Ave Maria Resident Catches 200-pound Grouper

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Published on Tuesday, 26 May 2009 15:15

Robert Campbell of Hampton Village has quite a fish story. He and fellow Ave Maria resident Patrick Hanley were deep-sea fishing last week when Bob managed to catch two Goliath grouper weighint 75 and 200 pounds. Both were released.

Patrick sent The Ave Herald this account as well as the pictures:

The high-lite of the trip was two fish brought up by Robert Campbell. While fishing for red and gag grouper we hooked into several Goliath grouper. These fish can be very large and it is impossible to bring them in on lite tackle. Robert decided to try to bring one up so our captain rigged up a heavy duty rod and reel with 150 lb test line. After a few minutes, Robert hooked up, landed and released a Goliath grouper which was estimated to weigh 75 lbs. There was a fair amount of effort expended to catch that fish, nevertheless Robert decided to try for another. A few minutes later he hooked up with another Goliath grouper and after a hard fight he brought the fish along side of the boat. (photo, right) After a quick photograph the fish was released. The captain estimated the weight of that second fish at 200 lbs. ! Needless to say Robert was satisfied to get back to lite tackle for the remainder of our trip.