Captain Carl is a golf partner and his real calling is fishing. He loves to fish as much as I do and that is favorite hobby.When he asks if you would like to go fishing you do not hesitate. You say absolutely and then he gives you the details. Boat leaves the dock at his house at 6.30 am and be on time. He then says that he is taking us out to water that is 135 feet deep. That is 65 miles or more or less out in the gulf. A three hour sail over choppy water and then the fun of fishing for the most delicious fish caught in Florida.
Just trying to stand in the boat when it is rocking back and forth and pitching with every wave is a contest of wills.We stop on the way out to pick up the large bait. This is a matter of catching many small fish (about 10 inches in length and weighing half a pound). After we get our number we complete our sail to a deep water haven for grouper. Carl has GPS readings for the best fishing and puts us right over a reef teeming with fish.
Immediately one of our mates hooks a grouper. It is large,32 inches in length and 15 lbs. We are all encouraged and begin fishing in earnest. When you get a bite with a grouper it is a major effort to hook and retrieve the fish safely to the boat where it will be netted measured and put on ice if it meets the size standards .
We are all excited when one of our crew hooks a large shark. It is too big and strong to bring to the boat so we cut the line and let it go.This process is repeated over and over and it is fun. I was lucky to catch a Red Snapper but we had to let it go as it is out of season.Time arrives for us to get going back to clean and filet them. We always divide the catch equally and clean the boat so it is ready to go out clean the next time it is needed.
Dinner!! Looks like you had a blast. I would love to spend the day on the water, just taking in the salty smells and watching the birds and fish - and the funny fishermen trying to stay upright!
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