BLUEWATER INSHORE GUIDE SERVICE – GOLIATH GROUPER TRIP INFORMATION

Captain Tim Simos offers customized Goliath Grouper fishing charters.

The pursuit of Goliath Grouper is a dangerous undertaking and comes with inherent risks, as these fish commonly weigh between 100 and 400 pounds and more. It is recommended that only physically fit individuals engage in this segment of sport fishing.

The harvest of goliath grouper in U.S. waters has been prohibited since 1990. Since then their numbers have increased many fold. There has been and still is, a catch and release only fishery for goliath grouper in Vero Beach and the rest of Florida.

The maximum known age of a goliath grouper is 37 years, but they are thought to possibly live to 50 years or more. A common perception among anglers is that large and abundant goliath groupers eat other groupers and snappers and thus substantially decrease the abundance of the fish that fishermen are targeting. Capt. Tim Simos has seen where aggressive goliath grouper can make it almost impossible to land a fish and often break tackle not meant to catch them.

Angling for goliath grouper out of Vero Beach and Fort Pierce can be done all year long and requires highly specialized tackle and techniques. This tackle is expensive and warrants additional charges over and above the traditional fishing charter rate.

The extra fee is: GUARANTEED GOLIATH GROUPER - $50/FISH. If you don't hook a Goliath over 50lbs., the $50 is not added to the Normal charter rate.

If you choose to target only goliath grouper for your 4 OR 5 hour trip, the cost will be $1250 for two anglers for an unlimited number of Goliaths. For a third person add $300.

Make a $250 deposit to reserve your Goliath Grouper date(s).

*ADDITIONAL FEE(s) ARE DUE TO THE COSTLY TACKLE, SUPPLIES & MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATED WITH GOLIATH GROUPER FISHING AND IT'S SHORTER LIFESPAN.

SAFETY NOTICE: PLEASE WEAR SNEAKERS OR CROCS IF YOU INTEND TO DO BATTLE WITH A GOLIATH GROUPER. NO SANDALS PLEASE.

As with tarpon there are special regulations that govern goliath grouper. One of which is that they are not to be brought into a boat. While some Captains do this, which can be seen on YouTube videos, Capt. Tim will not bring a large Goliath into the boat for a photo. This is where his skills as a professional fishing magazine photographer come in handy. He is able to get you the best photo, of the largest fish on your lifetime fish list while it is still in the water.