Stinker’s Fishin’: Groper – when they pull, you pull harder Myall Coast Port Stephens by News Of The Area - Modern Media - November 1, 2023 Champion Bill Croft with a big blue. Groper have been protected since 1968. GENTLE westerly winds will bring flat seas and crystal clear water which makes catching fish off the rocks difficult. If you can see the fish they can see you. One fish that you can catch in these conditions is the groper. The big problem with catching groper is catching the crab bait to catch the groper. Wait until dead low tide then look into the rock pools for the rock crabs. Remember that there is a bag limit on rock crabs and it is illegal to use a knife or spear to gather crabs. Keep one eye on the swell and grab the crab before the crab grabs you and hold on tight. Rock crabs take offence at being interrupted from their daily routine and will sink their claws into you without any consideration for your discomfort. When I chase groper out of “Stinkpot”, I drop anchor close to the islands or rocky headlands in no less than ten metres of water, berley up with a mixture of bread and crushed urchins then drop the excited crab down the berley trail on a 6/0 hook. The groper will “mouth” the crab before swimming away, tightening the 25kg line. Hang on tight unless you are good at water skiing. A lesson on how to catch a groper. When they pull hard – you pull harder. End of lesson. By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE Big blue groper can be found over the shallow reefs from Fishermans Bay to Broughton Island. Red rock crabs are the best bait. Grab them before they grab you.
