TODAYS TRIP... We popped a King Mackerel in the box during the first 2 minutes of having the lines out. Then a missed strike. We trolled our way in closer due to the increasing waves. As we approached the 7 mile rock the down rigger went off with force. We had something large. We cleared all other lines and the down riggers and chased it down. It would run to the bottom and right back to the top and all over the place, like nothing I have ever seen. This went on for 10 minutes or so. Then it bulldogged us to the bottom and would not budge. I started thinking early season cobia? Na couldnt be.. A shark? naa not on a yozuri. My customer states if it is a shark he wants to keep it. I say no, its a safety issue, but we will get a pic.(I remember my old sand tiger tail gaff incident!)Well my 3 customers kept fighting this fish for over a hour and twenty minutes and the fight covered over 1/2 a mile! The three of them switched off fighting this fish four times between the three of them. We were only using king tackle and 20lb Spiderwire Stealth with a 20lb mono leader. We saw the leader 3 times but no fish. Finally my customer comes up with a HUGE Thresher shark!! It was snagged in the tail by the yozuri! It was motionless and apparently expired (or very close to) during the fight. I lip gaffed it and it did not move. So here I am with this shark fumbling through my papers to make sure it was a legal catch. I called a friend to confirm and all was good. The shark was dead, the customer wanted it and
it worked out great. Took it to Bridge Tender and weighed it in. 70lbs and 80 some inches long! Not bad on king tackle and 20lb SPIDERWIRE braided line!! Hats of to my customers for staying in the fight!
Its heating up!
Lets go fishing!
Capt. Matt Wirt
www.reel-adventure.com
