Hey there, angler! Ready to spend an afternoon chasing some of Miami's most prized bottom-dwellers? Our 4-hour charter with Bear Cut Bandit Charters is your ticket to grouper heaven. We'll cruise the stunning Miami coastline, hitting up productive spots where the big boys like to hang out. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our experienced crew will make sure you're in on the action. We've got room for 6, so grab your buddies and get ready to feel that signature grouper tug on your line. Fair warning: once you've battled a bruiser gag grouper, you might just be hooked for life!
Alright, let's break it down. We'll meet up at the dock, load up our gear, and head out to where the grouper like to play. Our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, so we'll be targeting some primo spots. We'll be doing some bottom fishing, dropping baits down to where these tasty critters hang out. Expect to use heavy tackle - grouper don't mess around, and neither do we. You'll learn how to work your bait, feel for that telltale bite, and then it's game on! The fight with a big grouper is no joke, so be ready to put your back into it. Don't worry if you're new to this - our crew will be right there to guide you through every step, from baiting up to landing your catch.
Let me tell you, there's something special about grouper fishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the heart-pounding moment when a big one takes your bait. Or the pure muscle you need to wrestle one of these bruisers up from the depths. Could be the bragging rights that come with landing a monster gag. Whatever it is, grouper fishing gets in your blood. And here in Miami? We've got some of the best grouper grounds you'll find anywhere. Plus, let's be real - there's nothing quite like ending the day with some fresh-caught grouper fillets for dinner. Trust me, once you've tasted grouper this fresh, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
"An absolutely phenomenal day! This surprise birthday trip for my son turned out to be an unforgettable experience. Not only did we reel in some incredible and delicious fish, but the company of Alek and Pepe made the day even more special. Both Alek and Pepe were outstanding in ensuring my son was right in the midst of the action, enhancing his fishing skills and making his birthday truly memorable. Their professionalism and expertise, combined with a fun and friendly attitude, made us look forward to fishing with this crew again. We wholeheartedly recommend both Alek and Pepe for an outstanding fishing adventure." - Aleksandra
"For those seeking excellence and a smoothly operated venture, your search ends here. Captain Alek impressed with punctuality during the pick-up, transparent communication about additional costs, and engaging conversation. As someone who once traded the outdoors for a city suit, Captain Alek skillfully blended instruction with a commitment to the process, fostering a rewarding sense of achievement through patience. My partner, a first-time angler, felt at ease and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, thanks to the exceptional skills of Captain's First Mate, Peppe, who went above and beyond – even diving into the water to provide details about a potential shark catch. In summary, whether you're a novice or a seasoned angler, Captain Alek and First Mate Peppe ensure an exceptional time on the water." - Jamison
Gag Grouper: These bad boys are the heavyweights of the grouper world, and boy, do they put up a fight! Gags can grow up to 50 pounds or more, with most keeper-sized fish in the 10-30 pound range. They love to hang around rocky bottoms and reefs, using their powerful bodies to ambush prey. When you hook into a gag, be ready for a battle - they'll try to dive back into their rocky lairs, so you've got to be quick on the reel. Gags are most active in the cooler months, making late fall and winter prime time for targeting these brutes. The meat on these guys? Absolutely top-notch. White, flaky, and mild - it's no wonder anglers go nuts for gags.
Scamp Grouper: Don't let their smaller size fool you - scamp grouper are pound-for-pound some of the scrappiest fish in the sea. These guys typically run in the 5-15 pound range, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight and flavor. Scamps prefer deeper waters, usually hanging out around the 200-foot mark. They're notorious for their quick, hard strikes and their tendency to dive for cover as soon as they're hooked. Scamp meat is often considered the cream of the crop among grouper species - it's sweet, delicate, and perfect for just about any fish recipe you can think of. We tend to find more scamps in the warmer months, so summer trips are great if you're looking to put some of these tasty fellas in the cooler.
Red Grouper: Ah, the good ol' red grouper - a staple of Florida's grouper fishery and a favorite among anglers and chefs alike. These guys are the most common grouper species we'll encounter, usually weighing in between 5-15 pounds, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. Reds like to hang out over flat, hard bottom areas, often in slightly shallower water than their gag and scamp cousins. They're aggressive feeders, which makes them a blast to catch - when a red grouper decides it wants your bait, you'll know it! These fish are available year-round, but we tend to see more action in the spring and fall. As for eating quality, red grouper holds its own against any fish in the sea. Its meat is moist and flaky with a subtle, sweet flavor that's hard to beat.
Alright, folks, let's recap what we've got here: a 4-hour afternoon trip targeting some of the tastiest, hardest-fighting fish in the Gulf. You'll be fishing with a top-notch crew who know these waters inside and out, using gear and techniques designed to put you on the fish. Whether you're after the brute strength of a gag, the sporty fight of a scamp, or the reliable action of red grouper, we've got you covered. And remember, with only 6 spots available, these trips fill up fast - especially during peak seasons. So if you're ready to experience some of the best bottom fishing Miami has to offer, don't wait. Give us a call, book your spot, and get ready for an afternoon of rod-bending, drag-screaming action. Trust me, once you feel that grouper thump, you'll be glad you did. See you on the water!
September 8, 2023
For those seeking excellence and a smoothly operated venture, your search ends here. Captain Alek impressed with punctuality during the pick-up, transparent communication about additional costs, and engaging conversation. As someone who once traded the outdoors for a city suit, Captain Alek skillfully blended instruction with a commitment to the process, fostering a rewarding sense of achievement through patience. My partner, a first-time angler, felt at ease and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, thanks to the exceptional skills of Captain’s First Mate, Peppe, who went above and beyond – even diving into the water to provide details about a potential shark catch. In summary, whether you're a novice or a seasoned angler, Captain Alek and First Mate Peppe ensure an exceptional time on the water.
July 31, 2023
Red Grouper are real sluggers, often weighing 5-10 pounds but sometimes hitting 50. They're not speedsters, but they put up a tough fight when hooked. You'll find these rusty-red beauties hanging around reefs, ledges, and wrecks from 10 to 300 feet deep. They love rocky or muddy bottoms. These fish are aggressive eaters, which makes them fun to catch year-round. But watch out for the January to April spawning season closure. Red Grouper are prized for their moist, flaky meat with a hint of shellfish flavor. It's some of the best eating you'll find. When targeting Red Grouper, use sturdy tackle - they'll give you a workout. Live bait like shrimp or crab is your best bet. Here's a local tip: if you're fishing deeper water, try using a heavy jig tipped with a strip of squid. Let it bounce along the bottom, and hold on tight when that grouper strikes!
Gag Grouper aren't much to look at, but they're a blast to catch. Average size is around 20 inches, but they can grow to over 50 inches and 80 pounds. You'll find them near any structure that provides shelter - reefs, shipwrecks, and rocky bottoms are prime spots. These fish are ambush predators, so they're not speedsters. But once hooked, they'll try to dive back to their hidey-holes, making for an exciting fight. Gags prefer cooler months, so fall and winter are your best bet for a trophy catch. Live bait is the ticket for Gag Grouper. Mullet, pinfish, or even cut squid can work well. Here's a local secret: look for stone crab traps. Gags love crab, so they often hang around these areas. When you hook one, keep your rod low and reel fast to prevent them from reaching cover. It's a real tug-of-war, but landing a big Gag is always worth the effort.
Scamp Grouper are sneaky fighters, usually 4-6 pounds but can reach over 30. They're slow swimmers but strong pullers, so be ready for a battle. You'll find them lurking around rocky bottoms, ledges, and wrecks in 75-300 foot depths. During spawning from February to May, they move to shallower waters. These fish are known as "The Captain's Meat" for good reason - their taste is top-notch among groupers. Low in calories but packed with protein, they're a healthy choice too. Scamp can live up to 50 years, so landing a big one is always exciting. For the best shot at Scamp, use medium to heavy tackle with braided line. Live bait like pinfish or sardines works well. Here's a trick: when you feel a bite, give the fish a moment before setting the hook. Scamp often grab bait sideways first, so waiting lets them get it in their mouth better.
An absolutely phenomenal day! This surprise birthday trip for my son turned out to be an unforgettable experience. Not only did we reel in some incredible and delicious fish, but the company of Alek and Pepe made the day even more special. Both Alek and Pepe were outstanding in ensuring my son was right in the midst of the action, enhancing his fishing skills and making his birthday truly memorable. Their professionalism and expertise, combined with a fun and friendly attitude, made us look forward to fishing with this crew again. We wholeheartedly recommend both Alek and Pepe for an outstanding fishing adventure.