Hi Team,

With the bluefin season nearing an end soon, the guys at Striker Charters offer a range of options: trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing.

The trip started like many others, gearing up for the run east from Tauranga to the deep blue fishing grounds. As with many previous trips, the weather plays a significant role in trolling or any sort of fishing—always have a plan B. Plan B involved heading to the banks for some puka or other great deep-water fish.

After a great day on the banks with some hearty puka, they trolled back to port with a few bluefin on the lures. As the customers wanted a good night's sleep, they drifted for a few hours until some signs on the sounder suggested bluefin balling up baitfish. So out went the double troubles and joker jigs (damn, I love the crackle colours in these jigs; the glow just pops) on a mix of PE class rods and reels from Catch Fishing.

After a few drops with little joy, Jamie’s rod bent over and the spool started to scream. As they geared up to land what was presumed to be a tuna, given its runs straight down and circles under the boat, it started coming straight up. Chris jokingly said, "Ha, funny if it's a sword, as that’s what swords do." As it surfaced out the back of the boat, it was initially thought to be an albacore, but as it came into the light, the hooting and cheering started. The battle wasn’t over yet, till it was landed as Chris came down to the main deck, gaff in hand, to tame the sword.

As the gaff sank in, the reality hit home that they had just jigged a sword. More cheers and hoots followed, and the excitement carried on into the morning. This is surely a trip not to be forgotten any time soon. Harpuka, bluefin, and a sword for the trip—that's one amazing trifecta for the win.

So for all you keen fishos out there, hit Chris up at Striker Charters for an amazing trip out on the water.

Tight lines everyone,

Jason Grimmett
#letthefishbethejudge