Now THIS is a sword fish! This sword was taken off the coast of Massachusetts with electric harpoon while giant tuna fishing. These fish, and giant tuna alike, gorge themselves on sardines and krill and when satiated rise to the surface and layout while they digest their massive meals. It is possible to approach these monsters while they are lying out and harpoon them on the surface, and then quickly kill them by electric shock to keep the quality of meet at its peak. By using an electric shock and harpoon the fish dies quickly and eliminates the lactic acid buildup in the meat that would normally occur during the titanic struggle they put up if caught on just hook and line – a quick kill ensures the best quality tuna which is flown to Japan and sold in the world’s largest tuna markets- some fish bringing as much as $10,000!
It is not unusual to find giant tuna and sword fish together in one area- during these feeding opportunities whales, tuna, sharks and swords along with other predatory fish will be on station to get their share of the bounty!
The boats used in tuna fishing using the method of electric harpoon are unique as well. The vessel has a bow pulpit 30 feet long and just wide enough for a man to make his way out to the end- here with the help of the mate high up in the crow’s nest, which extends some thirty feet above the water, he spots the fish laying out on the surface. A rope is tied to the harpoon and then to a big float so that if the fish is not killed directly and runs it can take out the line and buoy until it tires and is picked up later.
Unfortunately this Captain suffered an unforeseen consequence linked to the sad day 911- he had several large tuna on board, one valued at over $10,000, not knowing that 911 had happened he made his way back to port to prepare the fish to be flown to the tuna markets in Japan, unfortunately there were no planes flying and the catch had to be sold on the local market at pennies on the dollar.
Mosquito Lagoon, along with Indian River Lagoon, is considered “The Redfish Capital of the World” because redfish is found there all year through. Moreover, redfish caught in the lagoon are often large so that you’d best prepare the sturdiest rod to catch this species.
Because the Mosquito Lagoon is home to Florida’s largest concentration of redfish, it is considered a premier fly-fishing destination. A lot of anglers, even those from far lands, travel to this side of the world to catch redfish. In fact, there are equipments and boats for rent on the lagoon so that these traveling anglers need not bring along their own equipments. There are also many guides offering their expertise to bring anglers to the best spots to go fishing on these shallow salt waters.
The bait
Fly fishing uses bait that resembles flies, insects, or common baits like worms and minnows. There are plenty of different types of bait and lures available in the market. Just choose the one that is the most attractive or the one that resembles common bait.
Fly fishing at the lagoon
There are certain rules to follow when fishing in the Mosquito Lagoon. A permit or license is required before anyone can start off. Also remember that there are certain areas where angling or boats are not permitted such as in protected areas designated for manatees. It is important to know these specific areas plus where you’ll be able to get the most redfish catch.
It might take some time after you arrive at a certain portion of the lagoon to catch a redfish. Remember, the sound of the boat might have scared them away but be patient, cast your fly bait, and pretty soon the redfish will come back and bite it.
It is not unusual to find giant tuna and sword fish together in one area- during these feeding opportunities whales, tuna, sharks and swords along with other predatory fish will be on station to get their share of the bounty!