Catch of the Week: Pre-teen Gets a Grouper

Angler: Zachary Ashby, 11, with assistance from dad Bob Ashby from Brandon.

Fish: Gag Grouper, Zach's first catch ever.

Bait: Live pinfish.

Where: Offshore of Anna Maria Island in waters of about 140 feet.

Quote: I put a rod in the the rod holder for Zach, I new the grouper here on this honey hole were too large for most big men to handle, so I had his bait about 6 feet above the bottom to give him a better chance. When the gangster gag hit he was so strong I had to pull line through the guides so Zach could reel him in fighting all the way up in the rod holder.

Guide: Capt Larry McGuire of Show Me The Fish Charters, operating out of Bradenton Beach Marina, can be reached at 941-720-6475.