Man that fish is huge. Well done. It's a shame you lost your rig though.
What is GFP?

I will assume by his location that GFP = Galveston Fishing Pier

I learned a long time ago when fishing multiple poles for bigger fish (cats) that when you get a fish on, you get a buddy to reel up your other lines until you land the one you are fighting. Murphy fishes too.

Great fish man. Sorry to hear about the lost rod and reel... Try this you a length of cord and tie 2 clip beaners to each end clip one to the reel seat and then wrap around and clip the other to a cross beam simple to hook and unhook when fighting fish and keeps you from losing equipment when fishing alone..

Nice fish. Good job.

Thanks for all the recommendations.....still hotter than fish grease though

great fish I need to get down there soon

Nice Red! That's definitely on my bucket list.

Wish I was there