After the last charter of the day, Mason enjoys helping his Dad get rid of the left-over bait from the livewell. Most days this is accomplished by feeding the various birds which enthusiastically greet the boats return, or, by feeding the Snapper and Jacks at the dock. Yesterday, however, Capt Tom decided to help Mason put a line in the water to reel one in. We have done this before, and Mason usually really enjoys seeing the fish come to the surface and having a chance to touch it before it goes back in.

Well, Mason and Tom dropped in the whitebait, stood staring at the surface for about 15 seconds and then, whoosh… off went Mason’s bait into the mouth of a giant Snook. When the fish was finally retrieved from the water (with a significant amount of help from Dad), Mason was rather frightened by the size of this “sea monster.” It was almost as big as him! It ended up being the largest keeper Snook Capt Tom has seen all season! 14 pounds and 32.9 inches! Way to go, Mason. I’m pretty sure you made your Dad proud.

–Jennifer McLaughlin