TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Jon Devin, Eric (In Pursuit) and I made our long scheduled trip to Gloucester for Giants. We have fished with Dave Carraro for the past (2) years for cod, haddock and pollack and had limit catches.

Left the dock promptly at 4AM and headed out. Had some heavy rain and a little snotty on the way out to the grounds.

Set out a couple of lines and while Dave was giving us a lesson on what was going to happen, we hooked up. Eric fought the fish for almost an hour before the line had gill rubbed and he broke off at the boat on the surface. Approx weight 350-450.

We get back to the ball and 10 minutes later, Paul (the mate) says" get ready" boom! There it goes off again, this time peeling out all the mono and 3/4 of the backing off the spool. Dave stopped him initially and got back almost all of the backing. We took turns on the rod for the next hour and Dave finally harpooned the massive beast at 1.5 hrs. The fish is estimated at approx 900lbs. 110" long. The biggest fish on Tuna.com this year.

It was a true team effort, taking turns on the fish, running the boat, clearing the lines, etc. Paul took approix 45 mins to an hour to head, gut, and ice the fish down. We got him back to the dock and a crane lifted her into a box truck. We just received a note from Dave saying the fish was in transit to Japan.

We fished in a large group of boats and there was only one or two fish caught. We had the one on the surface and the one that we caught. Dave runs an extremely tight operation. Everything was stellar!

My pics to follow and I am sure Eric and Jon will post some as well. If you want to go tuna or ground fishing, here is the boat to go on. We had an excellent time.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

What A Beast Great Job By All.:d :d :d

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Awesome stuff Howie!! Gotta see these pics.


Cant imagine that fight, like trying to reel in a car!!

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Nice fish!
Was it your choice to send it off to the market and do you guys get a cut of the fish sale?
I would imagine that fish will fetch a pretty penny hopfully which will pay for the trip.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Nice job Howie & Eric way to rep NJFishing.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Tick another one off my bucket list, what an experience!! I went on the trip thinking hey the rods are in the rod holder and we are using 130s how hard could it be? All I can say is holy s**t these things are freaking powerful. It was a bit of a bummer to lose the "little guy" next to the boat but we were definitely rewarded with something truly special. These are some magnificent creatures and it was a honor to be part of this trip.

Thanks to Capt Dave and Paul for running an absolute spotless and professional
operation.

NJ Dave, all fish over 73" have to be sold commercially, depending what it sells for in Japan, we may get a free trip out of it.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

great fish! def on my bucket list, but not sure I like the idea of a fish caught on the US coast heading to Japan:( - regardless of market conditions - something to ponder I guess

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Damn,you Said It Fish Of A Lifetime,something From The Dicovery Channel,way To Go Guys;)

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

why is it that the captain only gives back the fares and keeps such a huge dollar amount all for himself. Doesn't seem right - heard they all do it that way in MA, guess that's why you have no choice.

Am I missing something? Thoughts???

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

sounds like a fun trip Howie.

I also "wonder" about the meat. I have NO idea about the rules/regulations but it seems weird that YOU pay to charter a boat but don't get to eat what you catch?

I "NO" Joey Joe Murray aint going on one of THOSE trips. He'd wind up stealing the bait to take home!

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

because any person without a commercial permit for bft is not allowed to sell them. just as if you caught the fish on a private boat. i know it sounds bad but its a law that is followed by all the commercial captains

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Sure, come on my boat for a small fee, use my permit and my tackle, subtract what you payed for the trip ($1250) from what the fish paid ($12,000) and dam you made over $10,000 using my boat for a what is to be a fishing experience (much like marlin fishing) and not a fish for profit trip. If you're looking for a profit tuna fishing...buy a boat.

A free trip, steaks and the trip of a lifetime sounds good to me.

Am I missing something here?

Anyway...last I heard the boys were hooked up again today.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Howie, Eric and Jon,

It was a pleasure having you all on board as always and you all did a great job!!! Looking forward to cod fishing in the spring and tuna later in the summer.

We will save a few for you.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Guys don't turn this into another drama fest. Capt Dave could just go out there with his crew, catch the fish and keep all of the money for himself. Instead he opens his boat up at the risk of losing a $12,000 fish to our inexperience. Believe me Howie Jon and I are all experienced fisherman who totally had no clue what to do when these fish were hooked up.

We did get some steaks, what the hell would we do with 650# of Tuna????

Again, Dave thank you for having us aboard. It was a trip I will never forget, I would pay double for that experience again, but don't get any ideas. See you next spring for cod and July for tuna!

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Nice trip guys!

I also dont get the whole the thing with the selling of the fish, but im sure they knew it going into the trip. In any event, way to go!

I would have given a couple elbow drops and leg drops on that massive head!

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

As far as the selling of the fish, fishing for giants is only allowed in the general category. Recreational charter or head boats can't keep them. So if you have a commercial permit you can keep three but they MUST BE SOLD. Yes we knew this going in because we were aware of the regulations.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

I think no issue as long as everyone knows the deal going in which everyone did.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Holy bat bolognie - great jobs guy and that is one helluva fishie - congrats on the fish of a lifetime and is worth every penny - you got to take home steaks n your fair back - knowing this going in it is a win win in my book - you don't like the rules just don't go fishing for them.: - I wish my back could take that reeling in - I would do it in a heart beat - Johhny D must have been da mustache ?

Great catching n no drama from me mad props to Captain n Crew

Gdubya - :cool:

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Nice job guys, and congrats on a great trip and A FISH OF A LIFETIME...

I'm not sure why individuals on these boards wanna stir up the pot - I just don't get it (???)

Again congrats on that beast!!!

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Where's the harpoon video?! That fish did not like that very much.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Nauti:

Thanks for the endorsement! Great trip! I'm just really happy to be a part of it. It was the shortest 1 1/2 hours of my life. Things happen in a split second and anything could have come undone at anytime. Hats off to Dave and Paul.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Yeah Jon, where's the harpoon video??????

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Just had a chance to check back in and see the pics.....SICK!

Congrats boys, that is officially on my list of shit I gotta do!!!

Just wish the mudhole fishery still existed.....

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

way to go boys! although i must say it be heartbreaking not being able to tie that thing to the roof of the stratus and drive it through Philly ::p lol
AGAIN WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

The boys caught 2 smaller ones today.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

way to spoil em on the first day captain dave!!!! LOL!

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Nauti, don't think we didn't think about a yak, but even I have my limits.

The final 2 minutes
http://youtu.be/PENOPbrJmXs

The dressing
http://youtu.be/CC0bD-sEn_M

The haul
http://youtu.be/JSx5AiLhTcQ

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Congrats Boyz..Great trip!!!!



sean

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Not sure what there is to stir? Most people dont know about this fishery or the reasons behind the sale of the fish. Inquiring minds want to know

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Doesn't seem like the link works. Guess you copied it on your phone and posted it?
http://www.youtube.com/user/fishpeda.../1/PENOPbrJmXs
Badass fish and even more badass fishermen. :eek:

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

It's called ASKING A QUESTION Allen. I'm sure you allow your students to ask YOU a question when teaching them, NO??????????

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Dave,

I don't think ANYONE is questioning your practices. WE just don't KNOW what the deal is. Speaking for myself, I ASSUMED the guys chartered the boat (or paid equal fares running open) just like they would charter a boat HERE for a normal tuna trip, for example:

Bluefin - Jig/Troll/Chunk - Up to 60 Miles...................... $4,195
Canyon: Overnighter .................................................. . $4,695 ***(July - October & Tutorials - $4,995)
(24 Hours - Troll & Chunk)


After talking to your friend Roger yesterday, I got the "low down" on how it's done. No harm, no foul.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Mike,

No, I don't let anyone ask me questions :D ;)

Again nice job guys.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

THAT'S MY BOY!!!:eek:



Boy are you gonna be in for a wide awakening when your baby starts talking!!!!

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Great report and pics. Congrats to Capt and crew!

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Great job Howie, Jon, and Eric. I know that you all were excited and looking forward to this trip. I am glad that it exceeded the expectations. Congrats to all and to Dave and Paul for providing a trip of a lifetime.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Wow:eek: A trip and a fish of a lifetime for sure. Amazing that a fish like that can be caught on a rod and reel. Great job by you guys and thanks for sharing it here.


If you wouldn't mind, can you tell us the drill here?. I for one would love to know what sort of bait is used, anchor or drift, weight or no weight etc. Not that I would ever attempt this on my own, but it sure would make for some plauseable details when fabrcating Pop Pop fishing story for the kids.

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Just curious how you can take paying customers on a commercial fishing trip?

Re: TUNA.Com. * Trip of a Lifetime
 

Links fixed!