Summary: Goliath Grouper, JGF Tales and Reports Podcast Episode 023 This week we learn more about the awesome Goliath Grouper in the Gulf of Mexico. Still protected from any harvesting to allow the species to repopulate in the region... these huge fish are a great catch and release sport for an experience of a lifetime. Our 1st guest is Captain Tom McLaughlin from Cape Haze Florida say's on catching a Goliath grouper, "I tell people it's like taking the heaviest tackle you've ever seen and attaching it to the bumper of a large pickup truck... it's a 5 min tug of war and many people have a tough time making it." www.anotherkeeper.com (Photos By McLaughlin w/permission) Our Next guest is Captain Jeff Shelar from Marathon Florida (Florida Keys) says, "You've got to lock the drag up and stop them because they'll go down to the bottom and break you off... They'll rip your arms off if you don't watch it... with their big broom tale movin, they can use it well." www.catch-em-all.com (Photos By Shelar w/permission) // Todays episode of JGF looks and sounds like some great offshore adventures in catching and releasing Goliath grouper. Goliath are also found in the Texas coastal waters for a great recreational sport fishing day. Checkout our JustGoFishin Offshore Directory. Texas State Record for Goliath Grouper is 551 lbs and caught by Gus Pangarakis on June 29th 1937. This record has certainly held on for a long time and likely to continue with the federal protection currently in place on these Goliath. Facebook Fishin Facts & Fables This week we asked the following questions and received some great answers from anglers from around the world. ____________ is a poor mans Tarpon. Which is preferred; J-hook or a Circle Hook? Responses the these questions can be found on this weeks JGF podcast & our JustGoFishin Fan Page. We would appreciate any feedback, comments or questions you may have about our podcast or about fishin. Also, Enroll your fishing website to our online fishing directory. Y’all have a great day of fishin, Dave Alexander
