This is the end of a 45 minute fight and "landing" of a Giant Goliath Grouper. The fish was kept in the water the whole time, vented, and assisted in swimming back down ensuring it was alive. We were about 45 miles off St. Petersburg, Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. Water depth about 140 feet. The grouper's air bladder inflated which is what is sticking out. It basically "floated" for the last 50 feet of the fight, thus needing to be vented to swim back down. Goliath Grouper, a truly magnificent species, are protected from harvest as well as landing by being placed in the boat. We took great care in making sure this one was properly released.
Visibility: 7296
Duration: 3m 4s
Rating: 7