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Random Quote: You know what they say about common sense-it ain't so common!
I thought i would start a thread for deep dropping for groupers, tile's, etc. (not swords) out of OB. I have never done this but with the state of snapper fishing I think it may be of help to many of us. All I know right now is head toward the yellow gravel and look around for structure then drop a DD rig down. My DD rigs are 113's with 80# braid, DD 5 hook rigs and a bunch of weight.
Seems like splitting a nipple/elbow trolling trip with DD would make sense.
Anything else I need to know? An electric reel is not an option at this point.
I routinely drop to 300 to 400 ft without an electric reel and catch big groupas. I use 300 lb braid and big baits on 400 mono leaders. U gotta have heart to crank up all the way from the bottom when you miss fish but very doable. I have caught some hog warsaws doing this. You may need to beefup ur rig if you wanna chance at the big dogs.
I used to fish in up to 400' with 4/0's and 80lb braid but it is a hell of alot of work, especially on a fish that fights all the way up like a big snapper. the spool is really too small and you are not gaining much line per crank. I would suggest moving up to 6/0's(114h).
not to quibble over terminology but 300ft is not what most people would call deep dropping.
also you are probably not going to get away from the snapper until you get into 400+.
we were using 113h's too. 300' is fine but deeper than that even if you start with a full spool the spool diameter is a good bit smaller after you let 4-500ft of line out so you are not retrieving much line per crank. If you have some young, energetic, crankers it doesn't matter though!
as far as grouper we caught a good many snowys, yellowedge, scamps, and warsaws but lately this area only produces snapper and a few scamps. it's in 310-350ft and close to the mouth of the river.
I know there is some good bottom for grouper over your way in 250' or so. it's limestone I think.
We're gonna try to sneak offshore in the early morning Tomm.,and DD a little and maybe try to locate a hooter.The plan is to DD in 700'to 1100'... BRRRRRRR!
I have reeled up from various depths up to 600', anything over about 350' and you will want a bent butt and a 50W reel...reeling from the gunnel with a high speed bent butt in 400'-600' isn't really fun,but its not that bad...until a fish gets on. then its another story...A more effective way is the electrics, they really become efficient in depths over 450'. Its a long run out to deep water, and time can be used better by using electric reels....
Deep droping for grouper-OB 
