The Reef Master

[Kingspear]

The Reef Master.

A while back. I found a nice area with steep ledges going down. The area was full of life. When I started diving I saw a herd or Goats foraging together which was strange because these fish typically don't school. Once I stalked the school I saw why, they were following the Reef Master, a HUGE unnatural abnormality of a fish, and where ever he would go the other Goats would follow. In any case I could never get close enough to make my shots connect.

Fast forward to last week I go out again to the same area. Once again I run into the Reef Master and his crew at the same spot. The first time I see him he out of range and he took off as soon as he saw me. I thought that was it because he remembered me. But alas an hour later I see him and his followers again in some rocks, this time I get much closer but blow it by shooting before I was 100% in range. I thought there was no way I'm going to get another chance. Unbelievably 5 minutes later I see his followers swimming around a steep drop off and I knew he had to be there somewhere. I dive down to the top of the ledge so I'm completely laying on the floor and am covered over by the eel grass that is about 3ft tall so I cannot be seen. I then crawl to the edge of the ledge and get in sniper position, I poke me head over and see the Reef Master about 7ft away. I take aim and shoot him. He is extremely strong and try's to go deep under a ledge. I fight with all my might to not let him hole up. Fortunately I was able to keep him out of the rocks and I get him close enough to bear hug him and end the epic battle.

He came out weighing 28lbs, a real monster of a Sheephead. This was by far the largest goat I have ever shot. Notice no streached out arm tricks in my pictures. My arms are bent.

BTW the Calico was 7lbs.

PS If you have a problem with me hunting the Large Grandpa Goat Shut Up and don't post on my thread or bother me with a PM. I did it in an ecological way and it was a Personal Best. I am not running around trying to shoot every goat I see. I actually pasted multiple goats that day that were over 10lbs-15lbs that day. Up until a month ago I hadn't shot a goat in 10 months. If anyone starts a fight on this thread I will close it.

[Ron S]

That's an awsome fish and it sure sounds like you had to work for him! A hunt you'll remember for a lifetime! Congrats!
Ron.

[bajahunter]

Why did you shot that poor goat.....kidding...Congratulations and ditto on that Calico ...nice...you should save that big head for fish stew it's great

[Kristof]

what a beast
sounds like a very skillful stalk, you deserve it

and the calico aint too shabby either

[Mike Eberhardt]

Great story! Huge ass goat, congrats.

[SCspear]

dam thats a BIG mo fo! Nice job!

[undrH2Ohntr]

dude.......you're an a**hole, that fish is probably over 40 years old, very disappointed in you bro












Nice fish Ephraim. We knew that was a huge fish because as you were swimming it back to the boat we could see the back tail sticking out of the water
I also passed on goats that day because I didn't need/want any sheephead meat. That big boy had a serious cult of followers including several fish over 10-12lb range.

[hardway]

nice! sounds like a heck of a hunt too, you deserved to bag that monster.

[joshrau]

Nice, and keeper sheepshead are all males right?

[isibrigade]

Ephriam,
Dude, those fish are both trophy fish alone, yet you landed them on the same day! SAWEEEET.

I'm telling you man, try the sheaphead sushimi. Slice as thin as you want, nothing comes close texture wise. All you need is a size of wasabi and soy sauce.

KUDOS to you man!

[Natedogg]

Nice goat!

[gwedge]

Nice!

[zenspearo]

Awesome Ephraim. Now that the stake is raised, I'm going to have to look for a sheephead next time we go out.

Great story telling too. I feel like I was there. Up to the seeing the goat 7 feet away, I was like..shoot, shoot, shoot.

Congrats bro. What a great catch.

[C monster]

That fish is older than you.
















Glad you put it out of it's MISERY!
Nice fish.

SC

[Fis_Hunter]

Very nice fish