GOT WASABI?

by Melissa Jeffress
(Santa Ana, CA USA)

This is my first bluefin tuna I caught aboard the Relentless out of H&M Landing in San Diego on July 16th, and I felt like I won the jackpot.

We went east for approximately 20 hours into Mexico before we finally hit a school. They were boiling all over.

Myself and Captain Joel were the only two people who had each hooked into a tuna out of 18 anglers, which were the ONLY two fish caught on that day and a half fishing trip. I was the only female fishing and mine weighed approximately 25-30 pounds.

I caught him on 50lb mono using my Saltist 40 on a 6' glass rod. Took me about 15-20 minutes to get him close enough to gaff. I musta hit him on the head when I cast my bait because I hooked up almost instantly.

This is also the biggest fish I've ever caught and I have never been more excited about catching a fish. And I fish frequently.

Bringing him in all by myself was no easy feat. I learned on this trip (as I went out by myself), I was supposed to eat the heart. So, yes, I ate the heart and have a pic to prove it. Taste like chicken.

I made spicy tuna rolls, seared tuna, spicy tuna bowls, ceviche, sashimi and tuna tacos for those who don't like the good stuff.