The Prez's Hawaiian Charter

Post date: May 11, 2012 6:49:55 AM

While on holidays with the First Lady, the Prez managed to get out on a fishing charter on Kauai Island, Hawaii - yes it's a great life! On an overcast day with temp of around 30 degrees the boat left Port Allen with seven lines trolling in the water straight out of the harbour. Outriggers were used with lures/skirts around 30cms bobbing at the surface in the hunt for Mahi Mahi, Ono, Marlin and Yellow Fin Tuna. Around 20 mins into the fishing the boat had contact with a small Mahi Mahi being taken (pictured). As the the boat trolled through waters of around 2000 feet, the swells were quite small at around 3 feet. With no luck, the boat chased the birds and moved into deeper waters around 6000 feet where contact with another Mahi Mahi was encountered, but not able to be landed. It took another 4 hours of trolling before the next contact was made! After 4 hours enduring swells from 6 - 12 feet, it was your's truely - The Prez, whom yelled "contact"! Within a matter of minutes, the boys reeled in the slack lines to allow the fight to take place - everyone was awoken from the dayze that had set in sitting too long waiting for action in the hot sun and haziness you get from travel sickness tablets. Winding the big Shimano reel, rigged with what appeared to be 100lb mono, as hard as I could, I noticed that the line was not moving at all! The tuna on the other end was diving hard and actually taking line in solid bursts. With encouragement and guidance form the other guys on the boat and the deck crew, I kept winding determined to get a win for the boat, which was desperately needed. As the fish tired line actually began returning to the reel. Carefully managing to guide the line back on the reel and winding hard, I felt the fish changing directions and looking for a way to break free. As the battle went on, the deck crew saw colour and armed himself with the gaf. I could feel the winding get easier as the fight drew to a close. With a single swing the gaf hit it's mark and the fish was lifted onto the boat. After a round of high fives in celebration and congratulations, the fishing continued for the remainder of the day with no further fish being taken. The approximate weight of the Skip Jack Tuna was around 25lbs and the Mahi Mahi around 17lbs.