Quote:
Originally Posted by sasha
what the hell are you going to do with a fish this big.. I would have let it go... Some fish deserve to be left alone...
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As much as I agree that some fish deserve to live, if I had a fish that had a chance of being a world record I wouldn't think twice about taking it home to be officially weighed. You would live life always wondering, what if. Even though he can't qualify for an IFGA record, he will still have landed the largest ever YFT.
At the same time, people are on these trips looking for big fish to take home. When the fish is at the boat and gaffs are in the water, crews aren't thinking "hey, this fish is too big lets cut the line"
Yellowfin tuna aren't in danger
"The Yellowfin tuna is currently listed of having a low risk and least concern in the redlist of World Conservation Union (IUCN)."
A Yellowfin tuna has a lifespan of about 8 years.
At 4 years the are 30kg (95lbs)
At 7 years, they average 80kg (176lbs)
Thats an exceptional growth rate
This tuna was more than likely on the cusp of it's maximum lifespan.
I can't imagine anyone here releasing a Yellowtail that looked to be pushing 50lbs because "he deserves to be left alone."
Congratulations are in order for this guy. It's the fish of a lifetime and an experience he can share with his grandchildren. Give this man his moment.