Red grouper fishing out of Sebastian Inlet happens on ledge and bottom structure, and offshore grouper trips run 20 to 40 miles out. Closer in, the options are the 100 ft bottom just north of the inlet, the Indian River County artificial reefs at 65 ft, and the Big Easy 85 and 90 ft reefs. Sharks take hooked fish on these grounds, which is why locals run heavy tackle. Below are the named grounds with depth and distance, how locals rig, and who runs the trips. The wider picture is in the red grouper fishing in the Atlantic Southeast and the Atlantic Southeast region guide.
Where boats run out of Sebastian Inlet
Every run starts at the inlet. For ramp, inlet and conditions detail, see the Sebastian Inlet port guide. Offshore, boats work ledge and bottom structure.
The inlet and jetties
Sebastian Inlet has north and south jetties, with a T-dock marking the inlet’s dock area. Monster Hole is a shoal at the inlet.
Take wind, wave height and period from the official NWS marine forecast, which gives them as numbers. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How far offshore trips run
Kraken Down offshore grouper trips run 20 to 40 miles out, and Nauti Girl’s ledge trips target red grouper. The grounds below are ordered from the inlet outward.
When red grouper are around
Seasonal timing and biology are covered in the red grouper species guide. Out of this port the fishing happens on the structure below, so pick your ground by depth and run distance.
Grounds and structure that hold red grouper
The table runs from the inlet outward.
| Ground | Depth | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom north of the inlet (unnamed) | 100 ft | Just north of Sebastian Inlet |
| Indian River County artificial reefs (8 reefs) | 65 ft | 11 to 12 miles east of Sebastian Inlet |
| Big Easy reef complex (85 and 90 ft reefs) | 85 ft | |
| Swordfish drop grounds | 1600 ft | 35 to 45 miles off Melbourne and Sebastian |
The 100 ft bottom north of the inlet
This unnamed bottom sits at 100 ft, just north of the inlet. It is the closest deep bottom on the list.
Indian River County artificial reefs
Eight reefs sit at 65 ft, 11 to 12 miles east of Sebastian Inlet.
Big Easy 85 and 90 ft reefs
This named complex has reefs at 85 and 90 ft.
Ledges farther out
Ledge and bottom structure is where the 20 to 40 mile offshore grouper trips go, and where Nauti Girl’s ledge trips target red grouper.
Deeper water is not grouper water
The 1600 ft grounds, 35 to 45 miles off Melbourne and Sebastian, are Nauti Girl’s swordfish drop grounds and are too deep for red grouper. The Gulf Stream edge is the outer landmark of the offshore run.
How red grouper are fished here
Locals fish bait on the bottom with heavy gear. For the general bottom-fishing picture, see the reef fish guides.
Live or cut bait on the bottom
Locals fish live or cut bait on the bottom with heavy tackle.
Heavy tackle and shark pressure
Sharks take hooked fish on the way up. Big Easy switched to 100 to 120 lb leader and 50 wide reels because of shark pressure.
- Leader: 100 to 120 lb
- Reels: 50 wide
- Bait: live or cut, fished on the bottom
Who fishes red grouper out of Sebastian
Nauti Girl Sportfishing lists red grouper. Captain Scott Wigal runs the 22 ft Sea Chaser center console named Nauti Girl, and its ledge trips target red grouper. Kraken Down also runs offshore grouper trips 20 to 40 miles out.
| Operator | Boat or trip | Grouper focus |
|---|---|---|
| Nauti Girl Sportfishing | 22 ft Sea Chaser center console | Ledge trips target red grouper |
| Kraken Down | Offshore trips, 20 to 40 miles | Offshore grouper trips |
FAQ about red grouper fishing out of Sebastian Inlet
How far do boats run for grouper out of Sebastian Inlet?
Kraken Down’s offshore grouper trips run 20 to 40 miles. Closer grounds start at the 100 ft bottom just north of the inlet.
How deep are the Indian River County artificial reefs?
They sit at 65 ft, across 8 reefs 11 to 12 miles east of the inlet.
What leader do locals use for grouper?
Big Easy runs 100 to 120 lb leader on 50 wide reels because of shark pressure.
Who runs red grouper trips out of Sebastian?
Nauti Girl Sportfishing, run by Captain Scott Wigal on a 22 ft Sea Chaser center console. Its ledge trips target red grouper.
Do Gulf reef fish rules apply out of Sebastian Inlet?
No. The inlet opens to the Atlantic. Check the Florida regulations page before fishing.
