Looking for something for GoM offshore bottom fishing. Conventional reel & rod. I've been a coastal fisherman (reds & specks) my entire life but my equipment isn't quite large enough and I plan on doing some snapper and grouper fishing this season. Not looking to spend a fortune since they will only be used a few times a year. Any suggestions?

You find best tips on South Florida fishing sites or even the magazine links

Youtube has great videos as well

I do a lot of ocean fishing and catch a ton of grouper.  Salmon grouper get pretty healthy here as do the reds.  My go to rod for this is a 7' Sabre Pro with a single speed Avet MXL and 40 pound braid/top shot of 25 mono.  The rod is not expensive and I have caught way more fish with it than I have my expensive rods and reels.  I also have an 8' Sabre deckhand rod with a Jigmaster.  People may talk shit about the jiggy but It has yanked up a TON of fish and it is under a hundred bucks.