Old Man And The Sea? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Willy · 07-17-2009, 08:05 AM

If there is any question in your mind, it's not big enough.

The official regulation is two per day, no size limit.
That having been said, if your gut tells you this fish is too small, cut it off.
You can see pictures on this site of good sized Threshers, including the one in this post, that is a good reference.

Ratdog is completely right.

Make sure it's really tired. Threshers die hard. You will think they are fully dead and suddenly they will muster a burst of strength that will flip your boat if you're not careful.

Contain the tail first, tie a loop knot or slip knot, and throw it over the tail, pull it tight to your boat, then deal with the pointy end. A gaff shot in the head will piss it off, but makes a couple of slices to the gills a bit easier, but when that gaff digs in, hold on tight!

If you pull a Thresher backwards, they will eventually drown, but you still need to bleed it, both for meat quality and to ensure it's really dead. I've heard of threshers that have been on the deck of a boat for hours and when someone walked by and nudged it, the shark whipped around and snapped off the end of their shoe.

These things aren't like yellowtail. They grow pretty slow, and shouldn't be kept in large numbers. Sustainability is key here.

Ok, I'm stepping off the soap box.
Willy

Spyder · 07-17-2009, 08:50 AM

Congrats on a nice fish and meals for your family.

Thank you Willy for your insight. I am wanting to try and catch one myself and your post gives me some great info to think about.

punchjamesarnol · 07-17-2009, 03:25 PM

Thanx for all of the knowledge you are passing on. This site rocks!

07-17-2009, 08:05 AM	#1
Willy Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: La Jolla Posts: 189	If there is any question in your mind, it's not big enough. The official regulation is two per day, no size limit. That having been said, if your gut tells you this fish is too small, cut it off. You can see pictures on this site of good sized Threshers, including the one in this post, that is a good reference. Ratdog is completely right. Make sure it's really tired. Threshers die hard. You will think they are fully dead and suddenly they will muster a burst of strength that will flip your boat if you're not careful. Contain the tail first, tie a loop knot or slip knot, and throw it over the tail, pull it tight to your boat, then deal with the pointy end. A gaff shot in the head will piss it off, but makes a couple of slices to the gills a bit easier, but when that gaff digs in, hold on tight! If you pull a Thresher backwards, they will eventually drown, but you still need to bleed it, both for meat quality and to ensure it's really dead. I've heard of threshers that have been on the deck of a boat for hours and when someone walked by and nudged it, the shark whipped around and snapped off the end of their shoe. These things aren't like yellowtail. They grow pretty slow, and shouldn't be kept in large numbers. Sustainability is key here. Ok, I'm stepping off the soap box. Willy

07-17-2009, 08:50 AM	#2
Spyder Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 169	Congrats on a nice fish and meals for your family. Thank you Willy for your insight. I am wanting to try and catch one myself and your post gives me some great info to think about.

07-17-2009, 03:25 PM	#3
punchjamesarnol Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Santuckee Posts: 33	Thanx for all of the knowledge you are passing on. This site rocks!