Our Best Catch A Top Notch Battle With A Goliath Grouper

The Fight of a Lifetime: Goliath Grouper Fishing Off the Wreck

There are good fishing days—and then there are days that stay with you forever. This was one of those days on the water.

At Top Notch Fishing Adventures, we’re lucky enough to run fishing charters out of Port Orange, Florida which means we get to chase everything from mahi mahi offshore to redfish inshore in the beautiful Ponce Inlet. But sometimes, we go after something even more intense: Goliath grouper. And when we say intense, we mean it.

Wreck Fishing for Giants

We were out near a sunken 140-foot ship, purposefully sunk years ago to create an artificial reef. This kind of structure is prime real estate for massive predators—and Goliaths love it. We rigged up with 100-pound braid and an 80-pound leader, the kind of gear you need when you’re targeting something that could easily outweigh the angler.

Using a fresh bonita for bait, we dropped about three-quarters of the way to the bottom, right near the bow of the wreck. No fancy jigging, no elaborate presentation—just patience and good positioning. Then, it happened.

Hooked Up: “Like a Truck Started Pulling You”

You're just holding the rod. Nothing feels unusual... until it does. Imagine standing still—and suddenly it’s like a truck starts to pull you forward. That’s exactly how it feels when a Goliath grouper decides it's time to eat. Instead of trying to muscle him out of the wreck (which rarely works), we drove the boat away from the structure. That gave us space to fight in the open sand and avoid a break-off. It turned into quite the battle, a slow, grinding tug-of-war that took everything we had. He almost made it back to the ship at one point—within 50 feet of those twisted, coral-covered remains. But we turned him. Got control. Worked him back. And finally, that massive shadow came into view beneath the surface.

Why Goliath Grouper Fishing Is a Must-Try

This kind of experience is why absolutely love running fishing charters in Florida, when you hook into a fish like this everything around you slows down and its time for battle. It’s not just about the catch—it’s about the story, the fight, and the unforgettable moment when man meets monster in the deep. Whether you’re new to wreck fishing or have been hooked your whole life, targeting Goliath grouper is next-level. They’re protected, so it’s catch-and-release only, but that doesn’t take away from the thrill. If anything, it adds to it—knowing these giants are still out there for you to catch next.