I've leadered and gaffed a bunch bigger. But Usually when I'm out there. I take the first knock down to make sure we get meat in the boat. And I'm happy to just participate in the end game. (leadered and gaffed the igfa world record bft for the junior division) And if trolling if noone else wants the rod I'll grab it.
From knockdown to gaff in 19 minutes on 60lb line. On gear I never fished before...Hell...I thought i was fishing 80lb until the cap told me "this isn't wicked tuna....you only have 60lb on that reel" LMAO
Part of the reason I was so pumped was due to breaking my PB and doing it with my undefeated streak still intact. Never once did I ever drop a tuna while on the rod.
I also caught released my personal best mako that was 7-8' about 6 hours earlier.
60 seconds from hook up to bang stick ready....but no bang stick and no poon ready....waayyy to dangerous to gaff a fish that early. (it was like it was dead not just a Mako drive by)
I even kinda barked at the cap warning him not to gaff it. I've never been more grateful in my life to have dropped a fish.
