Trip of a lifetime!!!! Captain Shawn Slattery and 1st Mate Kelvin Mederios first targeted blue marlin via trolling lures. As the marlin showed little interest, the captain decided to enhance the bait attractions by trolling for small bait fish tuna, to add to the door knob marlin lures, using a Penn Battle II 8000 reel (light weight tackle) and a surface pooper (model to remain undisclosed). On the first pass as the popper skipped the ocean surface, an eighty-eight pound Yellowfin Ahi Tuna attacked the bait and began what was to become an almost two hour battle. Rain began to pour down as Captain Shawn outfitted all of us with rain gear as we continued the fight. As Captain Shawn positioned the ship and directed our attack, 1st Mate Kelvin Mederios and I began a tag team match against the monster. Thinking many times that the battle was near its end, the tuna sounded 20 + fathoms (120 feet) fighting for release. Finally, with sore forearms, we delivered the tuna into the boat. The Kona Cowboy Team is the most professional, friendly, knowledgeable, courteous and effective Sport Fishing Charter Company I have ever had the privilege and please to join.
But don't just take my word for it....ask anybody!
Rick Silfies
Tucson, Arizona
March 9, 2021