It was an epic battle, but finally the Pacific gave up one of it’s strongest and most promising sons, a 10 (ten) pound ‘tail.
The fight took place Saturday Morning (1st of August 1998) off the coast of Oxnard California, commencing at 9:37AM on the near side of Anacapa, ending 1 hour and 42 minutes later on the far side of the same Island. The following is an account of the battle, by the victor, Mr. Stig Pedersen.
"Complemented by the custom built 7 7/12 foot Calstar Glass Rod the Penn 525 cast perfectly for me time after time. The bait was in the form of energetic young sardines that truly did their species proud on this warm Southern California morning. From very early on, I knew this would be ‘my day’.
At around 9:35AM I picked a particularly good sardine from the bait trays, energetically stocked by Teddy, the deckhand that was to play a pivotal role in the imminent battle. The cast was long, not the longest of the day but long enough so that the Sardine would not swim back to the perceived safety of the boat. At 9:36 and 52 seconds the spool suddenly spun like I had never seen it spin before. Eyewitnesses would later claim that they saw smoke coming from the reel. I cannot personally confirm this since my focus was firmly on the water and the beast that it was now obvious that I was in battle with. Ko, the legendary warrior of the Anacapa Islands had earlier advised me that the ‘tails were in a cautionary mood and apt to slowly devour their victims. He therefore suggested counting to 8 before engaging the reel gears and thus commence the true battle. I counted, 1 elephant, 2 elephant...it seemed to take forever but finally I locked the gears only to find that it made almost no difference the beast was ripping the 12 pound monofilament line off the spool as if it was cotton spools on a Spinning Jenny.
It soon became obvious to the rest of the boat that what was ensuing before them was no ordinary battle. Many put down their tackle and started wiping sweat from my brow. Ko, also stopped fishing and stood by me coaching my every move and being there if I were to collapse from exhaustion.
I had originally employed my usual fishing technique of pointing the rod directly at the fish so that the line is centered in the guides. The drag was also set rock solid, I was determined not to let the puppy get away. However, Ko advised me that maybe I should try this new fangled technique he had been experimenting with of pointing the rod tip at the sky (I know it seems illogical, but hey..desperate times desperate measures) and to slowly lift the rod winding line in on the way down. I was reluctant at first but when the above technique and whipping the rod with sharp jerks just above the water didn’t seem to get me anywhere, I gave in.
I don’t know how many times I went up and down the boat. Before me Teddy was cutting lines to clear the way and in the background Ko was saying "This is my brother-in-law, he better land this tail otherwise my sister will kill me". Well, as if the pressure wasn’t enough already.
I am not ashamed to admit I was struggling, this was a beast like no other I had ever fought, but finally I hear "Houston, we have a visual" It was yellow. Teary eyed I could see the colour and that tell tail death spiral, I could taste impending victory and was momentarily tempted to once again point the rod tip at the beast and whip it about violently. Ko, advised me not to.
I was close to passing out from dehydration and quite frankly the last few minutes were a blur. All I know is finally, Teddy handed me a gaf on the end of which was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen....my first yellowtail.
I would like to thank the following for their help and support throughout the ordeal:
Ko: My coach and mentor throughout the battle. Would have lost it without you.
Teddy: The gaffer and clearer of lines.
John: For finding the ‘tails.
Rick: For securing the hot bait and clearing the lines cutting out the heart for the initiation ceremony.
Joko: For letting me go fishing.