Large red shapes drifted slowly upward in the emerald water like globs in a lava lamp. Just as the features came into focus, the thin braided line telegraphed a savage strike. The rod doubled, the tip within inches of the cork handle. All I could do was hang on.“Is that what you were looking for?” mate Scott Savoir asked with a laugh.“I think you got one, Dave,” Capt. Scott Robson added over my shoulder while he held the 52-foot G&S Phoenix in position over the shallow artificial reef. My only response was a grunt. Slowly I gained the upper hand, halting the fish’s initial dive. With short, quick pumps, I gained line inch by stubborn inch. After one last surge from the fish, Savoir brought the hefty 12-pound red snapper aboard for a quick photo before release. Beyond the transom, several more swirled. Now this was my kind of ...![red snapper]()
