Posted by jas on April 24, 2002 at 08:48:07:
In Reply to: thanks, y'all posted by TSea4 on April 24, 2002 at 04:10:06:
I don't think you will regret your decision. Paddles great; fast, huge front hatch and fat tankwell.
I don't know much about rudders. Though I heard they can be a big advantage when drifting.
In regards to bringing back the "big game". The last big shark I kept(over 230lbs) exhausted me during my 3 hour fight. I had to be careful because I was fishing really light tackle. Upon landing it, I tried throwing it up on my bow. I just couldn't do it. I was by myself and no one was in site to flag down. It was a good thing that I brought out 2 one gallon empty water jugs w/ sealed caps. I wrapped some line around the neck of the beast w/ the 2 jugs. I tied the tail of the Thresher shark to the back of my tank well. I was just trying to keep him as high in the water column as I could, towing him back. It was nearly impossible for me to paddle and make any progress. I've heard some guys recommend bringing out a cheap inflatable pool raft. I guess wrapping up the beast like a soft shelled taco. It would still feel like you were dragging a 200lb anchor, lol.
I made it on shore, but about 2-3 miles from where I launched. Now I have a marine VHF Handheld radio. I would most likely call for a buddy or request the assistance from a private boater to try to help my put the shark on top of the yak. With a big fish tied to your yak below the water line, you have to get "mean"(pumped) in order to get back on shore. Normally, my fishing partner would have stayed w/ me...but he hooked up just after I did. We were laughing as we watched each other getting towed all around the coastline.
If you can, get it strapped to your bow some how (or in the tankwell if it's not too big). 100lb fish and under can most likely be hoisted into the tankwell. I bring a couple of good bungee chords w/ me just in case.
Everyone's technique will vary depending upon their previous experiences and assessments of those experiences. Next time I go T-Sharking, I'll have some better floats, and most likely one of those cheap rafts.
Oh, and before you tie a BIG fish down to your yak, make sure he is "done". I had my biggest fish "hair up" after I tied him along my starboard (my initial attempt at towing him). I proceeded to use my magic wand(club) to put a spell on him. I think that just pissed him off more. Lucky me he was 98% done anyway. That last 2% scared the heck out of me though.
BTW, you have to be VERY careful when pulling out knives when you have a big fish in your grasp. I don't recommend this method, but you can go GINSU on the vitals to assure your passenger will be patient for the ride. It also bennefits the quality of your meat. Though you will have a lot of blood in the water.
Always fish w/ a buddy. When landing, big fish can be unpredictable. I fear a line tangle around a limb or my throat, then the fish comes back to life............wow, that would suck. Keep that in mind. Wear your PFD! Have a folder or a dive knife attached to your person at all times.
Hope this helps.
Tight Lines,
Jas-