Capt Andy - Yellowfin Tuna
Capt Andy LoCascio, Mitch Wergiles, and Steve Palmo were fishing in over 5000ft of water more than 50 miles outside of Venice, LA. They were fishing with Capt Rimmer Covington of Mexican Gulf Fishing Company when the big yellowfin tuna turned on.
All the anglers had already caught a fish or two when the crew decided it was time to force the anglers to do everything. The deal was that the angler had to hook, strap-in, fight, gaff, and land your own fish. Capt Andy shows how to get it done in less than 7 minutes (note the drag position on the reel – full/full).
To make sure they had the best possible chance of hooking the fish and releasing (if they so choose), they were using the incredible Mustad (39950) 7/0 Demon Circle Hook.
The back harness is from Braid, but the plate is a Black Magic “Equalizer” (they also a matching harness) but we did not have it with us. That plate has a unique design that ensures the rod gimbal stays in place throughout the fight.