Fred and Jason Murray
121 Pound Bigeye
Rachel
8/9/00

"BIGEYE changes itinerary !!!!!!!

"My body aches as I write this post. Every muscle is talking to me. After leaving San Diego harbor yesterday a.m., we were on a course for the 295. We were going to spend the next several days fishing out of the Marina Coral. All those plans changed instantly when a 121 lb. bigeye decided to inhale a mean joe green tied to a 50W with 80 lb. and a matching roller guided tuna stick. We have been looking for this fish for the past 10 years and finally got him. Next one will definitely go to a passenger. Seas were fairly sloppy which added to the fight. We were on this guy for approximately 2 1/2 hours. I new what to do but my body refused. Everytime we would get him to the boat, it was a standoff with him winning until the very end. This was one GREAT FISH. Adding to our difficulty was a 150 lb. leader that was too darn long. Last time I make that mistake. Fortunately, my 16 year old son Jason, did a perfect job leadering and gaffing simultaneously. I was totally out of gas to give him any help. Decided to head back to San Diego Marlin Club for weigh-in and pictures. What a class act. We are not members (yet) but they were waiting for us at 6 p.m. I had requested a photographer, Barbara Horner, who also met us and a picture should be available on their web page soon. Can't wait to shoot out links to family and friends. Fish was in perfect condition as we had just iced up that morning. Our Blackman has an insulated fish hold that was home for our prize catch on the slow uphill trip home. Seas were definitely up with 10 knots being max for reasonable comfort. Not too many 1 fish full fishing days but I guess it was our turn. God is good. Hope you guys enjoy the story as much as we enjoyed the experience. Fred Murray