450 to 500 pound Goliath Grouper Caught on Fat Cat Fishing charters.
11/15/2009 Fishing in the Gulf off famous John's Pass about nine miles out off the beach, Chad and his two sons where having a great time catching red and gag grouper, shark, key west grunts and enjoying the wonderful Florida weather. After throwing back about fifty grouper just a inch or so from being of legal size we decided to go for Goliath Grouper. So we reeled the rods in, cranked up the twin 100's Suzuki's and off we went. After about a thirty minute ride we pulled into a spot where I have caught the giants before. With lots of anticipation we set up with 9/0 reels with 100 lb test and 800 pound test leaders 10 foot long. I tied two 9/0's to one leader. That's right father and son was to fight one fish with two rods. We had two good hits but missed them and it was starting to get late in the day and about time to head for shore. Then down went both rods bent over double and the fight was on. Chad was the first to get cut off, his line rubbed the bottom of the boat before he could move forward with the giant Goliath. Now with dad cut off it was all up to his son Justin to fight this monster by him self. The Goliath headed under the boat and out the other side so we worked the rod around the front of the boat, got Justin in the fighting chair, threw the anchor buoy and let the giant pull the boat. Dad, Capt Brad and myself all helping Justin hang onto to the pole as the drag was tightened down to the max so he couldn't get back to the wreck. After about a fifteen minute fight that seemed more like a hour we saw the 800 lb test ten foot leader at the top off the water. I grabbed the leader and the fight was over. Happy anglers and exhausted we took pictures and video, CUT the leader, it in unlawful to remove the hook from a Goliath Grouper or to put them on your boat. Then let the Giant go. There is video on our site. Capt Jay Masters
