Bluefin Tuna update
There is nothing quite like the sound of a Bluefin tuna pealing line off the reel. That sound triggers such an adrenalin rush it is hard to describe but it is nothing short of awesome. Grab your fighting belt and it’s game on. The Bluefin Tuna in the photo below was caught June 20, 2008 on Stellwagen Bank. It measured 56 inches and we estimated the weight around 100lbs. This fish dumped 300+ yards of line (23lbs of drag) in about 45 seconds. Over the next 30 minutes I battled that fish with using a Shimano TLD50 IILRSA reel. Just when I thought I had the upper hand the fish saw the boat and peeled another 150yards of line. With my knees against the stern and the rod bent nearly into the water the fish went straight down. More work still … eventually the fish is alone side the boat, line man (Tim) leads him along side while gaff man (Howard) lands a perfect shot. Celebratory high fives all around when that fish hits the deck.
