September grouper/snapper

ScubaSteveWV

My son and I are bringing  our 19’ Mako to bottom fish and troll for grouper and snapper off Marco Island.  Any suggestions for a safe and successful trip would be appreciated.  We would like to stay within eyesight of the coast.  Thank you in advance! Tight lines🎣

Lostconch

Won't see many grouper that close. You didn't say what time of year but in the fall you could troll for Spanish and king mackeral

bigfinn35

Yeah, in September you'll need to to get further out for a shot at keeper-size grouper. Should be plenty of mangrove snapper on the artificial reefs though, which you wouldn't need to troll for. Anchor up, put in a chum block, and supplement it by chunking pieces of frozen bait into thumbnail-sized bits and throwing them over the side in a steady stream. Drift shrimp or larger bait chunks on a small jighead (1/8 or 1/4 oz usually) with a long 20-lb fluorocarbon leader, keeping the bail open til you feel a bite or the line starts coming off way faster. 

Like conch said, you might get some mackerel while trolling too. 

stoutner

In Marco Island, the buildings are tall. You might be able to see land 30-35 miles out. That is where you will find the Grouper

ScubaSteveWV

First week in September, 30-35 miles out a little too far in a 19’😫

ScubaSteveWV

Thank you all for the advice 🎣