Andy , i might need a new tank

[TJones]

three tubes destroyed . epic fail controlling the yak , while trying to launch . epic fail coming back in . catching the fish of a lifetime , well worth my beating . although this type of fishing is not rocket science , i do want to say thanks to Josh and Kevin for advancing my learning curve the last 3 years . this one was all me . thanks guys . surf reports say 2 -3 . swell on open water was about 8 ' . bigger sets 4' - 5 ' onshore . have not scaled fish yet. i am thinking 64 -65 lbs . stay tuned in the next 24 hrs .

[GregAndrew]

WTG. Guess you can take tomorrow off now lol.

[makobob]

That is the fish of a life time. Congratulations!!! Dreams do come true.

[RobFish]

Nice catch Tony. Well done. That thing is a monster!

[StinkyMatt]

Nice catch Tony. Malibu is giving them away.


Congrats on a life trophy.

[Deamon]

PIG!!! Big congrats!

By the way...a rocket launcher broke off my tank in the same fashion. I plugged it with some marine tek or similar. One less rocket launcher but the tank remains good to go...Jim

[TJones]

Both sides are cracked . The other side has more damage. Either plastic weld , or jb weld can fix anything. I have even used that stuff to rebuild damaged engine case on a down motorcycle.

[Hondatom]

Holy Cow! or should I say Holy BIG! Congratulations on a monster.

[cesar74]

Hell of a beating was well worth the fish that was caught. My fish was only 48.3 lbs.that's Tony going bendo.

[tunaseeker]

Well done!

[momo fish]

way to go!! And not sure if there giving them away, cause I still haven't caught one!

don't trust surf reports after trying to get out yesterday in what was 3 foot waves which were actually well above my head when launching..

at least you got a fish to show for it.. Lol

Originally Posted by TJones

although this type of fishing is not rocket science

I disagree there kind sir. They're called ghosts for a reason, and they arent exactly getting posted up regularly, yet I'm sure many more have chased them recently. You took what you learned and put it in to effect. You earned that fish and should be proud. Don't down play the skills you've acquired. Well done Tony, great fish of a lifetime. I look forward to seeing what the scale turns out.

DRINKS ON TONY!!!

[lamb]

Nice, congrats!

[TheBentRod]

Keep up the good work. Nice fish.

[bigbarrels]

good one, congrats

[SorryCharlie]

I am beyond jealous, b-e-a-utiful fish!

[Lipripper92592]

Nice job, could call on the locations. LJ was mixed up with swell, it was like a washing machine out there, no love from the WSB, but maybe next time.

[Poxy Boggards]

Nice fish! Wish the pictures were in the correct orientation.

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by TJones

although this type of fishing is not rocket science ,

In Tony's defense he's kind of quoting me here. We had a conversation the day prior when he asked if it was a good time to come down (to La Jolla). Rightfully so, he was kind of amped to make the two hour drive after his last trip.

Where Tony absolutely kicked this fish's ass! He put the wood to 'em---or was it the other way around? Regardless, I was a proud Papa!

When Tony inquired about La Jolla over the phone, it was overcast with large surf and windy as hell. Keep in mind this location and chewing White Sea Bass is twenty minutes from Tony's house. So drive for four hours to fight far from ideal conditions? A no-brainer decision if you asked me.

While squid bed fishing is far from rocket-science, most guys, tend to do one of two things. One, not use all the tools they may have. Or, two (which in most cases proves to be much worse), over-think their options. From the looks of the photo it seems, Tony, did what the situation required at the time. He should be proud of his catch. I'm two hours away and stoked for him! He caught a fish that many, many men, would practically kill for. A fish that will haunt most guys dreams for the rest of their lives. Being appropriately named (for them anyway), ghosts.


However, when guessing the weight of a fish I really try to take emotion and stoke out of the equation. So I'll guess between 45 lb and 51 lbs. A nice fish, regardless. Without a certified scale I'd rather someone just tell me the exact length. Unless, of course, Tony grew a foot in a week and gained a hundred pounds---I'll stick with my estimate.
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Edit: after looking at the sideways bendo shot. If anyone ever sees, Tony, on a fish and the damn rod isn't bent (like the photo)---will someone please, for me, scream TURN THE HANDLE!!!

Thanks.

[JarrodMc]

VERY NICE!!!!! that's a fish right there!