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WATCH: Florida fisherman pulled off boat by goliath grouper

Posted at 6:59 AM, Nov 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-08 14:59:07-05

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. -- A South Dakota man has quite the fish story to bring back home with him, and video to prove it.

A YouTube video posted by Big Bully Outdoors last week show how the battle with an enormous goliath grouper played out while fishing offshore of Boca Grande Pass.

Dustin, visiting Florida from South Dakota, was locked in a battle with an estimated 500+ pound goliath when the fish switched directions and caught Dustin off balance.

Amazingly, Dustin was able to hold onto the rod after falling in the water and handed it back to a crew member on the boat.  He climbed back into the boat and was able to bring the huge fish to the boat and release it.

Goliath grouper are the largest of the grouper family, and can reach 800 pounds. They have been strictly catch and release in Florida since 1990.