Although we use specialized fishing gear designed to minimize bycatch, we do occasionally catch large predatory animals other than sharks. This beautiful goliath grouper, more than six feet long and estimated at over 300 pounds, was caught last weekend. As goliath grouper are a Critically Endangered species (according to the IUCN Red List) and are protected by both state and Federal rules, we released it immediately. RJD media specialist Christine Shepard took this picture as the grouper was swimming away.

Photo credit: Christine Shepard. This goliath grouper, a state and Federally protected species, was released immediately. Christine got a picture as it was swimming away.