Big Mako II: Lucky Juanta and I't s 1000lb Mako -- Archive

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Subject: Big Mako II: Lucky Juanta and I't s 1000lb Mako

Author:
Jim Day

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Date Posted: 935979281PDT
In reply to: Jim Day 's message, "Big Mako post 426lb speared off Coronado's" on 935978839PDT

Keep in mind these guys are pretty in experianced but they stillrun into a pretty good size shark.

Lucky Juanita pulled out of the slip early Saturday Morning for the 5:45 roll call, then as
The countdown ended, LJ blasted off to start the hunt for the winning Mako.

Most of the crew was coming from just winning First Place in the Oceanside Tournament in July. On Board was 72 year old Captain Richard Henteges, First Place Angler Chris Badsey, Steve Sinclair and Jude, the female new addition to the tournament crew.

As the water temperature were unusually cool the week before The Mako for Dollars Tournaments, Prefished for 6 days, no Mako On Friday 2 big ones found, thankfully there would be a tournament challenge to find for sure

What Lucky Juanita did find was a sight few people are fortunate to see in their lifetime.

On Sunday Morning, A King Mako cruised by. This was no averaged sized Mako, As he cruised by the side of the 25 foot Skip Jack, it measured almost � the length of the boat, and weighed over 1000 pounds! From then on , he was referred to quite respectfully as the"Jumbo Jet". He rounded next to the boat a few times checking us out. At one point, as he was next to the starboard side, as we all were Staring wide-eyed into the water looking at this massive creature just a few feet away- he turned his head toward us and gave a chilling stare back. Our adrenaline was pumping, as we knew what possibility lay ahead. We were amazed that he ignored the chum bucket and settled for the
Baited skirt, and then took off. Next, a loud pop to the left of the boat sounded, as we witnessed the "Jumbo Jet" take off out of the water and flip!! Then, way across on the other side of the boat, In certain defiance, maybe a warning, or just a tease for next time we meet, he blasted high up into the air and flipped. To show us his power and speed, he repeated the jumps 4- 5 times, and as he rose the splash from his previous jump still could be seen!! Penn International 50, 80 lb. Spectra Line spooled in 35 seconds. Yes, there will be a next time!

Later that afternoon, Captain Richard said that he was spotting two yellowtails moving quite quickly off the side of the boat veering in different directions. No need for both to get caught by the big Mako shark speeding behind them. A big shark indeed! Not as big as the Jumbo Jet- but one that could place in the tournament.

Lucky for the yellowtail, he took the baited lure and was hooked. Adrenaline, once again was running high on the Lucky Juanita. Angler, Chris, readied for the challenge. For awhile this shark didn't act like the average Mako, more like a "Blue" , until he finally jumped out of the water to show his colors with a tail to dorsal that was over six feet long. The fight was on again, number two for the day.

For Chris this was the easy part, Going back and forth they fought and danced while Steve manned the boat. Often the Mako would swim calmly along side as we trolled to get closer to home, Chris checking at times to see if he was still green.

In the midst of this, we were also amazed to see a seal swimming in circles around the Mako as if to tease them knowing full well the shark was hooked.

Chris was strong enough to fight and dance until the shark tired, it would be just a matter of time. But time was not on our side. The most difficult and challenging part was yet to come. The clock was ticking; we had to land the fish and be back for weigh in by 6 pm-
We were still quite a distance away. Having a fish this big would definitely slow the boat down., significantly. We did not have a flying gaff on board that would accommodate the girth of this fish and who would have thought we would have hooked such large fish this day.

Many scenarios were put on the table.

The crew of TOP GUN offered to lend us one of their Flying Gaffs to help bring the Mako in as safely as possible, forgoing their fishing time and chum slick (What Sportsmanship). Tournament Control was contacted to receive permission
For the handover from TOP GUN And to make sure that this would not be a cause for disqualification for either party. Hunter von Leer, who was in charge made the final decisions to allow the handover amidst much bickering. Sportsmanship and safety ruled. TOP GUN gave up their chum line, pulled up their rods and gave up the opportunity in catching a winning place in the tournament to hand off their gaff to a fellow Sportsman. Rick & Team we salute you and thank you for everything.

This feat of the handoff was an interesting concept as the boat would have to come close enough and not interfere with what was going on with Chris and the shark. It was decided that Jude would crawl go through the cabin and crawl up to the very tip of the bow. Reaching for the very end of the gaff she successfully grabbed it the first time, Holding on to it very tightly so it wouldn't fall into the sea. The second gaff was missed the on first try. Time was running out, and the crew was yelling to hurry. Time was running out. TOP GUN came around again a bit closer- mission accomplished.
Quickly scurrying through the cabin Jude handed the gaff to Richard, and they both had to uncurl the rope line. , Chris was yelling to hurry that time was running out , the Shark was close by the boat.
Chris had the rod in one hand, the gaff in the other and sunk the Flying gaff. The shark rotated a couple of times towards the boat and headed for the prop. Fearing that he would get caught up in the prop, Chris had Steve shut the motor down. ��..
He rammed his head twice on the and then with a huge surge of power dove down and flipped his tail toward Chris , whose instant ability to react saved him from being thrown aside. The line snapped, Perko rod holder broken and he was gone. Silence, respect, and an experience of a lifetime. Respect for the powerful spirit of a species that is challenged only by man.
Respect for Hunter von Leer and crew of TOP GUN, who represent the true essence of
Sportsmanship -integrity for doing what was right.

A comment at the dinner that Lucky Juanita was Unlucky. That is far from the truth. During the course of the tournament we Had an experience of a lifetime experiencing the power of nature in all it's glory, and the of the human species that no amount of money could buy, met and made many a friend. Thank you Hunter especially.

Captain : Richard Hentges
Team : Steve Sinclair, Jude Aluce & Chris Badsey
Boat : Lucky Juanita
Pictures & photo's are available of this monster

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