Gulf Council Takes Action Against Amberjacks
27 December 2023
I was just offshore teasing for tuna and billfish when a close call made me realize how crucial security is when using stand-up gear to fight large fish. A young fishing grabbed the wire, tucked it into his fighting belt, and started clipping on to the reel after a drag-screaming strike. He lost his balance as the carp surged, stumbled toward the back of the boat, and his dad was hot on his heels. As soon as his legs hit the deck and his ft left the board, the father grabbed his belt and pulled himself again. The drag lever was somehow propelled forward as he landed on the reel, but the fish did n’t slow down at all, and the line abruptly snapped. Wow, for once we were relieved that a bass broke free. Remember: The next time one puts a big pelagic on the line and clips into stand-up gear:
The first rule is that the fish always has a dedicated observer holding on.
- Safety Rule# 1: The preventing belt or the back of the angler’s belt should always be held by a spotter who is hovering behind them. There are no ifs, asses, or ifs; this is crucial. Not rip the rod out and start fighting the fish only if the angler is the only one on deck when a fish hits; instead, they should wait until the crew has been mustered.
- Safety Rule# 2 Consider carefully who initially grabs the wire. Even if it’s their change, it might not be the best idea for the youngest or smallest fish on board to take the rod when it sounds like a giant sea creature is on the range.
- Clipping should never be done by an fish, according to Safety Rule# 3. It’s not a good idea to try to hold the rod, approach for the belts, and get the clips onto the reel studs all at once. It forces the fish to reach across the clip, diverting their attention from maintaining their balance. This can occasionally result in the drag lever being unintentionally hit, which causes them to either accidentally tighten or open their drag. Otherwise, the angler should insert the rod butt into the pivot, lock their arms out, and hold their rod higher in their hands while seated and leaning back against the force of the fish. The angler may take up until the schlep is within range once a companion has the clip in their hand.
