Conference wahoo::fishing

    re .-1
    
    Read notes 152, 194, 296, 537, 762, and 788 for some tips and tricks
    to getting started.  These include harpooning, handlining and some
    limited talk about standing up to a yellowfin. 

    Art.
    After you read all that technical stuff about catching tuna you
    should be ready to try one. BTW- The fish don't read this file,
    so we should be one up one them.
    
    A few boats are making a run next Friday Aug 5th out to Jeffries
    for Bluefin. I have an open spot on my boat and am looking for
    someone to share the fun and expence of a offshore run.
    
    My boat is "Rainbow Chaser" and she lives in Newburyport, Ma. so
    it would be a twwo to three hour run out to the ledge.
    
    If anyone would be interested in going ? reply to this note. I'll
    check back with you regarding details.
    
                                          Walt
    

    Well that din't take long to fill the boat. Any one else interested
    in going for Tuna on friday the 5th ? I'll put ya on standby crew.
    If any of the guys back out I'll give ya a call
    
    
                                            Walt
    

    Thanks for the offer Walt, I will contact you later next week.
    I have a place in Rockport, and a small Boston Whaler (17 ft.).
    Would venture out aways with reasonable weather, but first would
    like to find out what I need in equipment etc.

    How about this for a contrversial question.
    
    Lets suppose that we have a 500 + lb tuna  at the end of our line.
    Sound good allready?
    Now lets also assume that this week they are paying $6. per lb (
    they are) for bluefin.
    
    O.K. The topic is, Do you risk loosing the fish or do you pop him
    in the head with a 12 ga.? Maybe loose a little meat?
    
    What will this do to the commercial value of the fish?
    
    Is it legal? Do I really Care? Remember this is a $3,000. fish or
    more slamming against the side of the boat.
    
    Which brings up the other point. Would I even get him in the boat
    if he was still alive or would I even want too?
    
    Questions and comments are invited.
    
                                    Walt
    
    Suggestions also .
    

A THREE GRAND FISH ?!?  BLOW HIS BRAINS OUT, WALT!  DON'T TAKE THE CHANCE OF 
LOSING IT!

-HSJ-

PS  Wanna borrow my double-barreled 10 ga. just to be sure?

    re .5
    
    I wouldn't shoot the fish. It *definitely* reduces the price at
    the dock, maybe by alot. One thing to remember, the prime buyers
    for this species are the japanese, and the japanese are connoiseurs  
    of fish. To shoot the fish would certainly reduce the fishes' value
    in their eyes.
    
    Don't you have a harpoon? How about a flying gaff? Properly used,
    either of these utensils can easily subdue absolutely immense fish.
    I would tend to try the harpoon first. It seems easier to penetrate
    with a harpoon. I've seen too many failed gaff attempts.
    
    The Doctah
    

    re.5
    
    I agree.. don't shoot. Seems like a flying gaff, then a straight
    gaff and tail rope might be the way to go. 
    
    Also, before bringing the fish on board, consider what another 500
    pounds in the cockpit is going to do to boat performance (and fighting
    space if you catch it early in the bite.)
    
    I have seen a lot of guys tie the fish to the side of the boat and
    tow it in. At the very least, if you do bring it on board, I would
    make sure it is well secured. I have the feeling that a quarter-ton
    of fish could cause some damage if it started sliding around if
    it gets choppy.
    
    Bagel

    Stick em.  get yourself a cockpit harpoon.  It is basically a cut
    down version of a full size harpoon.  Once you get a dart into him,
    he's yours.  Better yet stick him with several darts then tail wrap
    him.  Remember to make sure that he's pretty much played out before
    trying to tie him off.  Have a ball and weights on your first dart.
    If you have underestimated his strenght you can let him tow around
    the whole set up and tire out.  If you try and tie him off too soon
    he may pull the dart.  Try to stick him right behind the fin, as
    it holds better.  And remember to DRIVE that dart home.  Good luck
                                 
    Jeff
    Jeff

    Ok. That's enough allready!
    
    I bought/made a harpoon rig and two gaffs last weekend. I may make
    a point/pike for the final thrust.
    
    1) The object is to calm the fish without stopping the heart from
    pumping. You need to bleed it and the heart does this for you.
    
    2) I did not consider ethnic culture coming into play; You made
       be right about the diminished value in the eyes of the buyer.
                       ( I'LL USE A SAMURI SWORD)
    
    3) The fishs boyd temp must be lowered to prevent the meat from
       spoiling. Hence putting it in one of my in deck fish boxes and
       cooling in a slurrie of 1 part Ice and 2 parts sea water.
       I can drain the water after 1 hour cooling to help boat trim.
       Better yet I could put Tuna in both port & Stbd fish boxes.
    
     4) I like the Wieght and Ball Idea with one wrinkle- How about
        using a five Gal bucket like a sea anchor? and the Ball.
    
     5) I can still shoot sharks to pass the time . 
    
     6) P.S. It really works- "PLAY JIMMIE BUFFET ON THE BOOM BOX "
    
    
                                                 G'Day
    
                                                 Walt
    

    If all else fails, you can always try one of those fish bonkers
    that they sell in the Bass Pro catalog. Hit 'em right behind the
    ear.. thud! No unsightly marks to offend potential buyers...
    
    Ed
    

    Re: -.1
    
    Do you mean a Louisville Slugger?
    
    P.S. Where are fishes' ears?
    
    :^)

    Naw that's wimpy, use a sledge hammer!