A weekender gets in on the action.

patfishhi · Jun-02-2008, 01:57 PM

Just to perpetuate the hysteria that comes every May/June to the Leeward Coast of Oahu. As you can see the sun has not even cleared the mountains and the fish gods are smiling down on the Kai'io (Saturday 5/31), a single strike in the blind on the short corner produced this pleasant site. Stand up gear is the only way to go...

A weekender gets in on the action.-robertahirodbender_053108.jpg

Caring properly for the fish, a well placed gaff shot and more importantly the ever explosive spinal tap (please note the handle of the tool stiking out of his forehead). Before being placed in the bag on ice.

A weekender gets in on the action.-spinaltapahi_053108.jpg

Robert was the lucky angler who gets to pose with his fish, didn't even do the length and girth but I'd say somewhere around 160#'s.

A weekender gets in on the action.-robertahiplant_053108.jpg

As you can see I normally don't post, just read, but I do like the pictures along with the stories from others, so I only thought it would be fair to give back by sharing our very brief story.

Pat

lilharcher · Jun-02-2008, 03:24 PM

Sweet catch and pics! Definately 160+. Can you share some more info regarding the spinal tap......I have read tutorials about it but would appreciate some more first-hand knowledge.....what type of tool, where to insert tool, etc??? Thanks!

patfishhi · Jun-02-2008, 03:57 PM

Hey thanks,

Here's a view of the head where you can see the scalloped out peice between the fishes eyes for access to the spinal cord (view after having tapped him).

A weekender gets in on the action.-ahispinalview_053108.jpg

This is an excerpt from a document published in Japan on caring for tuna: Insert a length of rigid monofilament nylon or stainless steel wire through the opening of the spinal cord (I use a knife and just cut down between the eyes to expose the opening) and push it as far as possible into the neural canal to destroy the spinal cord. The fish will quiver violently everytime the wire is pushed further into the canal (keep all breakable items clear).

In the past I have used a very rigid piece of 3/16 plastic tubing with the end cut at an angle for better insertion, currently use a piece of 3/16 monel rod which is more flexible than stainless, it does require multiple attempts to get the tool in as far as possible, which in turn exposes the person to multiple eruptions of fury on the deck.

Hope this helps...

Pat

ECMFab · Jun-02-2008, 04:04 PM

Wow.. Whats the reason for the spinal tap? Check if the fish ever used LSD?

patfishhi · Jun-02-2008, 04:32 PM

Ethan,
Would you want to eat the flesh of a strung out fish? No really it stops the biochemical reactions that contribute to flesh deterioration.

Pat

lilharcher · Jun-02-2008, 05:21 PM

Pat, I appreciate all the information. The crew that I run with catches 20+ Yellow Fin Tuna in the 150 - 300lb (average 250lbs) each season in PV and this will be of great benefit to us. Or should I say this will be of great benefit to the shishimi that I will be cutting.....

Mono Malo · Jun-02-2008, 05:46 PM

Glad to see somebody using that technique, that's the best, just ask the sashimi chef.

MikeeDaGuy · Jun-02-2008, 06:11 PM

Awesome catch Pat, Thanks for the report and pics!!

patfishhi · Jun-02-2008, 06:38 PM

Matt et al,
I am glad I was able to help, I have found "On Board Handling of Sashimi Grade Tuna" to be a very informative piece on care for tuna. Just google it and it should link you right to the document. 300 # Yellow Fin Tuna's now we are talking!

Pat

ahi lawaia · Jun-03-2008, 04:29 AM

Way to go, Pat. We were among the mob of boats off Nanakuli Valley that same morning, but were not among "the chosen few" lucky enough to hanapa'a. The pressure's off for you, you got an ahi this year; we still got to find ours. Congrats again; great catch!

patfishhi · Jun-03-2008, 08:49 AM

CP,
Thanks, the pressure may be off but the disease just gets worse, I'll be out the Wednesday... Now go get yours, and may there be plenty.

Pat

anykine77 · Jun-03-2008, 09:08 AM

Pat,

Nice catch!! The fish are here. I see you and your boat all the time at the Tesoro gas station in Waianae. I have the Hawaiian Hawk with the cab. We are usually filling up at the same time. We were not so fortunate with the Ahi on Saturday, just a stripey and aku. My neighbor picked up a 162 right at R yesterday.

Ron