Popular Bottom Fishing Spots

[calebw]

I am just getting started jigging and for that matter bottom fishing. I am not asking anybody for their secret spot or honey hole but, what are some popular spots where I can go catch some groupers and snappers (out of MHC) this time of the year. The only place I have fished so far is on top of the Big Rock out of MHC. Are there spots I can go without having to go 40 miles. Also I haven't ever jigged for groupers and snappers and was wondering what butterfly jig would be best.

[Sea Draggin]

Anywhere you find a good bottom and 70 degree water between the 14 bouy and the big rock should be OK. The water temp is the key.

I just did a quick look at the sea surface temps using Supermap on Fryingpan tower. I had to go back to the 1st to get a decent sat shot, but it showed the break to be just inshore of the 90' drop, which could mean the triple terraces at the closest, but I would probably go on out this time of year to some deeper water at the rock.

[Ponce]

Ditto what Seadraggin said. Also get a chart look for general areas you want to try then cruise around watching your sonar until you find really good bottom.

I think alot of people just run to a GPS number and drop a line and it is hit or miss. Really study the bottom structure and water temps. There is alot of really good bottom out there.

[Capt_John]

There's some nice stuff inshore of the Russian Wreck, Atlas Tanker area, West Rock, and 240 Rock. All of these spots are on the charts. As you get close to them slow down and read your bottom machine closely. You'll mark ledges, rocks, etc. and fish those.

[calebw]

Thanks guys, anybody had any luck on the east side?

[calebw]

Has anybody had any luck with inshore gags during the fall inside of 15 miles.

[mythosbeer]

Thanks guys, anybody had any luck on the east side?

I caught a few kings at the atlas the only time I have jigged there.

[mythosbeer]

Has anybody had any luck with inshore gags during the fall inside of 15 miles.

did you watch that show about the gag fishing during the fall that came on this weekend? Got me thinking about that as well. They were catching them in the range you are talking about out of Beaufort as fast as they could drop 'em.

Mitch

[WhiteLakeBuc]

Catch TONS of gags inside of 15 nm. One of my biggest gags ever came 4 nm out flounder jigging

[calebw]

There's some nice stuff inshore of the Russian Wreck, Atlas Tanker area, West Rock, and 240 Rock. All of these spots are on the charts. As you get close to them slow down and read your bottom machine closely. You'll mark ledges, rocks, etc. and fish those.

Do I have to mark fish/bait on the ledges and rocks for there to be fish there for will the fish finder not mark some fish that are on the bottom where these rocks and ledges are.