Goliath Grouper, Snook, & Sharks

[hoover25]

I am still wating on a few pics, but here is the short story.

We spent about a week in Boca (31st to 8th). I was land-based everyday except one. I did go on a Tarpon charter out of Stump Pass.....but it pretty much was worthless. Those freaking tarpon had lockjaw all day. We were fishing the beach by Manasota Key (sp?) and saw tons of tarpon, but none would give our baits the time of day. Maybe I will finally break the tarpon cherry next year.

Anyhow, we did catch a bunch of Goliaths from shore. I think the largest was estimated to be 280 pounds. Here are a few pics (although some I forgot to take the flash light diffuser off):

OK...maybe we drank one beer, but that was it. :toast:

Over all, we averaged 1-4 landed goliaths per night. At one point we caught 4 in 4 consecutive casts. Wow, are they a heck of a workout!!

We also caught a few snook, but overall the snook bite was SLOW!

I did get this monster.....24 pounds on the boga.

Also got a some toothy critters. We caught a bunch of small sharks!!

This is good example of one of the nice ones:

I always have to battle a ray or five as well.

We actually have pics of a ray giving birth....these will follow when I get them.

Overall, it was another awesome trip with good friends. I should be back in a few months...I hope.

[vince]

wow great pictures!!! how did you fish for them! bait or lures? vince

[hoover25]

Baits

Goliaths: Large (14 inches) live horse mullet

Sharks and Rays: Anything live or dead

Snook: Topwaters, Swim Baits, Flies, Live whitebait, Live Shrimp, Live Ladyfish, Live Mullet.

Fishing Buddies: Beer

[rainbow]

Awesome pictures. I have fished Boca and boated a 150 and 100 pound tarpon. Keep up the quest. Greatest fish fight you'll ever have.

[catman70]

Those look like Jewfish to me. Hope all were released unharmed.