On a perfect day in 1969, with blue skies prevailing and
unseasonably warm weather, I had the adventure of a lifetime. Conception Bay, Newfoundland,
world renowned for its giant Bluefin Tuna spawning runs, was the location. Located in
close proximity to St Johns, the capitol city, deep sea afficianados from around the
world gather for a chance against these giant fish that can run to 1200 lbs. I was
stationed with the U.S. Navy at the time and had the opportunity to match strength
(and lasting power) with these amazing fish. The Navy provided the Fishing boat,
Captain and crew, at no charge to sailors stationed at the Naval Base at Argentia.
Fees for such a trip would have been too excessive for an enlisted service member.
Three co-workers attached to the Communications Station had been notified that our
group was now eligible on a long list of requestees for the trip. We arrived before
daylight and after being given instructions on how to fight a fish of this size,
if we were fortunate to get a strike, began our quest. We agreed to 30 minute watches
on the fighting chair in case of a hook up. As we trolled for several hours with squid
and a mullet type fish on the two rods, we viewed several large schools of Bluefins
pass under the boat as the Captain positioned our the baited rods in perfect postion.
The however, were not cooperating this day. The jagged seacoast, with seagulls darting
everywhere and the other fishing rigs in the distance provided a day of solitude and
enjoyment for all. 30 Seconds after my shift on "Chair watch" had begun the large
reel cried out! The Captain rushed down the ladder of the steering deck and instructed
me to get seated and buckled into the fighting chair. The rod was bent down over the
stern of the boat and the Captain was attemtping to set the hook before handing me
the rod. It could barely be lifted. As he handed it off to me, little did I realize
that I was going to be battling this huge fish for 1 hour and 50 minutes! Bluefins
sound...there is no acrobatic jumps, as with Marlin or Sailfish. They go deep and bulldog, attempting
to gain release by pure strength. After 30 minutes the Captain kept tightening the
drag on the huge reel, telling me to put more pressure on the fish. I was 24 years
of age, 6'3" and 200 lbs. I was doing everything that I could to gain line on this huge
fish but everytime I gained 50 yards, he would sound again, negating the advantage
that I had gained. Finally, after an 1 1/2 hours of give and take the fish was within
30 feet of the boat, on his side, swimming in 180 degree arcs behind the boat,
refusing to give up. I was just as determined as I had the double line shocker tippet
inside the reel. As the first mate, grabbed the line, with the fish against the boat
thrashing, I could see the arms and body of first mate being jerked back and forth
unmercifully! Then, as if it had all been a dream, the wire leader sprang up from the
water with the enormous hook almost straightened. As I stood up, we all watched the
huge fish slowly swim into the depths. I know he had to be as tired as I was and was
disappointed at the time. The Captain cut the hook from the steel leader and gave it
to me as a souvenier. He approximated the weight of this huge adversary to be between
750 and 800 pounds! It was the only strike of the day but I have relived that battle
many times and told the story to as many fishermen that would listen. Yes, Charlie
had the last laugh that day but Tomatoes stuffed with tuna fish is still one of my favorite
meals!
....THIS "IS" A TRUE STORY.....(Mike Wilkins) |
