Outdoors

Daily fishing report

Great catch yields large grouper.

By DOUG HEMMER
Published December 14, 2006

Great catch: Some trips go as planned, while others turn into something unexpected. Last week, I took out Harold Wirtjes and his son, Harold Jr., for a half day. Harold is 80 and has a heart condition. I figured it would be a good idea to fish the docks for sheepshead and mangrove snapper, as these smaller fish would be less stressful on Harold's heart. We headed for a cove that is lined with mangroves and has a deep hole at the end. The sheepshead usually hang under a large boat at the edge of the hole. But the hole was full of big snook. After a few casts, Harold landed a 25-incher that put up a good fight. Harold Jr. pulled out a 30-pound outfit and cast a tail-hooked jumbo shrimp next to the big boat. As soon as the bait hit the water, the fight was on. The fish was winning until I grabbed the rod and started pulling on it while Harold Jr. reeled. The fight lasted over two minutes, but when it was over, he had a 32-inch gag grouper. The next cast produced another gag over 30 inches. Harold's father said he got so excited watching his son he could feel his heart beating.

Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 347-1389.

[Last modified December 14, 2006, 07:02:46]