have the line capacity to hole a King Mackeral or other fast fish that may eat your jig (it happens more often than you think).
Secondly, there are many different types of jigs to choose from in todays market. The most popular one is the Butterfly Jig, but those things are quite pricey. I have found a cheap econmical jig that works just as well for less than half the price. Contact Brent from his website www.jigsandrigs.webs.com to order some to try. These jigs are absolutly pounded and still stand up to it.
Finally, I have found that this works well over live bottom better than it does ledges, since you dont get hung up as much and you can cover more ground. I jig it up about 10 or 15 times and then start reeling and jigging at the same time back to the boat. This will entice almost any predator in the ocean into bottom, and have seen everything from flouner to tuna bite this jig. So go try out this technique and catch yuorself a good supper. I promise this will ebcome one of your new beoved pastimes and is a different breed of fishing all together.
Good luck and tight lines,
Capt. Owen
www.capefearbigfish.com
Cape Fear Coastal Charters
910-622-3474