Bluefin Tuna Fishing

[JohnC]

Last week I had the privilege of going to Prince Edward Island with a few friends to fish for Bluefin Tuna. We fished two days and managed 3 fish; one @ 100 inches, estimated 750 lbs., one @ 100 inches estimated 850 lbs., one at 115 inches estimated 950 – 1000 lbs. (that one was mine!!). This is far and away the toughest fish I have ever hooked in to. I have never caught a marlin but I can’t imagine anything pulling more than these beasts do. All of the fish were boat side but only one was lip gaffed and dragged along while we took pictures. The other two pulled the hook when the mate was lifting the head next to the boat. The captains are only allowed to fight the fish for an hour then it is supposed to be released. Mine was over on time but I was able to beg the captain into letting me get it boat side. As disappointing as it was to not get close-up pictures it’s actually best for the welfare of the fish for them to leave while still kicking. The regulations are very strict and the boats are often watched from shore (only a mile away) by wildlife officers. They are only allowed to keep one fish per year. This is a truly amazing fishery!