Today was one of those days that would live in memory forever. Chris, Chad, and myself(Craig) decided to make a day of it just being the 3 of us. Its not every day all 3 of us can get together and leave everything on land, but today was one of those days. We quickly launched from Mayport at 5am and headed to the deep blue water. The seas were nice...just a little chop that almost would rock you to sleep. Once out there, we made radio contact with Erez and his Dad on their boat, Wolf Den. We quickly got our lines in the water and waited our first bite. The 1st bite finally came, and up first today was Chris. He got the rod, Chad got on the gaff, and I took up behind the steering wheel. Chris put the pressure to the fish, and Chad quickly sunk the gaff home! Back out the lines go, but it was going to be a slow one. A hour....almost two passed before the 2nd fish striked. Chad was up on this one while I took the gaff, and Chris stayed behind the wheel. Chad got the fish to the boat, but I missed on my first try, however I sunk the gaff on the 2nd shot. Now we had 2 fish in the boat. We quickly got the lines back out and my turn was next. I didn't have to wait long before I heard that real start screaming. I quickly got buckled in and started the tug of war. However, this fish just wasn't meant to be as he somehow spit the hook. Oh well, there is always next time. We decided to try some bottom fishing on the ledge while we were out there and are we glad we did. It was fast and hot action with the Grouper today. Everyone took turns in landing these fish. It wasn't long before Chad hooked into the fish of the day. He grunted, hollered, moaned and did everything short of cry to get this fish up, and he did. Everyone was in awe when this fish broke the surface....a 27lb Gag was staring back at us!!! I quickly lipped gaffed him and got him into the fishbox. We decided to head to the house after that. We all 3 rode home with smiles on our faces today!
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