We launched the Hobie 16 in a hole in the mangroves between the Boat Club and Fisherman's Village in Punta Gorda for the Hibiscus Cup Regatta.. It is shallow and there is a line of old pilings underwater a couple of hundred yards offshore.

As we were coming in I was standing on the tramp looking for the old pilings when I spotted a large rock 4 to 5 feet long dead ahead. The tide was high enough so I started to sail over it. Looking closer I saw that it was yellow and brown in a mottled pattern. Just then I saw it move. As the boat sailed over it it spooked and bounced its back off the bottom of the tramp that shook the boat and gave us a good splashing. It swam off behind us leaving a large wake.

It was a Golith Grouper. Probably 200 to 300 hundred pounds.
I was really surprised to see that fish in that shallow water location. Usually they live around structure.

When was the hibiscus cup?

Nice recap, Thanks.

Like you say, groupers are predator fish, and lye in holes, nooks, etc.
I've seen them about this diving before, they could swallow my arm! I hope the sailing was just as fun.

I've probalby seen the most exotic things whilst sailing in the GT300 it starts at South Padre Island, is somr really clear water.
Enjoy

Saturday morning.

8 Sunfishes

7 Flying Scot's

3 Hobie 16's

I wish I'd known.