Black grouper is a species that you’re likely to find in the shallower near-shore waters of the Gulf. Photo by Polly Dean.

Offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico often holds some surprises. In fact, that is one of the attractions of the angling -- you never can be sure what will take the bait next.

When it comes to bottom-fishing, that situation holds especially true.

While red snappers and their close relatives in the snapper clan have traditionally been the main target of Gulf bottom fishermen, anglers often encounter members of another family of fish on those trips. But when a grouper takes the bait, that fish could hardly be called an unwelcome guest!

Regardless of the exact species of grouper you've hooked, you can expect a rugged fight, the possibility of a truly big fish and -- if it's of legal harvest size -- an excellent meal at the end of the day.

More than a few anglers dangling a line off the side of a party or charter boat, expecting the tap of a snapper taking the bait, have been rudely greeted by a sudden, sharp downward thrust of the rod. Instead of the weight of hooked snapper, the line seems attached to a Mack truck. In truth, the other end of the rig is attached to a grouper that has emerged from a crevice in the hard bottom or some hiding place in a wreck below.

After grabbing the bait, the fish immediately heads back for its "safe house" in the structure.

If you're lucky enough to turn such a fish and keep it from tangling or cutting your line on the cover, a tug-o'-war is next in order. Because several species of grouper routinely reach 30-pound or greater weights, battling them can be brutal warfare.

If you want to specifically target grouper on such a bottom-fishing excursion, a change in bait is needed. Rather than cut squid or baitfish that attracts the snappers, you are better served by dropping down a live minnow. Cigar minnows, croakers, pinfish and finger mullet are some of the more popular of those forage fish. Such a lively offering is a better bet for luring a grouper out of its hiding place. And, of course, you can also jig a soft plastic imitation of a minnow or even a jigging spoon.

So, if you chose to target grouper in the northern Gulf of Mexico, what are you likely to hook? Let's have a look at the most likely suspects.