Just Keeps On Keepin' On

Must have something to do with the last name, but there be funk among us. We're layin' down a rhythm down here that if you can hook up to it the dancin' be really good. The big dorado continue, floppin' around like the Fatman in the Bathtub. With a little wind earlier in the week mobility was cut down a little, and so was the tonnage, but it's clear sailin' now. No storms on the horizon, morning temps a little cool due to fog down south, but afternoons are Hot. The conundrum of the gringo continues however. "We only caught 3 fish today, not a good day." followed a few days later by "We've got too much fish, the airline is goin' to kill us." Well Hell,that's sorta like taken the bad off both sides of the coin. These are big fish, they take awhile, patience, skill, and a modicum of talent. Using the right hardware helps. As we are using bigger baits, ie. concinero, molcate, bonito, zebras, tiny dorado, etc. you have to scale accordingly. I'm using 50lb. main line to a fluorocarbon leader. Best to use a swivel if the bait is dead, a line to line double uni if the bait is alive. The leader could be 60 or 80, and a #5/0 or #7/0 hook. Leader length is a choice, but make sure if using a swivel that between the length of your rod and the length of the leader that you can reel that fish in to within gaffing range. These are big baits, and you must be a little patient on the hook up. Whether it is a circle or J hook, you need to let the fish run just a bit, it ain't a sardine and instead of enhaling it like Mr. Langusch on a vienna sausage they are gonna gnaw on it a bit, flip it around a bit, and savor this tasty repast. When the fish hits 2nd gear, or when your Captain starts jumpin' up and down, drop the hammer. On circle hooks you need but point the rod at the fish, let him take 15 yards and then slowly bring the rod into play. If using a J hook, it's time to swing, but you're not trying to pull teeth from a pachyderm, just come tight on it, bang him a couple of times and you're there. Remember that by the time you have put the reel into play that fish is goin' 40 the other way, and the hook that you so carefully touched up with the trusted emery board the you always carry will slide like Tuttle down the buffet table. You're hooked up, and the fish knows it. Long runs, big jumps, enjoy! This is why you came all the way down here and decided to put up with me. Keep the line tight, and wait until you can make some headway. When you can JUMP ON IT. With big fish there are two battles goin' on, one is to see which one of you will tire sufficiently to make the first mistake, but the subtext, and an important one, is a battle of wills. This a predator pretty high up the food chain, not some farm raised corn eating emasculated rainbow. He ain't use to losin', the thought hasn't crossed his mind. Don't let him rest. As you start to gain line he'll start to circle the boat, using his large flat profile to resist closing on the boat. When he goes left, you pull right, he goes right, you pull left. Don't even let him get the idea that he's in charge. I'm not at all recommending that you horse this fish, but fight as hard as he is. When he starts circling under the boat, use the 2/3 or that circle where he isn't pointed directly away from you to make some headway, and when he is pointed away, drop you tip instead of giving up precious line. When you feel the head shake and he starts to run, this is your opportunity for a short breather, let him tire himself, and then jump right back on the pony. When you see the line coming up for a jump, prepare to bow ever so slightly to his display, but then climb on him. There is a distinct difference that you can feel when the fish realizes that you are in charge. As he starts to circle close to the boat, get ready to lay him out for the Captain to dispatch. When the Captain has sunk the gaff and is lifting the fish take the reel out of gear, keep your thumb on it, and enjoy that magnificent animal as he is removed from his traditional home, and enters yours. The colors are at their brightest, you and the Captain are at your happiest, and for a few moments your world is limited to that panga, and to that moment.The purity and focus of that moment is rare in our facebook connected, twittering, smart phone world, and it is to be savored. It's a feeling that non fishermen may secure elsewhere, maybe. Large fish require a higher degree of concentration and team work than the 10 pounders. They will capitalize on your errors, and you should be ready to return the favor. You might be tired, but he's dinner, you win. David