Bluefin Tuna

Trip to Ocean City, MD. (Part 2)

OCEAN CITY, MD – My first post related to my trip highlighted my own catches and fishing experiences. This part celebrates some of the people I met and fishing related memories that weren’t my catches. As one might expect in an oceanfront town, there were often people fishing near me, and their catches became memories for me as well.

I met these two fish bums (endearing terminology) while they were organizing tackle by their vehicle. The vast plethora of gear in their vehicle could have fully supplied a small tackle shop. My kind of people. Left to right, that is Noah (Instagram – coolerfullofish) and Joe (Instagram –jmnorton_fishing). I appreciated their willingness to share information and we met early enough in the week that we were hopeful we might get a planned fishing session in together. My decision to leave on Saturday instead of Sunday, is one that I regret. My call to go shark fishing came, but I was well on my way back to Ohio. Hopefully, I can make that happen next trip!

Here we have Kiley and Anthony, a very handsome college student couple that work full time in Ocean City in the summer. I watched Anthony catch a fish about as quickly as he put his Jeep in park after arriving. I learned Kiley was just as avid and competent as an angler, as she showed me some of her recent catches and also provided guidance. They both preached the virtue of the spec rig, with Anthony giving me one that I caught a Bluefish on. I can’t thank them enough for being so gracious with their time.

Surprisingly, I only spent part of one day at the actual Ocean City Fishing Pier. This was largely due to the fact that it sits so high above the water and I had no idea if my gear was appropriate or how to actually land something. I had seen plenty of Youtube videos where pier nets were used, but I didn’t realize their was a ‘community pier net’ available. After being on the pier for a little over an hour, I had already assisted with the net and learned enough that I was bummed I didn’t head over to it sooner.

While I don’t recall his name, the guy on the left was a regular to the pier and fun to hangout with. Anything he caught, he would show tourists and especially made it a point to make sure any kid who wanted to see or touch something, could. He’s pictured in one of those moments, showing a Skate. The middle photo I could dedicate an entire post to. There were two couples fishing next to me and mid conversation with this guy, his rod bends in half and the drag starts screaming. What ensued was a lengthy battle with masses of people crowding to see the action. I would have taken more pictures or video of the fight, but I was recruited to anchor the effort with the pier net. As we counted and pulled in sequence, the Cownose Ray was eventually hauled up. There were lots of people recording so I have been monitoring Youtube with the hopes that it ends up posted. If it does, I will surely link it here. It was very exciting to not simply see a neat catch, but to get to be an active participant in it! The last picture is a guy named Josh, who was staying in the same hotel as I was. We fished a lot of the same stretch of shoreline throughout the week, and he was the fortunate angler that caught the Rockfish (Striped Bass) everyone was hoping for. We all were envious, but of course were good sports in congratulating him on the great catch. Getting one like that, will be my mission next trip!

My timing could not have been better when I pulled in to Fish Tales. I arrived to see the crew of the Flyin’ Late with their #120 Bluefin Tuna doing a photo op. I jumped right in to do some pictures too. It was an awesome fish and I have put some messages out to try to locate them (in case they want some additional shots). The fish was cleaned right at the dock and I’m certain there were a lot of folks hopeful for some fresh sushi!

I have a lot of footage and photos from the trip that would fall into the ‘tourist’ category. Scenic shots, landmarks, boats, dolphins, crabs, waterfowl, and such. I’m sure there are plenty of professional pictures that my contribution to the subject matter wouldn’t really do anything. That considered, these two parts seem sufficient to cover all ‘fishy’ related content from the week. I hope everyone enjoyed the read!

Read Part 1 here!

The largest catch of my life

The 130 pound Bluefin Tuna that was an experience of a lifetime!

ARCHIVE ENTRY – THIS POST ADDED 10/4/14.
**Don’t miss the video of this catch at the end of this post!**

Back in 2008, a few weeks before I was getting married, my brother arranged a trip to Atlantic City, NJ that would end up being one of the most memorable weeks of my life. The high point was catching the largest fish of my life, on a charter that he arranged. Below is the story that chronicles the details of the catch, and even a condensed video from the hook up to the photos at the dock. All I can say, is a big thank you to my brother for making my dream of catching Bluefin Tuna, a reality.

Weather started pretty bad with a storm that seemed to want to follow the boat. Eventually, we managed to get clear of it and started fishing about 35 miles off the coast. About an hour in, we got hooked up on a big fish. I have never seen such controlled chaos and excitement! As I positioned myself in the chair I was preparing for what I knew would be a challenge but had no idea just how big of a challenge it would be! The fight itself began really easy at first… (fish is swimming along with us). The line was coming in very easy and I either caught it up to the reel or it made a run – all I know is when I suddenly ‘felt’ the fish it felt like we had snagged into a submarine. I never felt something so strong in my life. Of course the fish hit on the line that was out 300 yards and I have to admit I was exhausted after the first 5 minutes. Little did I know I would be going on adrenaline for another 28 minutes. The fish made 2 major runs and it was nothing short of painful getting it back in each time. My forearms were burning bad and every muscle in my body was cursing me. The site of the leader was a thing of beauty, unfortunately I would see it come and go a few times. The crew & my brother kept shouting encouraging comments to keep me going… several times I wondered if I truly had it in me to get this fish in. I never once in my life dreamed I could encounter a fish that physically challenged me like this. I did in fact stick with it, and the fish never really gave up either. I would say it was more of just reeling like crazy until my heart felt like it was going to pound right out of my chest and then controlling the fish enough when it was close to the boat to allow the crew to try to gaff it. After a few failed attempts with the still spirited fish, the first mate Ed was able to get the gaff secure into it. He and another crew member Gene, as well as my brother, then combined to pull it up into the boat. I can’t even begin to say how relieved I was to actually see the fish securely in the boat! Throughout the fight my mind was preparing myself that we would lose the fish and I was thrilled that wasn’t the outcome!

As I stared at the monster fish, I was pretty much still in shock. The ‘high fives’ were exchanged and I recall asking if anyone actually hit my hand as I couldn’t feel it. It was hilarious to have my arm completely numb from the elbow down. The fish was too large for the regular coolers mounted on the sides of the boat which meant it earned a place in the tank under the fishing platform that runs the length of the transom. I opened the door several times just to look at it, simply fascinated by it’s size.

All smiles on the dock at Trump Casino!

When we finally made it back to the dock at Trump Casino, a band was playing and a decent crowd was assembled on the patio adjacent to the boats. When the fish emerged from the boat and I began my photo session, we stole the show. It was my few moments of fishing fame and being the rock star – all rolled into one. As if it wasn’t cool enough to make this lifetime fishing memory and accomplishment with my brother right there, I also got to share in the excitement with a crowd that just added more energy to the amazing overall experience. I remember tons of people asking me about the catch and being offered many free beers. I couldn’t have scripted a better day… well other than if my brother who let me get the first hookup… could have gotten a hookup as well.