2012 Episode Synopsis
by Charlie Wray

Episode 217:P.E.I. Monster Bluefin Tuna

Today, the Mercury Marine Destination takes Terri and I out to the friendly and quaint province of P.E.I. Time to fuel up the RAM and get ready for a run! Even though this is a long trip, it is a beautiful relaxed drive once we pass the traffic and construction work in Montreal. The drive is not only comfortable and fuel efficient with the 2500 Ram diesel, but the trip along the St. Lawrence and through New Brunswick is very picturesque. If you have never been out to P.E.I., the sight of the Confederation Bridge linking P.E.I to mainland is a sight to be seen. This is our second year heading out to P.E. I. for the monster Bluefin Tuna, and joining us this year, is once again Steve Tagami from Mustad and for the first time, John Devries from Seaguar.  John has never experienced this before and like Terri and I, we all could hardly wait.

Last year, I was truly amazed to see these huge 800 – 1,200 lb monsters feeding at boat side on the Herring we were tossing in, and this year was no different, in fact, I think there were even more of them!! I had thought seeing a Great White Shark one day would be the highlight of what I could possibly see as an angler, while I am yet to see a Great White, I don’t think it would surpass the spectacle of dozens of these monster Bluefin Tuna at boat side, and actually watching them take the baited hook, almost on command! I know it isn’t always this easy, but for two years now, Tony has made it look incredibly consistent. We learned a little from last year, the 35 lbs of drag pressure we were told to stay with, was not enough to even slow down these giants and 50 lbs of drag pressure was the norm. The harness is comfortable, and once you adjust your balance, it is a much more sporting way to enjoy the fight. To maximize the pressure, and so everyone could enjoy this powerful creature, we change off every 20 – 30 minutes. Yes ladies, you can do this as well, Terri had a blast and could have stayed on longer than her shift, but others were waiting for the thrill. 20 - 30 minute shifts were perfect, just enough to enjoy the fight and start feeling slight fatigue, but leave you anxious for your turn again. Between myself and Terri, John DeVries and Steve Tagami, we worked like a perfect team, changing off and keeping the maximum pressure on the Tuna we hooked over the three days.

This is a live release fishery, so maximum pressure, get the fish in, and cut the line for a healthy release. Leave the macho image at home for this.  If you are out to prove you can do this all by yourself, the battle will go far too long for a safe healthy release.  If you are not comfortable with the harness set up, you can fight the Tuna with the rod set in the gunnel, so all you need to do is crank the handle of the reel.  One other option would be using the fighting chair, and if the seas turn rough, this would be a fun alternative and something to experience, I might do this next year just to say I tried it.

Leaders of 200 lb test Seaguar Fluorocarbon are a must. Not only for the abrasion resistant qualities, but these large eyed monsters would shy away in a second if the leader was not invisible in the water. Today, the 12/0 Mustad Demon Perfect Circle Hook #39959BLN was ideal, incredibly strong without being bulky and overly visible. The take was instant, and with only some steady pressure, the circle hook found the corner of the jaw perfectly! Circle hooks are designed to rotate and only hook the corner of the mouth, this way, even fish that suck in a bait deeply, the hook can slide back up the throat, rotate, and only hook the jaw, perfect for live release fishing.

To say these fish are strong is an understatement. In the words of Mustad’s Steve Tagami,          “they do whatever they want for about the first half hour, and you are powerless against it, absolutely incredible”. The Okuma Makaira 80W was flawless, even with the 50 lbs of drag pressure, this is truly a big game reel that can take anything you want to fish for. Also a special note, the Tuf-Line XP sliced through the waves like a straight wire, no belly like the commercial guys experience with the 130 mono.  The big plus, downsizing to the 80W sized reels loaded with Tuf-Line XP actually hold much more line than the 130 reels with 130 lb mono, so you can use a smaller reel and enjoy the stand up fight.  This is about as good as Big Game fishing can be, and while there is a worldwide shortage of these monster fish, and since each fish is extremely valuable to the worldwide fish markets, the future is unknown. However, the population is still strong in P.E.I. and a live release sport fishery is still there for anyone wanting to enjoy one of the largest, toughest sport fish in the world.

Tony had an extra surprise for us this year, he actually still had a commercial tag on hand, and when one of our fish looked to be the perfect size for the commercial market and fetching a good price, Tony made the call to keep one. We had the additional thrill of dragging this magnificent brute aboard and seeing the process of what happens on the commercial end as well.

Captain Tony and brother Bradley are true gentlemen, and it is one of the most professionally run and enjoyable boats I have ever been on. Family fun, or fishing buddies, you will have the time of your life. www.tonystunafishing.com or 902-357-2207.  The East Coast is not only beautiful, but the folks are friendly and helpful, it is truly a nice relaxing pace and a break from the traffic jams and fast pace lifestyle.  Only a few minute from where we fish, is Bothwell Beach cottages, these are not cottages like you would expect, but immaculately kept homes with full bath and kitchens. Clean and quiet and truly a home away from home www.bothwellbeachcottages.com or 866-357-2561.

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