A
story of a decisive moment, pain management, and perseverance in the face of
low odds.
By Derrek Stewart 9/26/24
The Bluefin Tuna were stingy on this trip, and bites were difficult to come by. Only excellent time on the rail and precise techniques in the water would get you a bite. One should remember this approach for all fishing disciplines, regardless of whether it is a challenging or wide-open bite.
During the last night of a 2.5-day charter aboard the Apollo with the Marina Del Rey Anglers, I sat down in the galley well after midnight as the boat searched for fresh prospects. I was exhausted, my energy level had tanked, and a 62-year-old reel-cranking elbow loudly protested the circumstance. The slow bite wasn't producing adrenaline.
As I dozed off, the captain's sudden announcement of schooling Tuna under the boat and their depth jolted me awake. It was a rare crossroads moment: Do I give in to fatigue and stay put, retreat to my bunk, or summon the last of my energy for the final round?
Despite the pain, I made a pact with myself to push through. I knew I wouldn't find Tuna on the 405 freeway or back home in Venice Beach. But most importantly, I reminded myself that I'm not a quitter. With a renewed sense of determination, I rose to my feet, adjusted my attitude, and eagerly grabbed my rod. Ensuring the wind was in my face, I found a spot on the rail.
Dropping down a 400-gram knife jig, monitoring my metered braid, and calculating depth versus the angle created by the current, I determined my lure had dropped below the school. Engaging the reel, my jig ascended to the school, producing a strike. Ignoring the pain in my elbow, I wound into the fish, coming tight, and the hook was set. My 2-speed reel handled the circumstance relatively quickly, and a respectable Bluefin was boated, adding to my creel.
This fish wasn't big nor small, but most importantly, I didn't give up. It was also my first-time knife jigging. Satisfaction was the feeling of that moment. I was there to fish!
