Biggest Giant Grouper-world record set by Nelson
Shayne
[Jan 4]Latham Island,Tanzania--One of The Pemba
Channel Fishing Club's Bertram's "Shuwari", while fishing
out of Latham Island hooked up and boated a Giant Grouper weighing
179.5 kg. This is a new world record for the biggest Giant Grouper.
Nelson Shayne and a couple of friends chartered
"Shuwari" for a trip to Latham Island, Dar es Salaam. Shuwari, skippered
by Madelena Martinengo, assisted by Mohamed Baraza, Jason Alexio
and Cosmus made the long haul to the island in the early hours of
the morning.
Fishing
at Latham had been slow for the last few weeks so it was
decided to live bait for Giant Trevally, Dog Tooth Tuna and whatever
else might be lurking in the nearby waters.
A couple of rainbow runner were rigged live and trawled
along the drop-offs near the island in less than 60 meters of water.
It was not long before the live bait on the down rigger was taken
and battle commenced.
A battle lasting about 30 minutes, on 60 kg line, and
a Giant Grouper of 179.5 kg was the surprise of the day. Nobody
on board suspected it would be a Giant Grouper as Giant Trevally
were being caught in the main, with the odd shark and other reef
fish.
The battle with the fish was short and sweet, however
getting the creature on board proved to be a more difficult task.
Without a transom door it was difficult. Eventually with ropes attached
to the flying bridge ladder and 7 able bodied people the fish was
finally lifted on board.
