Congratulations on a great catch!
Appreciate your referencing "luck over skill," but landing a fish of that size in any way requires that you keep your wits. Very nice, entertaining write up. Thanks.
As for the head stones, they're interesting, but not relevant to the referenced Hubbs/Seaworld research/replenishment project. For those interested, see the following website (
http://www.hswri.org/research/resear...m.cfm?reaID=27). Better yet, call and arrange a tour.
In short, the raised and released WSB's have small ID tags inserted in their cheeks, and by bringing in the head of a caught WSB, the researchers can determine if there's a tag and, if so, gather all kinds of important data (e.g., Info. on age and migration patterns). If you look at their site, there's a link to another that notes WSB head drop off locations.
BTW: This WSB project is funded in part by the DFG, and will receive some of the funds raised by next year's WCW tournament.
Now go catch another!
Avery