It was so busy at the docks the day before Thanksgiving that Bill Roecker couldn’t access all the anglers who had 200-pound tuna. Even worse, he missed talking to Tom Kurata, who had the other big fish, a 308-pounder, on the Royal Star. A note to Tom brought this quick and much-appreciated response:
“Hey Bill, here are the details regarding my gear for the super cow:
“My bait was a butt-hooked sardine, on an Eagle Claw L2005F-9/0 ringed hook, straight-tied with a five-turn Trilene knot, 510 yards of 80-pound Izorline hollow spectra spliced to 60 yards of 135-pound Izorline hollow Spectra. My topshot was approximately 10 yards of 100-pound blue Izorline First String. The reel was a Penn 30 with all the bells and whistles from Cal Sheets, and my rod was a Calstar 6465 XH wrapped by Yo's Custom Rods.
“I was very fortunate to hook this fish in flat calm conditions, especially since the fight lasted more than two and a half hours on 100-pound gear! The Royal Star crew was fantastic and never missed a beat.  Whether it was tangles or nearly being spooled twice or whatever, the crew was always there to help. My fellow passengers also helped by keeping me hydrated with lots and lots of water. You can tell I needed it with my sweaty tee shirt!
“This fish was squirrely, meaning it never really settled down. Time and time again, it would take long runs, then rush the boat as if it was trying to spit the hook.  I was always focused on keeping good pressure on the fish and gaining line whenever possible. Finally, after its last long run, it apparently died and for the first time I had it straight up and down for a slow steady winch all the way to the surface and a four gaff job.�
Tom Kurata
Izorline rep |
