Prince Edward Island

[gman]

I'm not sure how to describe Prince Edward Island. Ive had 16 hours of driving to reflect and Im still at a loss for words. Honestly from a fishing perspective it's the most magical place in the world. There is no other place on our planet that will give you the opportunity to test you angling skills against the largest Bluefins that swim.

It's like Jurrassic Park meets Sea World. When you arrive you are immediately consumed by how old world it is as you pass the rolling green hills, farmhouses and dark red clay soil. Then when you meet Tony and his crew, you feel like your a part of the family and you feel secure, safe and sound.

The boat ride however should be longer than the approximate 5 minute ride to the fishing grounds because you should have more time to brace yourself for the absolute destruction that goes on under the surface of the dark blue water. Actually I'm joking because nothing can prepare you for what your about to see and fishing will forever be changed. I guarantee you you will be ruined forever.

5 seconds ... That's right count 1,2,3,4, 5 and you will be tied into a massive bluefin ranging from 600-1200 pounds as it rips under the boat and swallows your hooked bait. It's like these powerful monsters are pets and you called them by name. Immediately upon arrival to a herring net. They will swarm under the boat looking for a free hand out, not knowing that one will contain a circle hook.

Back to Tony's Tuna fishing for a moment. Tony is one of the areas top captain and he and his brother Brandon are tops in my books. On my particular trip he had a fully stocked cooler with every drink imaginable, cheese & crackers. For lunch Tony prepared fresh lobster rolls and fresh cooked mussels to warm us up. Best service I've ever seen.

My experience was unimaginable but I was prepared. I reached out to my good friend Dennis Braid who has pioneered modern day stand up fishing and asked him what to expect because he really discovered stand up fishing for Giants in PEI. He has landed many giants from 1,000-1,200 pounds. After consulting Dennis I decided to use his Powerplay system which consists of his Custom 4'8" Powerplay Rod paired with his powerplay belt and bucket harness. For my reel and line I chose an Okuma Makaira 80w 2speed reel spooled with 1,000 yards of Jerry Brown Hollowcore spliced into a 200 foot Topshot of Momoi Diamond line and finally finished off with a 10' 400 pound fluorocarbon leader.

Luckily for me, I hooked my dream fish and after a tough 40 minute fight with drags ranging to 55 pounds I was able to successfully catch and release her boatside. She was estimated to be in the In the high 900's-1,000 pound range but before I could let her swim away I needed to jump in and take a photo with her to pay my respect. After a quick shot we swam her and she kicked away and dove back to the depths of Prince Edward Islands mind blowing waters.

Enjoy the thread boys ....

[gman]

Prince Edward Island .... The trip was organized by Saltywater Tackle in Brooklyn. Thank god my best friend Sami from Saltywater tackle organized this trip as it would turn out to be the best fishing experience of my life. Thanks hermno its great when after years of discussing something the plan comes together

Listening to all these stories about giants, catching them in super sonic times and people boasting about crazy drag settings our group of four decided to come here and see what it takes to actually land these fish. This place is magical no other way to describe it, a fisherman's dream. Literally 10 minute boat ride, then another 5 seconds before your bait gets inhaled by a pure giant.

Its really easy to get carried away once you get here but in admiration of these fish our group decided against taking any fish in the boat for pictures. Today was slated to be Sami's day on the rod and boy was it. Sami was able to release a giant over the grander mark in 75 minutes with only 50 pounds of drag during that time. Masterful performance. Captain Tony of Tony's Tuna fishing was the single most gracious captain I have ever met. Massive cooler stocked with food, drinks, beer, followed by fresh lobster rolls for lunch and fresh PEI mussels cooked for us before we headed in.

We had no gear failures to speak of, Okuma Makaira 80w's performed perfect along with the stand up rods. Enjoy the pictures from Day 1 ... more to come after day two

[gman]

OMG were to begin. This was the single best fishing experience of my life. Today was my day and I had the opportunity to fight and land a tremendous bluefin. The fish dumped over 700 yards of line at 45 pounds of drag on the initial run. 40 minutes later at a max drag of only 55 pounds I was able to get her boatside.

Based on her massive girth and thick body the Captain put her around the grand mark, could be a couple shy either way but Ill take it.

** A huge thank you to Dennis Braid for his guidance and for discovering this fishery for stand up giants. Talking to you about PEI for the last 2-3 years inspired me to do this and make my dreams a reality ... In addition the captain, mate and other anglers all agreed that your 48 powerplay rod was the best stand up rod on the market.

Enjoy the shots guys ... stay tuned for day 3 & 4

[gman]

Another day in Jurrasic Park has ended along with another success. Tom was up today and battled another beast to perfection Tom had never landed a tuna before which boggles my mind because he did so well and stand up to boot. The fish was landed in 70 minutes as Tom really put the heat to him. Captain put her right around 900. On top of being an insanely funny guy he is a great angler. Fish were eager to eat live or dead bait and was hooked within 5 seconds.

Enjoy the pics guys

[gman]

Khalid, Khalid, Khalid seems like everyone is asking about Khalid. Well today was his day and not only did he shine but he did it in approximately 40 minutes which is amazing. He was so eager for his chance he was pacing the boat because of all days today the fish didnt show until late and thats when he took his shot. He hammered the fish right away and kept up a ferocious pace using my braid rod and Okuma Makaira 80w reel. Honestly this fish which was in the 700 pound range didn't have a shot.

Great job man, way to take charge of your opportunity. Circle is complete all four anglers have their releases and time to get home.




R

[chumslicker27]

Man what an awesome place.. Standup on grander tunas.. The report and pictures are killer. Land of the beasts...I Gotta get up there..

[triniswordfish]

incredibleeee!!!!
wow i am at a loss for words

[clt_capt]

Awesome reports and pictures - Looks like an incredible trip - Thanks for sharing

[dougsulser]

Sounds like an epic place to me, im gonna get up there one of these days. Great story(s), and congratulations of some beautiful fish.

[gottaflylee]

Gman, good to see ya again and I see your well. Great report and pictures and as usual, I see that you can't stay in the boat...