Now we wait for a bite, which generally does not take a long time.  You can catch just about anything on the reef.  I have seen two fisherman using the exact same equipment and bait catch completely different fish.  One may bring up a twelve inch snapper while the other hooks into a shark of several hundred pounds. You really need to be ready for anything.
   
When the fish strikes you need to pull up on the rod firmly. This serves a dual purpose, it sets the hook into the mouth of the fish and it also pulls the fish up from the bottom.  You then must immediately begin retrieving the fish quickly.  The first several seconds will often determine success.  You cannot allow that fish to take your line into the reef. The action of the fish combined with your counter action will break the line for sure.  Move that fish out of the reef by horsing it in fast.  Once you have the fish half way up to the boat and the line tension increases you can and should play it bit.  By all means though horse the fish out of the cover of the reef as quickly and assertively as possible.
   
This in a nutshell is reef fishing. You can and will catch just about anything. I have seen several varieties of snappers, groupers, sharks and many other fish caught within hours of each other.  It is an experience I recommend anyone try once in their lives. If you do expect to be hooked on the adventure.

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