71.5 and 25# blue cats, the day the blues were made - Lower Otay

[bluehunter]

Had a very good day out on the water along with Kyshand. I had a feeling that something good was going to jump off today because the weather was so great and the feeling was just in the air to get into some great action. We arrived at opening and rented a boat (my boat is still in the shop), so I had to result to old school techniques minus the fishfinder. But you know what, I caught the bulk of my big blues with no use of a fish finder at all which is something else I might add. So I just went off of my instincts today. We went to the harvey arm cove and sat out. My first run came at 730am - turned out to be a 25 pound blue. Another run came at 9am - it came loose at hook set. Another run came at noon that came loose at hookset as well so I am then 1 for 3 runs already. All of these runs were big as I was totally in the blue zone today and had all heads out.

Next run came at 2pm and this one was stuck and did not come loose on the hook set. Brought him in after a little over 5 minutes and was a 71.5 pound blue. Its been a little while since I caught a big blue( 2 years) so I was totally happy about that. My last biggest one was in 07 a 50 pounder from San V. I initially though it to be in the 60's but it made its mark in the 70's. My first 70 pound class blue. Overall it was my best day at the Ty so far and look to get back out there as soon as I can if possible. I have some pics as well as video of the day action. Video will be posted as soon as it loads at you tube.

Thanks. B

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq142/bluehunter1100/71pound5.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq142/bluehunter1100/71pound4.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq142/bluehunter1100/71pound3.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq142/bluehunter1100/71pound1.jpg

B

[smitty99]

Nice work!! Thanks for the report and pics! Do you actually keep them or release? Is the meat any good when they get that big?

[TShaffer]

Nice work man. I consider you a catfish god. Just thought I'd tell you.

[bluehunter]

Thanks fellas. Both blues were released.

I like to release the big blues. I would rather eat the smaller ones. The 71 pounder likely had a lot of fat plus it was likely 15-20 yrs old or close to it.

[exfactor]

Good for you, to catch that giant, and cpr her. I'm impressed as hell!

[old pudd fisher]

A true fisherman you are to set the king free.

[Sierra_Smitty]

You're the master Bluehunter - well done!!!! Someday I'll put in some time and try to master that kind of fishing - till then I'll rely on reports like this to keep me going. Rock on!

[Oz]

u sure know how to catch the blues man. congrats on ya 70lb class :Smile:

[bluehunter]

Thanks guys. They are defintely on the move now chasing bait.

[crappiemike]

persistance pays off my brother!!!! nice job....

cm

[GET DA NET]

Congrats on landing those monster blues BH.

[sidified]

Real glad to hear you gave Gramps his props---
Letting that Ol' Brother Blue loose was pure class---
Think you'll ever regret not spilling the Blood? Haaa!

Sid

[Santa Fe Eric]

Wow! I'm not surprised! But I am happy for you!
Many more this season!
Peace!

[bluehunter]

Thanks everybody. Finally got the vid up. Had to edit it I had too much on their and it would not load so I cut a lot of stuff out. Still cool though. I really need to upgrade in cameras though. Have to save some snaps for that. Here is the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB9BuoYAl6Q

[team760]

great work.....who needs a fish finder when you got experience....see you at flathead fever.....T

[Mrmedia]

Gosh damn dude. Nice fish. Good Going.

[Mrmedia]

Thanks everybody. Finally got the vid up. Had to edit it I had too much on their and it would not load so I cut a lot of stuff out. Still cool though. I really need to upgrade in cameras though. Have to save some snaps for that. Here is the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB9BuoYAl6Q

Awesome video dude. Makes me want to go fish for some big cats. Dude you should put your URL to your site in the top description of your youtube video http://www.westcoastcatmasters.com/ . You have to represent the WCCM. Good way to get some viral visitors to your site.

[fishmagic]

The master is back in action. Nice work on the blues bro.

[Trout Nine]

bluehunter,
WTG out there, Nice going hitting that 70 pound class!

[lurk 182]

Thanks fellas. Both blues were released.

I like to release the big blues. I would rather eat the smaller ones. The 71 pounder likely had a lot of fat plus it was likely 15-20 yrs old or close to it.

good looking out, i'm sure you saw that the state record ended up on the plate last year.

[smitty99]

Hey Blue--I meant to ask this earlier but how do you keep those damn things from pulling your boat all over the lake! You must have one hell of an anchor. :)

[bluehunter]

Hey Blue--I meant to ask this earlier but how do you keep those damn things from pulling your boat all over the lake! You must have one hell of an anchor. :)

If this would have been 15years ago he would have pulled me all over. But I had to learn the right way to fight them and learn what the right equipment was. This learning experience came from losing about a dozen big cats in a roll almost. If you have the right gear and keep the right amount of prssure on them you can get them in about 5-8 minutes. Kind of like the same philosophy you use for yellowtail and Tuna - keep that pressure. This is how I became better at getting big cats and that was by catching yellowtail and tuna. The biggest obstacle will be keeping them from wrapping your anchor and underwater snaggs. If you keep the right amount of pressure on them and keep their head turned you control them. But if there head is facing the opposite direction of you they control you.

I use 25-40 pound test line with the heavier line when I am fishing around snags or other vegetation and rocks. I love my baitcasters as I can power them more with it, and I use medium action to heavy action rods.

[Troutman65]

AWESOME !!!! Nice going BlueHunter !!!!

Thanks for the post & pics.

[johnsfishing]

simply awesome!! :Smile:

way to go on the net job, that fish was huge!!!!!

johnsfishing

[bluehunter]

Thanks John and troutman.

B

[bluehunter]

Guys I thought i would add this short seminar that I did prior to catching the big blue on the mackerel heads. Low and behold the goal was accomplished the same day. LOl. Hope you like it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWPIDjjrPzY

[crawler3]

Brian,
You have to give credit where credit is due! Congratulations on a great fish. It is great to see the reactions when someone lands a trophy fish. It was like you were a kid again!!! Congratulations again and continued luck this season.

[TroutOnly]

WAY TO SLAY BRIAN , OUTSTANDING WORK,,,,,,,t/o

[PONTOON]

Brian, there was no doubt in my mind that you were going to haul in a big blue from the Ty this season. It was only a matter of time. Congratulations!:Thumbs Up::Thumbs Up:

[thepuma]

OMG..... That was an awesome fish. I have never even come close to that with a catfish. I thought 10 lbs was big. Congrats on on the catches. Watched the video. You were so happy when you got it on the boat. It must have felt really good to land it.
Great post and thanks for sharing.

[LEAD DEVIL]

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for posting and all the tips,couldnt happen to a nicer guy.

[fishinone]

Nice catch. What a toad!

[bluehunter]

Thanks guys.

Yes Terry I been working on it for a while and finally landed my second largest blue. Hopefully I can get in some more at Otay this season as well as Irvine because I know they are there.


ThePuma - Yes I was happy. LOL. I lost about 3 blues recently with the last one a month ago at the Ty. It was like my celebration victory. LOL. Not to mention I been on a dry spell with the blues the last 2 years. It seems like a long time. I been able to get into some nice flats during that time but there is nothing like landing a trophy blue which I consider the king of fresh water.


Thanks TroutOnly.

[fish4anything]

Nice going, Blue!

[Fisherman57]

Man, I am late in on this thread..... but CONGRATULATIONS Brian
on a true TITAN of a fish! Thanks for sharing the pics with us!

Gotta go watch the video.

Well done!



Dana

[Wingnut]

Awesome catch, congrats! Very well done.

[Str8t Slabaronies]

Way to go Brian!

Great report, pics & video.

Otay is paying off for you bro...

Keep it up!

[RamboBoy]

Yo, you are the West Coast Catfish King, man. :Smile:

[bluehunter]

Thanks fellas.

Appreciate that Dana. The video definitely runs special with me.

Slabaronies - I had that special feeling prior to going whwn I told you I was rolling out there. Definitely cant wait to get back.

[dooblehaul]

It was only a matter of time Brian. Good job. Hope to see many more CPR posts in the future. I wish your organization the best of luck this year.

[bluehunter]

It was only a matter of time Brian. Good job. Hope to see many more CPR posts in the future. I wish your organization the best of luck this year.



Thanks much love on that. Hope things are going well out your way.

[muskyman]

Dude, that is a really nice looking fish. Nice job man.

[bluehunter]

Thanks Dave. Its been a little while. I want to get one at the Vine as well. Hope alls cool in Chi town.

[StriperEye]

That is the biggest cat I have ever seen! Congrats too you, Hats off!! Much respect to the release of those beauts! True fisherman to let the kings of the water rule! Much respect for you sir! Thank you for the reports and looking forward to plenty more!