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Wow, beautiful BIG ol' gal! (I don't see any claspers.)
I hope they let her live to fight another day. :)
~A~
i saw it on facebook, they said it swam away unharmed, nice
WOW! That is a HUGE Tiger!
Incredible feat, luck & skill, awesome to read about it being successfully C&R'd.
Crazy, him swimming out with her to make sure she recovered, crazy dedication to a healthy release. :o
Here is the main link for the article.
http://www.grindtv.com/fishing/australian-shore-angler-battles-14-foot-tiger-shark-for-three-hours/#0eVcTtdQgxLUhmop.97
QuoteAustralian shore angler battles 14-foot tiger shark for three hours
April 07, 2015 by Pete Thomas
image: (http://cdn.grindtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/tiger1-copy.jpg)
tiger1 copy
Max poses with tiger shark before setting predator free; photo via TBDsharkfishing
An Australian shore angler has caught and released what he claims is "one of the largest tiger sharks ever caught off a beach, anywhere, ever," and the accompanying photos support his contention.
The angler, whose name on the Facebook report is listed only as Max, says that based on measurements the tiger shark was 14 feet long and weighed at least 1,000 pounds. After it was released, Max added, "it swam off without hesitation."
image: (http://cdn.grindtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/tiger2-copy.jpg)
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Max tries to guide tiger shark back into the ocean; photo via TBDsharkfishing
According to the report by TBDsharkfishing, the catch was made after a three-hour fight at an unnamed beach in New South Wales. After only eight hours on Facebook, the post had garnered more than 4,000 likes and 600-plus shares.
The comments were largely congratulatory, but critics also expressed their opinions.
"Why oh why would you want to put this amazing creature through this horrifying ordeal... just in the name of sport?" wrote a commenter named Holly.
image: (http://cdn.grindtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/tiger4.jpeg)
tiger4
The fight lasted three grueling hours; photo via TBDsharkfishing
A commenter named Matt added, "Well done, buddy. Legend stuff. What beach so I don't surf there!!?"
The photos show a rope around the shark's tail and the heavy leader running from the mouth along the length of the body. Clearly, releasing a 14-foot apex predator is a task that must be carried out with great care.
The capture was dramatic. Max, who was accompanied by his girlfriend, had left a baited line out overnight. Come morning, as he was about to reel in the bait, the reel "slowly started to tick over."
image: (http://cdn.grindtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/tiger3.jpeg)
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The shark "swam off without hesitation."; photo via TBDsharkfishing
Max was using 100-pound-test line and a steel leader, and an old Penn Senator reel that he thought would not be up to the task.
The tiger shark ran straight to sea at first, and line screamed off the reel.
"My reel was so hot I couldn't touch it," Max wrote. "We poured water over the reel and that left me with a big cloud of steam [blowing] up in my face."
The initial run was nearly 3,000 yards. Max was nearly spooled before the shark turned left and started running parallel to the shore."That enabled me to sprint down the beach and start to use angles to my advantage, and that's the only reason I was able to stop this fish," Max stated.
The first hour passed slowly, leaving Max dehydrated and with blood blisters caused by the reel. During the second hour, the shark jumped and Max thought it was a hammerhead.
Then came another long run, deflating Max's hopes. "I was 100% drained by this stage," he wrote. "That run crushed me mentally. I felt like giving up."
But he gained a second or third wind, while the shark did not. It was reeled to the beach with the help of the tidal surges.
Max said the release effort was carried out as quickly as possible, after his girlfriend snapped several photos.
"I swam out after her to make sure she swam off OK, but she quickly out-swam me, which was a great sign that she had recovered quickly," Max wrote.
The angler then collapsed on the beach, recalling the drama in his mind. "I had just achieved everything I had ever set out to," he concluded. It was surreal."
The catch may or may not be some kind of world record for shore-caught tiger sharks. For the sake of comparison, the largest tiger shark ever caught by a lone angler from a boat, according to the International Game Fish Association, is a 1,785-pounder landed off Ulladulla, Australia, in 2004.
More on the story from the man who caught it available on Facebook, TBDsharkfishing.
Take the time to read this... What a fight, what a story... What a shark! 8)
QuoteI have finally achieved what I considered to be the epitome of land based catch and release shark fishing, an easily 1000lb plus tiger shark. This shark was almost a decade in the making, and absolutely tested everything I have learnt in that period of time to the point of breaking, myself included.
12'6 inch / 3.84m TO THE FORK!!! Female tiger shark. Most large tiger sharks (12ft total length) have a gap between the fork to the tip of the tail ranging between 1'6" to 2ft so that PUTS THIS SHARK 14ft to 14ft 6inch overall length!!!
(For those who are dubious please consider the current catch and release WR tiger shark held by Joey Polk: 10'8" fork length, 12'9" overall length --- difference 2'1" from fork length to overall length, add the fact a bigger fish will obviously have a bigger tail)
This is ONE of the largest tiger sharks ever caught off a beach, anywhere, ever. What's even better, is that it swam off with no hesitation.
The report:
After getting absolutely hammered up at rainbow beach with the weather all for nothing spectacular fishing wise I made the call to head back down to a beach in NSW that I have had some success with in the past. The first night baits sat there with no touches, apart from my sand bag letting go on the 80w around 3 am so I chose to reel it in and leave it be untill the morning. Morning came and just as I was about to reel in the
senator 12/0 around 715am it slowly started to tick over.
I let it have it for a decent amount of time, not expecting much as this was my small bait for the night. But once I tightened up the drag and the 24/0 circle hook dug home I knew I was engaged into something I potentially couldn't handle as I was fishing just myself and my gf, on an almost 40year old penn senator 12/0 antique!!!
Not wasting any time I instantly locked the drag down to full, and shoved my hands in the reel for extra pressure which in turn the shark picked up pace, heading straight out. There was nothing I could do, I was going to get spooled. My reel got so hot I couldn't touch it, we poured water over the reel and that left me with a big cloud of steam blow up in my face....
My only saving grace was after a 900m continuous run, (I only had 50ish meters left on my reel!!) it suddenly turned hard left! That enabled me to sprint down the beach and start to use angles to my advantage, and that's the only reason I was able to stop this fish, which is a scary thought. Had it have continued on it's way another 50m this report would be a completely different story!
The first hour this shark absolutely made a mockery out of me. I was hurting bad, really bad. I've never been in so much pain. Sun burning in my face, shocking burns and blisters all over my hands, sweat and sunscreen dripping into my eyes, and my whole body aching from holding the intense pressure for such an extended time. Thoughts crossed my head like I can't do this, It's too big, I'm not prepared enough, I'm on my own.....
The second hour I slowly made progress, got it to about 150m out when we got our first glimpse of it, when it jumped out of the water!!! What a sight, I have never seen that before!
I called big hammer while gasping for air. As I thought the fight was coming to a close it then proceeded to do another 600m run straight out, on lockdown drag with my hands tightly gripping the spool ignoring the painful burns and blood blisters. I was 100% drained by this stage. That run crushed me mentally, I felt like giving up. I didn't know how much longer I could possibly stand up to this shark.
Just as the third hour ticked over I managed to get it into shore. Being an absolute monster I left it in the water as much as possible, quickly removed the 24/0 circle hook which was perfectly hooked In the corner of the jaw, got a fork measurement (everytime I went for an overall it would kick me off- remember I was fishing solo and this shark was a lot bigger than me and in water) got a few quick photos and sent her off on her way! I swam out after her to make sure she swam off ok, but she quickly out swam me which was a great sign that she had recovered quickly.
I collapsed on the beach and tried taking it all in. I had just achieved everything I had ever set out to. It was surreal. The time was 10.30am, meaning I was on the rod and reel for over 3 hours.
After the fight, apart from being extremely sore, I observed I had guzzled down over 6L of water during the 3 hour event.
My beautiful antique 12/0 metal plates have actually warped out of shape!!
The spool now moves side to side about 3cm, the drag plates are completely burnt out and the clicker is broken, and my rod actually came seperated when the epoxy cracked where the grip joins onto the reel seat, and the blank has a stress crack running right up it now under the abuse I put it through, But I cannot thank it enough for holding up to a fish of a lifetime. It will now be gracefully retired as a wall hang next to a blown up canvas print of the shark.
I cannot thank everyone enough who's played a part in making this possible. Right from when I was a rookie sharker asking everyone stupid questions. I would also like to thank our followers. You all motivate us to fish harder, to kayak baits through surf at 2am when it's a lot easier to just jump in a warm sleeping bag.
I wouldn't change the experience for anything in the world, it was true old school sharkin.
Monster tiger, on a penn senator.
What more could you want!?!?!
Max
TBDsharkfishing
nice story
Harry, thank you for posting this.
My heart is pounding just reading about it, it might have been days before I went on SoS and saw it.
;)
Thanks Harry! ;) I really enjoyed that. ;D
Calm Down John. :D
Quote from: Shark Hunter on April 11, 2015, 03:34:59 AM
Calm Down John. :D
No apology, I'm easily excitable, especially with big fish.
The first thing I notice on his gear, is the Black Magic Harness and Belt. That's top of the line.
A 3000 yard run with 100lb line has to be braid. That looks like a 12/0 to me, as he said it was his antique, and it will hold that.
That's a perfect combo and I bet if It was one of our 12/0's John. The fight wouldn't have lasted that long. He also said it warped his plates and cracked the rod. I believe it.
I just think with a reel in top condition, the fight could have been cut in half and the reel would fish another day. It wouldn't surprise me if that reel he was using had the old asbestos drags in it. That would explain the heat issue. I also received a spool of 1100 yards of 100 lb Bullbuster Mono today. I think I'm going to start running this on my 12/0's. That way, I can have the same capacity as 130lb on a 14/0.
With Adam's inserts going to be released soon. The Senator will be more capable than it was ever meant to be. I have stainless posts and gears for my 16/0. When I get her rigged up, I'll send you a pic to Drool on John.
The release is the topper. Just a few pics and off she goes. Awesome Catch!
Antique 12/0 metal plates are warped', did he have custom aluminum side plates?
I'm gonna PM him and ask about that and a couple of others, such as dragstack.
I would love to inspect that reel and see the damages.
I don't know Daron, the forces exerted by a fish that big are exponentially higher than our 11'5" Hammer.
Stock in decent condition with 100s in the stack, I can see it getting FUBAR'd on that fish.
He says in the long report, "after a 900m continuous run, (I only had 50ish meters left on my reel!!)"
That is approx 1039 yards of line, sounds like straight mono to me.
900 meters in fully locked down drag, that'll warm up any reel.
His rod & reel barely survived, dammit man.
So many questions.
There are more pics on FB... I'm in awe, no really, awestruck at that leviathan.
Questions I asked.
Hello TBD & Max, some of us reel junkies over at www.alantani.com are sharkers too.
And we have some questions about your reel.
Please & thank you.
12/0 metal plates are warped?
Did you have regular polymer side plates or some custom aluminum of some sort?
Did it have a 1pc or 3pc chromed brass spool, or a newer aluminum spool?
Have you inspected the internals of the reel yet?
Where is all the side to side play coming from, internal damage to parts, plates melting on the inside or simply plates warping from the heat?
Drag stack, original asbestos drags or newer ht-100 carbon fiber drags?
Did the drag stack smoke or just get hot on the 900M run?
Were you spooled up with braid or mono, or mono over braid?
Regards,
John
Mobile, Alabama, USA
Either way John. The Man got it Done on a 12/0. I am patiently waiting for my turn on a Kraken! ;)
Quote from: Shark Hunter on April 11, 2015, 06:37:43 AM
I am patiently waiting for my turn on a Kraken! ;)
Vacation days requested & approved.
Hotel reservations finalized
Money Budgeted
Big baits in freezer
I will be fishing the general area of the AL/FL line June 4th-6th
Here sharky, sharky, sharky! ;)
best of luck john ,enjoy your trip, send photos of sharky, sharky. maybe use a drone to take your baits out deep
John,
PM me the details of your location. I'll try to make it up there.
Harry, Our Drone is named Michael. You just point him and he goes! ;D
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/Mike_zps1hwpb6zn.jpg)
daron, i hope john never experiences the phrase, '' i think we need a larger boat ''
I heard back from Max.
QuoteHi John,
this will test me a bit as reel tech is something I've only ever looked at when purchasing a reel, such as gear ratio, drag capacities and line capacities, however I'll do my best to answer the questions.
The metal ring that surrounds the side plates have been twisted/warped under the strain.
It was a 1pc chrome brass spool.
I've only inspected the clicker on the internals which I observed the triangular metal piece had sunken due to two cracked pins/screws that held it in place.
I haven't had a look at the drag washers, although I can only imagine they would be completely burnt through as the drag is now very sticky- stop start. This may have some part to play in why the spool now has side to side movement, because the drag plates have shrunken/burnt away from the heat and now everything isn't so compresse?
You will probably know much more in regards to that than me.
They were the original drag plate I do believe, no upgraded drags.
On the 900m first run the metal parts of the reel (particularly the star drag) got extremely hot, no smoke, only steam once
I poured water over it to hopefully cool it down.
It was spooled with 100lb mono right from spool to top.
Keen to hear your thoughts on this, as I find this tech side of reels very interesting.
Regards Max
So what do we have here.
A 40 yr'ol 12/0, with probably the original asbestos drag stack.
That just barely managed to hold together long enough to land what is likely the largest Tiger ever landed from shore.
A burnt drag system, a broken clicker, twisted & bent rings, and it probably bent or stripped the posts/posts screws.
I bet the reel still has life in it with a rebuild.
New rings, posts/posts screws and a new drag stack.
Anybody have any questions or suggestions for the guy?
Chile, have Max send you the reel. You strip it and photograph it. Collectively we can see the damage and let you know what to do to restore it to fight again. Dominick
Believe me, I've thought about it & I would love to do that, but shipping a reel half way round the world isn't very efficient.
That is exactly what I thought. A vintage 12/0 with absolutely no upgrades landed this Monster!
A true testament of the capabilities of these Dinosaurs!
John, your Hammer was only 400 lbs lighter. Something still isn't jiving. He said his reel was spooled with all mono. I think the runs were more like 900 yards. That is still a feat in itself.
Go Penn!
Great accomplishment --
Few observations and comments from the peanut gallery --
-- this is a testament to the durability of the old Senators.
-- some luck was involved, as with most catches -- however, he was prepared with decent equipment -- and knew what he was doing -- would have likely been a different/less grueling story with upgraded interior components.
-- could be that the angler just wants to keep the reel in its original damaged condition -- to display as a memory.
-- however, if he wanted an upgrade -- the reel could be sent to Chile, Daron, or John, for an inspection, upgrading of any/all parts needed, etc. Plenty of pics would be taken before, during, and after -- which would document where the wear on this reel occurred -- and members could offer their opinions and thoughts. This would be useful for the future. This is a good opportunity to turn theory about large species fishing into reality.
-- And this would make a good topic for the AT Fishing Repair Forum.
-- anyone who would want to contribute, could -- and we would pay all expenses including shipping, insurance, components, and return the reel back to him in upgraded condition -- ready for another battle.
Let's see what everyone thinks -- and mainly if the angler would agree.
Perhaps he is primed to join the AT forum -- and learn more about reels?
Best,
Fred
We do have members from the upside down part of the world that could do the inspection, report and repair without the $100+ round trip shipping cost. I'd love to look at the damage/wear to the reel too. I'd donate a SS AR dog to the project.
Good idea, Lee --
Any volunteers from the South?
With our 1.5 Million hits a month -- and large worldwide membership --
"The sun never sets on the Alan Tani Reel Repair Site".
Best,
Fred
My only concern is the spool. If its warped. Its not worth rebuilding.
He would be better off with another reel.
Come on you Aussies. Let's do this. I'll chip in some money for whatever is needed. If the spool is warped and we can't locate one, we will have at least seen the damage. Is Max a member of this site? Dominick
No, he is not, I'll invite him to register.
Quote from: ChileRelleno on April 12, 2015, 11:48:30 PM
No, he is not, I'll invite him to register.
If he was, the reel wouldn't have been in that situation. Greased CF washers and a Delrin on top and bottom would have saved that reel ;)
I'll contribute $25.00 to fixing this man's reel, if we can find an Aussie willing to take it on.
QuoteHi max, us reel heads are interested in possibly seeing the damage firsthand and maybe rebuilding your reel for you if possible.
We have members in Australia and are seeing if any are up to it... If you're interested that is.
Several of us would be willing to contribute parts to the effort.
But what we really want is to see the damage, and learn from it.
Please feel free to register at alantani.com, http://alantani.com/index.php and thread we're discussing your reel is here, http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=13768.0
Regards,
John ChileRelleno Cox
QuoteHi John,
That is a very generous offer indeed, it would be great to have the old girl up and running again!
I will happily head over to your site and help in any way possible regarding photos etc for the discussion.
Kind regards
Max
Count me in for another $25...
Best,
Fred
i was thinking about this,and in my opinion
to do it it oz is the wrong option
there would be plenty of aussies willing to help,
and its not about money.
you would not be able to get parts,if you could,it
would be slower than the 2nd coming of JC.
a couple of years back i needed some penn parts.
i had to send to england and the usa with help from
the lads on this site.
it would be faster,cheaper,and better to do it in the usa.
cheers
Quote from: wallacewt on April 13, 2015, 03:31:19 AM
i was thinking about this,and in my opinion
to do it it oz is the wrong option
there would be plenty of aussies willing to help,
and its not about money.
you would not be able to get parts,if you could,it
would be slower than the 2nd coming of JC.
a couple of years back i needed some penn parts.
i had to send to england and the usa with help from
the lads on this site.
it would be faster,cheaper,and better to do it in the usa.
cheers
You are probably right. I say send it to Sal. I bet he would be excited to do it. I would do it also. Realistically how much would it cost to ship it from OZ? Dominick
$40aud or there-abouts
all money is real if you dont have any.if you are a billionaire its valueless :D
Quote from: Dominick on April 13, 2015, 03:37:13 AM
Quote from: wallacewt on April 13, 2015, 03:31:19 AM
i was thinking about this,and in my opinion
to do it it oz is the wrong option
there would be plenty of aussies willing to help,
and its not about money.
you would not be able to get parts,if you could,it
would be slower than the 2nd coming of JC.
a couple of years back i needed some penn parts.
i had to send to england and the usa with help from
the lads on this site.
it would be faster,cheaper,and better to do it in the usa.
cheers
You are probably right. I say send it to Sal. I bet he would be excited to do it. I would do it also. Realistically how much would it cost to ship it from OZ? Dominick
You know, there are a bunch of tutorials from me Daron and some others on there reel here. I know that most appreciate them, but I'm sure there are some that had it from seeing the same guys over and over dothem. Its time to let someone else do it, you're a good candidate Dominick, come to think of it, Broadway hasn't done any :-\, come on buddy, your turn to shine.
There are many others, even the boss himself, I haven't seen anything coming from him in a while ;D. Who else would be better than Alan? that's who I vote for. We should give him the honor.
Sal
what about chile doin it.
it was his idea,he is in contact with max
justa thought ;)
I will send a 5/0 grip and contribute any part needed that I have in stock.
I can supply new plates.
If Max wants to ship it, I'll happily document the damages & rebuild.
I can't spring much for parts, I've too many irons in the fire over the next couple months.
But, I'll do the work and contribute a new dragstack.
This thread has turned into a prime example of, 'You Know You're a Reelhead When'
chile,get me max phone # ,ill ring him and see about the freight
Hi Wallace --
If most of us are in agreement -- let Max know that we will pay for Insured shipping both ways.
We will do a documented photo spread on before, during, and the finished -- upgraded reel.
Then get it back to him to fight another big shark.
With the interest, capable reel mechanics, and reliability and reputation of the Alan Tani members -- this will be a neat project that will educate many.
Best,
Fred
This has GOT TO happen. I would love to learn what was damaged, and see the cure.
The man has shown no further interest, and I'm not pursuing it.
Not worth the time, effort and money, and he is better off buying a newer 12/0.
I have to agree with John on this one. If the guy doesn't show interest. There is no point in persuing it any further. I'm sure everything in that reel needs replaced. It takes a lot of time and patience to build a 12/0 from parts. If it got hot enough to warp the side plates. Everything in there is toast.
New plates, sleeve, clicker, gears, stand, posts, yoke, jack, new stack. It all adds up pretty quickly and the hunt for the parts is a daunting task.
If this reel would have been serviced, with at least an HT-100 drag stack, it would have survived.
With that old asbestos stack in there. It fought its last winning battle. :'(