FPI 9-28-12 The lost tarpon - Video

capt_toddtt

Team InsideOut Fishing was eager to compete in this year's Michael Shields Memorial Inshore Fishing Tournament this past weekend. We put a lot of work into getting ready including pre-fishing for tarpon because it was the one species I was most concerned about reliably getting boat side and onto our score card for the event. We had some luck in and around the Ft. Pierce turning basin a few days prior. The fish were smaller - mostly 30 to 40 pounders, but we were just looking to put one on the card. Following tournament rules we began fishing at about 7:15 on Friday night. The plan was to fish all night and through about noon the next day. It was going to be a long night. You know what they say about the "best plans of mice and men", well a single fish took us out, and WRECKED our plans. I put together a video which tells the tale. Upfront I will tell you there is no footage of the fish itself but watch and you will get the picture.

Though it was a heart wrenching ending we have mad respect for such an amazingly strong animal.



[video=vimeo;50497292]


Direct link:
https://vimeo.com/50497292

Aquaholic IV

Unbelievble story and video, based upon your boat handling and Team work, All of you are Winners!

Fi$h2nguyen

That sucks, but you gave it your best... Took quite a few over the bow, one of my constant worries during a night trip. :hairraiser

sharkatak1089

wow....thats a loooooong night

robalorog

That inlet can get pretty nasty on the outgoing. That tarpon took you for one heck of a ride.

Capt. Andy Tasker

Nice work trying to get the fish, you guys pain made and 8yr old Alex really happy

Capt.AW

The mouth of that inlet at night with a wind against tide scenario is humbling to say the least. Add a little ground swell and all I can think of is rodeo. I can't imagine the level of disappointment when the leader gave after that much time devoted to a single fish.

capt_toddtt

Thanks everyone. Yeah the inlet was interesting to say the least. Thankfully in the moonlight I could see most the breaking swells coming and could work the throttle just enough. We were so hoping the fish would head north or south after the jetty but she did not. Instead she used the channel for all it was worth and stayed deep, thus keeping us in the worst of it. By the way the tarpon jumped only 3 times during the whole fight. Once just after hookup and twice more at the end. For hours we saw nothing. We started to doubt that we had a tarpon on and considered cutting it off to get back to fishing. Despite the ending I'm glad we didn't. There was something magical about the experience.

Congrats Captain Andy! I saw the picture of you and Alex. I was really happy for that little guy and it made me feel a little better seeing the smile on his face.

Joupdog1

Great story right there! Unbelievable!

Bite N Hold

That is awesome!!!! Almost 5 hours. Any idea how big she was????

BigJoup

Love the shot of the GPS track! Well done on the video, epic battle of man vs. beast!

Offshore9393

Awesome fight I cant believe it held for that long.

capt_toddtt

Bite N Hold wrote: »

That is awesome!!!! Almost 5 hours. Any idea how big she was????

Got a really good look towards the end. All 4 of us agreed the fish was at least six feet in length and she was very healthy and wide looking. Guessing well over 100 lbs.

bullchaser

WOW!!! Glad the battery died cause my heart would of broke if i had to watch the fish come unglued. Thanks for taking us on one hell of a ride.

Tipbone

awesome video.

TCangler

Truely amazing, something you will never forget!

SnookMan772

What a great tournament that was! Sorry for your lost fish...

capt_toddtt

SnookMan772 wrote: »

What a great tournament that was! Sorry for your lost fish...

Thanks man. We will be back next year