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6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 10:17 am
by DoubleM
Arrived to the beach to what I thought was early but two familiar guys were already there. Found them after launching and then received my assignment as the northern scout to which I gladly accepted. As fate would have it, the first pod observed was heading south and pretty close to me. I cast in front of the group and before my lure was in the water for a few seconds it was game on. I proceeded to drive the hook home a few times before it jumped and then the fight was on. The fish jumped many times and proceeded to drag me at a good pace before I hooked up the drift chute. My rod was bent the whole time, being an 8' it helped me clear the nose of the boat as I tried to keep side pressure on the fish. I had a good coach who helped me stay positive, I'm sure he had more than a few laughs. The saying about every gulp of air means another 5 minutes of battle seems pretty accurate. I finally had the fish subdued @ 45 minutes into it, coach had the stop watch running. He snapped some photos and then towed me while I revived the fish who swam off strong. I was fulfilled and didn't make another cast with the big rod. 1 cast, 1 fish, 1 sore dude.
Tarpon1.JPG
Tarpon2.JPG
tarpon3.JPG
Tarpon4.JPG
Equipment was a custom 8' St Croix by Noles, Peen 550ssg w/ 30lb braid. Leader was 60lb mono with a foot of 80lb as bite tippet.

Lure was a 5" paddle tail which still has a sharp hook.
chincylure.JPG
Next time, I'm not going to use the 80lb tippet as I'm not sure I need to land another one. I would been okay with a break off after a bit into the fight, the fish made me feel like a wimp. I was exhausted so I stopped at Publix for some nourishment.
VictoryFeast.JPG
Thanks again to the friends who helped make this happen!

ps. Jay, I didn't puke :D

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 11:17 am
by Manning
This bridesmaid duty is getting old. This is the third time I have been the guy staying with the guy who is hooked up. My turn has got to be coming. Mark did a great job and the fish put on a real show. I have never seen a tarpon take as many jumps as this on did. It even did a tail walk kind of jump less than 10 feet off Mark's bow a good 30 minutes into the fight. I wish I had audio with the pictures I took. Mark came forth with a great selection of grunts and groans as he worked this fish.

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 11:24 am
by bonitabob
Very, very nice! I will be trying that soon on Bonita Beach.

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 11:28 am
by Rik
congrats MM

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 11:29 am
by Rik
DoubleM wrote: Image
It's a brave cameraman that gets into position to take that shot!

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 12:52 pm
by Manning
Brave...not so much. Stupid...pretty much. I did get a very closeup view of his fish though. Some level of telephoto was in use here.

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 4:12 pm
by Todd
Congrats Mark.

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 4:32 pm
by DaveR
Congrats! Glad I warmed the sumbitches up for ya the last month! :x

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 7:40 pm
by rugrat181
All I can say is WOW !! The pics are great and so was the story. As a beginner I can say you have set some high sights for me .
Congrats to MM !!

Rugrat

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Sat Jun 11, 2011 9:35 pm
by SRQGator
Nice mon!

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 3:43 pm
by DoubleM
Thanks guys, a day I hope to never forget.
Some of my body parts are still sore, praise jah for arnica gel.
I had no idea how hard these beasts really fight, mad props to the poon landers.

Steve, every bride's maid will have her day. Hope I'm there to return the favor.

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Sun Jun 12, 2011 8:09 pm
by americanrobster
Nice work Mark :thumbleft:

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 10:39 am
by Norm
Great work Mark :roll: .....and Manning...your loading up on some good Karma dude...This type of fun really does take two to make it safe....job well done my friend :wink:

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 11:23 am
by ChrisR
Atta Boy! Congrats Chincy.

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 7:09 pm
by shallow pockets
Well done! Congrats!

Re: 6/11 Popped Silver Cherry

Posted: Mon Jun 13, 2011 7:46 pm
by shamus
nice job !