48.5 lbs Gag Grouper in South Carolina

Written by:
Hans Kruit, 1 November 2013

South Carolina angler Cantey Smith reeled in a 48.5-pound gag grouper, giving him a share of the South Carolina state record

After a successful day of catching bottom fish like vermillion snapper, triggerfish and grouper, the captain wanted to make one last stop in 150 feet of water. Cantey Smith was ready with his Shimano® deep water jigging rod and a Shimano® reel spooled up with 80-pound test mono. Using a 3-ought circle hook baited with a live menhaden, Smith dropped his offering down. The fish strike that followed doubled over his rod. It was clear to the entire fishing party that this was a big one.

“Usually the main part of a grouper fight is right after the bite, but this one fought all the way to the surface,” said Smith. When the crew brought the fish aboard it was easily the biggest gag grouper any of them had ever seen.

source: Allat Sea

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