{"id":3445,"date":"2017-09-03T08:46:46","date_gmt":"2017-09-03T08:46:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fishthedream.co.uk\/?p=3445"},"modified":"2024-11-29T10:54:17","modified_gmt":"2024-11-29T10:54:17","slug":"new-regs-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.fishthedream.co.uk\/?p=3445","title":{"rendered":"New regs ?"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the fish that seems to tick a lot of boxes for an angler on one of our Fishing Holidays in the Florida is the goliath grouper. \u00a0It’s big we have had them to near 500 lbs, it stays on the same wrecks all year-long, it takes nearly any bait, it stays on the hook and it gives you a work out that you will remember for a very long time. \u00a0It has been one of the more noticeable success stories of fish conservation of the Florida Wildlife Commission. \u00a0Back in 1990 the numbers were in rapid decline due to over fishing and it’s not the smartest cookie in the box living on small wrecks and even coming out to see fishermen. \u00a0So being large and a grouper a very easy pay-day for many a commercial fisherman with restaurants \u00a0being able to sell it as grouper everyone was happy except the grouper and some wrecks every grouper was taken.<\/p>\n

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So in 1990 a total ban on taking of goliath grouper note I say taking not fishing and it goes to show how a total ban of commercial and sport fisherman works and we see the results now. \u00a0A few years ago on just one wreck we had over 50 and it could have been more but my guys were fish out. \u00a0With the very obvious increases in \u00a0numbers this year the FWC have been having a series of local workshops to look at the possibility of a limited harvest again. \u00a0My own personal view is this could more than work here you have an apex predator that grows to huge weights not by eating salads and some days its hard to get any other fish past them.<\/p>\n

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We at Fish the Dream have to give a big thanks to angling journalist Jim Whippy for our success it bringing big fish back to the boat. \u00a0In our early years we just drifted across the wrecks but the power of the big ones more than often resulted in the fish getting back to the wreck and breaking off. \u00a0Jim had a long think about and came up with a two part plan. \u00a0One anchor up tide of the wreck and get the fish with lots of chum to come to you. \u00a0Two hook up at the back of the boat then drag the fish to the front of the boat getting line back by the walk and wind method. \u00a0If you just stand and pump when the line goes slack the fish can turn its head then its all over as it gets back to the wreck.<\/p>\n

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We found the best bait by accident one day we were fishing and one of the anglers had a very nice cobia ( yum yum ) so I was standing by with the gaff then the other angler had a small shark on. \u00a0Not want to miss out on the cobia I told the guy with the shark to hold on till we had the cobia in just hold the fish in the water by the boat it was only about 40 lbs so no problem. \u00a0Next we all heard a cry and some very strong words what had happened was one of those moments that will be with you for the rest of your life. \u00a0The water had gone very dark and a monster grouper maybe one of those fish that gets near 1000 lbs had come up and just taken the shark in one gulp all gone and one very shocked angler.<\/p>\n

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Now its my go to bait in the Keys and we have two smaller shark the blacknose and the sharpnose that can get to plague numbers so taking one or two for bait no problem not sure why but large grouper go out of there way to take this bait. \u00a0Also I have to say Fish the Dream I think started the craze of swimming with goliath. \u00a0Many years ago regular \u00a0Kevin Whincup had a monster by the boat and I mentioned that it was always hard to judge the size it was shame that no one would go in. \u00a0Splash \u00a0Kev \u00a0was in a by the fish and boy did it look big mad maybe but you have to say one hell of a photo.<\/p>\n

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