Margie & Bill Flanagan (photo by Chris Kellogg) Millsboro, Delaware

Fish Species: Mutton Snapper Weight: 13 lbs. Length: 28"   Fishing Location: off the western tip of Vieques Tackle Used: Old-fashioned Cuban Rig (the spool seen in her husband's hand) and 40-lb test monofilament

Good friends Margie and Bill Flanagan were sailing with us on our sailboat "Endorphins" from St. Thomas to Puerto Rico when she hooked this wonderfully pink-hued mutton snapper off the western tip of Vieques. It measured 28" and weighed in at 13 lbs. She caught it using an old-fashioned cuban rig (the spool seen in her husband's hand) and 40-lb test monofilament. She used a clove hitch to attach a rootbeer can to the line to alert her to the strike... it can be seen fully crushed but still in the line just under the cuban spool. I'd fashioned the jury-rigged lure with two hooks and some green electrical tape... one of the hooks is outside, but the other thankfully inside! Having never heard of mutton snapper before, or eaten it, we were totally surprised at how scrumptious it was that night quick sauteed and over ceasar salad. Wonderful moment and wonderful catch. ~Chris Kellogg Close Window