That fish is a Jew Fish. Many years ago, i saw one that took up the whole bed of a truck. This fish took 8 guys to pull in and then they thru him back in the water.
Its a goliath grouper aka jew fish and higly illegal to take out of the water...not that I agree with the law because they are nothing but grouper eatting machines but illegal non the less...I wouldn't post that picture around the wrong people if I where
I think it is great to build memories like the with your bud's then have the presence of mind to throw it back :) Sounds like you did a wonderful job raising your son.. What a great pic.. That is one fish that will get bigger with time :))