Our day started with a 5:30am start.
We headed about 1 mile offshore in pursuit of Mackerel for live bait, which expert skipper Kevin said was the bait of choice at this time of year.
Within about 30 minutes we had a bait tank alive with a few dozen shimmering Mackerel.
We then headed to the tuna grounds.
Kevinโs 30 foot tuna boat powered by twin 115hp engines made short work of the cruise to the tuna grounds about 8 miles offshore.
I was amazed that the water was 2500m deep so close to shore. I was equally amazed that the very first cast into water bursting with feeding fish and diving seabirds yielded a good size dorado, which was quickly put on deck for dinner.
At just after 7am I tossed out a live mackerel. I let it out on free spool for about 100 yards and then waited. Patience was not needed. Bang! Tuna on! Kevin had put us right on the right spot.
Line flew off my reel and the ratchet screamed like a an F1 car at full throttle. I gave it about 10 seconds before engaging the drag. It seemed to make no difference as line continued to race off the Tiara 30. About 70% of my line was gone before I was able to halt the fishโs furious charge.
A battle of wills ensured. My arms ached as my mind asked questions of whether I would land this powerful fish that seemed to have no desire to quit or stop taking deep dives into the inky abyss.
One and a half hours later filled with encouragement and advice from Kevin the tuna was beside the boat. Quickly and expertly the 54.2kg was gaffed and boarded.
What a fish. What an experience.
I let the whole experience sink in over a couple of complimentary beers, while we returned to the Trou aux Biches harbour.
I have to commend Kevin on an expert operation. His boat makes for a superb fishing platform. His crew are helpful and knowledgable. And his tackle is well maintained and of the finest quality.
Thank you Kevin and crew. I hope to return one day. I can recommend you and your company to anyone who is serious about catching big tuna.
Our day started with a 5:30am start.
We headed about 1 mile offshore in pursuit of Mackerel for live bait, which expert...