Bluefin jigging/popping out of Hatteras, NC 02-06-2011

[kilsong]

We left dock at 4:30 am and there was no boat when we arrived at fishing ground. It didn't take long to locate tuna.
But, for some reason, tuna bumped jigs, but didn't take them. Michael got a nice fish on his Labo jig and tuna pulled the hook after fighting a few minutes.
A couple of boat came including the Tuna Dock and Capt decided to troll to locate tuna.. As soon as Capt announced he marked lots of tuna, we heard one trolled reel screaming. David fought the fish and it turned out to be 222 lbs nice bluefin. Capt called other boats.



Our misfortune of jigging continued. Michael got another solid hit on his Labo jigs and he must hooked up a big tuna as I was afraid he got spooled of PE8 reel.
After fighting for a whole, Varivas Avani PE8 main line got broken.
Michael used 100 lbs Yozuri fluorocarbon leader line and PR knot on about 25 lbs drag.

Michael fighting a big bluefin with 450g Black Hole Cape Cod Special and PE8 reel.






As tuna bites slowed down I suggested Capt for bottom fishing.
It turned out to be a bad decision on my part. I thought bites were over by late in the afternoon based on my last two years' experiences. While we were jigging for bottom fish, we heard bites were still on.
We decided to resume tuna jigging. we immediately hooked up a few tuna, but we lost them for various reasons.

Then, we saw some surface action nearby. Michael did again. He got a 100 lbs bluefin on a special custom lure purchased from Saltywater.
He could finish the fight, but he offered Mark to fight.
The Gipang 70XH popping rod was very powerful and the 100 lbs tuna was quickly brought to the gaff range and the tuna was released safely.



Soon after, David hooked up a monster bluefin with Shibuki. We were chasing small tuna, but I saw huge swirl not far from the boat and David cast right to the swirl.
Unfortunately, the line got broken when the tuna dove suddenly.

Michael and myself used Labo jigs and David/Mark used other various jigs.
Labo jigs must be working yesterday and Michael and myself had about 9 - 10 hit combined while David/Mark had only a few hit with other jigs.

















222 lbs bluefin. Toro quality is excellent. I am going to have a sashimi party today.

[Sea Draggin]

What was the length on the fish Kilsong?


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[kilsong]

What was the length on the fish Kilsong?


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71" - 72"

[masonbo]

72" length 59" girth 220lb. The whole marina is eating bft sushi tonite!

[kilsong]

72" length 59" girth 220lb. The whole marina is eating bft sushi tonite!

I had a nice sashimi lunch with my staff today.

[paul708]

Nice Fish
sushi sounds great

[abwilli4]

nice fish

[netman9]

From the jig to the plate! Outstanding thread w/pics here!!!

[CFScheer]

I can't decide what looks more enticing, the fishing or the resulting plates of sushi. Winning experience start to finish.

great report and pics