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Fishing => Fishing Tips and Techniques => Topic started by: Flounder Boy 3 on August 09, 2016, 08:37:48 PM

Title: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Flounder Boy 3 on August 09, 2016, 08:37:48 PM
Opinions?

Can be fresh or salt, of course.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: thorhammer on August 09, 2016, 08:58:24 PM
Depends on environment but my experience is tuna and amberjack. But you see these guys taking two folks to keep a 600lb Goliath grouper out of a bridge after eating a ten lb jack....
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: redsetta on August 09, 2016, 09:53:31 PM
It's a relativity rather than an absolute, as there are so many variables.
Albacore and skippies can offer a tremendous fight on light gear, but their soft mouths mean it's hard to really put the pressure on.
On the other hand, we had a 700lb black marlin on last year, securely hooked in the corner of its bone-hard mouth.
The deckie had it wrapped on the leader, drag was at sunset (40+lbs) and it casually ambled away from the transom as if it wasn't even aware of being hooked - five times!
The power was simply colossal.
We get some hefty XXL kings here in NZ, which can put some real pressure on too - even more so if they're trying to get to structure.
Had one on a while back (off the rocks) that nearly broke me - rod shoulder was actually loose in the socket for weeks after.
In the fresh, an 8lb rainbow on 6lb tippet can offer a world-class fight - particularly in a big river like the Tongariro. A pound-for-pound contender in my view.
Friends who fish the tropics reckon bonefish, dog-tooth tuna and GTs are among the 'cream of the crop' fight-wise, but I'm yet to try 'em.
I s'pose the answer really depends on each fisho's personal experience...
Cheers, Justin
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: MarkT on August 09, 2016, 10:50:10 PM
Bonito are tough.  If they got big you'd probably never land one!  Pound for pound a YT is tougher than a Tuna.  YFT is tougher than BFT.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: steelfish on August 09, 2016, 11:34:43 PM
try triggerfish on a light rod and reel

Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: conchydong on August 10, 2016, 12:56:04 AM
It is hard to say. I have caught Bonefish on the flats that were tough and yet the same fish I have caught bottom fishing in 80' was little fight. Large Groupers like Jewfish are demons until you  get them off the bottom and then not as much. Yellowfin Tuna and AJs are tough customers also. Even what we call a "canal tuna" in Florida which is a Jack Crevalle can ne a tussle.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Bill B on August 10, 2016, 03:37:45 AM
I have never caught one but California yellowtail have been rumored to be a pound for pound best fight around.....Bill
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: day0ne on August 10, 2016, 06:06:03 AM
If blackfin tuna got much over 30 lbs, or the size of YFT, some people say you wouldn't be able to catch them.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Gfish on August 10, 2016, 07:12:16 AM
Here in the tropics(Hawaii)pound for pound the fish in general seem to be much more energetic, probably 'cause of the warm water( increased metabolic rate). Haven't caught all the sport species here but my personal pound  for pound best was a bonefish and I bet that's gonna be the one. Close 2nd would be a Black skipjack tuna and 3rd would be the Hawaiian sub-species of Amberjack. In colder waters, nothin' ever beat the fresh from the sea Cohos of Alaskan rivers.
Gfish
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Flounder Boy 3 on August 10, 2016, 01:15:25 PM
Pound for pound, I think bluegill rates right near the top.

Smallmouth too.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Normslanding on August 10, 2016, 02:13:55 PM
I've been lucky enough to catch a lot of different fish in a lot of the world. Having thought about this question a lot I've formed a couple of conclusions.
1. Teen aged fish fight better than young or old fish. You hear a lot of talk from long range fisherman about the middle size fish pulling hard.
2. Some fish fight hard if they really feel threatened, but may not if they don't. Buy that I mean tackle that is of a size to get there attention, but not 
     big enough to beak there will.
3. Most hard tail fish fight harder than soft tail fish. They make there living covering more water to survive.

So all of my big freshwater fish are not on my list. The saltwater fish are in two groups, short fights, and long fights.
   Short fight fish are Giant Travelly, Groupers, Toro, AJ's, Pacific Yellowtail, Bonita.
   Long fight fish are Tunas/Bonitas, Marlins, Opah, the above Jacks.
On the right tackle Yellowfin Tuna, Blue/Black Marlin, Toro, Travelly, and Yellowtail can be tough long fights. Long does not necessarily equate to tough. I caught a 70lb. Albacore on 20lb test that took 3 hours and 45 min. it was not a tough fight. I did not get heat stroke and go into shock which has happened to me. I think I will take Yellowfin as the one fish to give you a shot at your toughest.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Flounder Boy 3 on August 10, 2016, 02:21:25 PM
Quote from: Normslanding on August 10, 2016, 02:13:55 PM
I've been lucky enough to catch a lot of different fish in a lot of the world. Having thought about this question a lot I've formed a couple of conclusions.
1. Teen aged fish fight better than young or old fish. You hear a lot of talk from long range fisherman about the middle size fish pulling hard.
2. Some fish fight hard if they really feel threatened, but may not if they don't. Buy that I mean tackle that is of a size to get there attention, but not  
    big enough to beak there will.
3. Most hard tail fish fight harder than soft tail fish. They make there living covering more water to survive.

So all of my big freshwater fish are not on my list. The saltwater fish are in two groups, short fights, and long fights.
  Short fight fish are Giant Travelly, Groupers, Toro, AJ's, Pacific Yellowtail, Bonita.
  Long fight fish are Tunas/Bonitas, Marlins, Opah, the above Jacks.
On the right tackle Yellowfin Tuna, Blue/Black Marlin, Toro, Travelly, and Yellowtail can be tough long fights. Long does not necessarily equate to tough. I caught a 70lb. Albacore on 20lb test that took 3 hours and 45 min. it was not a tough fight. I did not get heat stroke and go into shock which has happened to me. I think I will take Yellowfin as the one fish to give you a shot at your toughest.



Any thoughts on a mako? They seem to have a big reputation.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: MarkT on August 10, 2016, 02:26:58 PM
Quote from: Flounder Boy 3 on August 10, 2016, 01:15:25 PM
Pound for pound, I think bluegill rates right near the top.

Smallmouth too.

I was thinking of bluegill too.  My son caught a 3 1/4# bluegill and thought he'd hooked a 5#+ largemouth.   Smallies are very tough for their size!
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Keta on August 10, 2016, 03:04:14 PM
I too would say bluegill are one of the toughest.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: RowdyW on August 10, 2016, 03:08:47 PM
Do you think I should use a 80 series reel for bluegill or a 130 with bent butt rod??   :D ;D :D ;D
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: MarkT on August 10, 2016, 03:21:26 PM
They're tough pound for pound.  Fortunately they don't go to many pounds 'cuz you'd need break out that heavy artillery if they went to 100#.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: sharkman on August 10, 2016, 03:22:58 PM
I would say sheepshead fish. Its not the biggest fish but a real fighter.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: pjstevko on August 10, 2016, 03:38:37 PM
Freshwater would have to be Peacock Bass!!!!!

Saltwater.....tarpon, wahoo, grouper/jewfish,
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: MarkT on August 10, 2016, 03:55:54 PM
Wahoo?  No way!  They go fast but give up quick.  A 40# YT is a MUCH harder fight than a 40# Wahoo.  I would say that pound for pound a Wahoo is the best eating fish.  After all, in Hawaiian, Wahoo are called Ono which means delicious and they are certainly Ono-licious.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: pjstevko on August 10, 2016, 04:14:05 PM
Quote from: MarkT on August 10, 2016, 03:55:54 PM
Wahoo?  No way!  They go fast but give up quick.  A 40# YT is a MUCH harder fight than a 40# Wahoo.  I would say that pound for pound a Wahoo is the best eating fish.  After all, in Hawaiian, Wahoo are called Ono which means delicious and they are certainly Ono-licious.

Unfortunately I've never caught a YT so I have no reference....but hopefully I'll be able to remedy that soon and add it to my life list....

but yes one of the best eating fish especially raw!!!!
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Keta on August 10, 2016, 04:14:48 PM
My 87# wahoo almost spooled me twice with a 50 then some shorter runs but then just pulled.  YT are tougher for sure.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: bigggfish on August 10, 2016, 04:26:15 PM
1) Bluefin Tuna
2) Pacific Yellowtail
3) Yellowfin Tuna
4) Amberjack

Pound for Pound.   Just my Opinion.  Of course there are a lot of fish I've never caught.  I hear Ulua (Giant Trevally) are tough.)
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Vintage Offshore Tackle on August 10, 2016, 04:48:53 PM
I have only caught two swordfish, and they may have been unusually tough individuals, but pound for pound, nothing has ever pulled harder or longer.

1.  Swordfish
2.  Thresher Shark 
3.  Tie: Yellowfin & Bluefin Tuna
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: RowdyW on August 10, 2016, 04:55:52 PM
The problem with Swordfish is that you can't chase them with your boat. Unless you can get Ron to bring his Sub around.  ;D
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Bill B on August 10, 2016, 11:34:54 PM
Rowdy go straight to the harpoon.....but you will need a bigger boat 😝 All kidding aside bluegill are great fighters......Bill
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: RiverAngler on August 10, 2016, 11:43:17 PM
Guys and Gals, I haven't been on salt yet, so I can only attest to fresh water at this time. In my experience, it's as follows;

Sturgeon - you haven't lived till you have to chase down a 150 pound underwater missile that can rip 100 yds off in a blink of an eye at ANY drag setting.

Sheepshead - yes indeedy (well, in brackish water in the Indian River Lagoon)

Sailor's choice - also in the Indian River- they be small but they be MIGHTY!

I look forward to saltwater fishing, them I will write a revised list.

Ralph


Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Keta on August 11, 2016, 01:31:13 AM
Quote from: RowdyW on August 10, 2016, 03:08:47 PM
Do you think I should use a 80 series reel for bluegill or a 130 with bent butt rod??   :D ;D :D ;D

Pound for pound. If bluegill got over 50 pounds you would need heavy gear.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: akfish on August 11, 2016, 01:39:17 AM
I've never caught a GT or swordfish but from my experience it has to be a YFT. This story convinced me: About 15 years ago I was fishing off the East Cape where I caught and released a 250 pound blue marlin. It put up a good aerial fight that lasted about 45 minutes. A little later I caught my first decent size YFT, a fish that weighed 68 pounds at the dock. That tuna fought **much** harder than the marlin.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Keta on August 11, 2016, 03:54:35 AM
I have 5 YFT over 200#, the largest 258#. The toughest YFT was around 160#.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Cor on August 11, 2016, 06:33:13 AM
Unfortunately we don't have a wide variety of species where I live but I have always believed the Yellowtail to be the strongest and dirtiest fighting fish.   As redsetta says when those fish want to get to some structure, you can not hold them, or then, not with the tackle we use.   The problem is that once he turns his head away from you and your drag gives, it just keeps on going and usually it needs only a couple of yards to get to the kelp and that is game over.

These fish all differ in how strong they fight, sometimes they just swim to the gaff while other times you get pulled around all over the place by a small 10lb fish.   An observation over many years of shore based Yellowtail fishing is that the harder you pull, the harder he fights!

I have caught Yellowfin Tuna and Yellowtail from shore and boats and in my mind the Yellowtail remains the strongest fish pound for pound.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: David Hall on August 13, 2016, 03:03:24 PM
I'm going to say that pund for pound any of the tuna species give the toughest fight.
They are pit bulls of the sea, there is no quit in them, they fight for their lives right to the deck.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: oc1 on August 13, 2016, 08:00:27 PM
You said "pound for pound".  If you hook a 900 pound tuna on 180 lb tackle that's a ratio of 5:1.  If you hook a 50 pound YT or amberjack on 10 lb tackle that's a 5:1 ratio.  If you hook a ten pound bonefish, permit or trevally on 2 lb tackle that's also a 5:1 ratio.  Which one are you most likely to land?
-steve
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: steelfish on August 13, 2016, 08:21:08 PM
50# YT on 10# outfit will never happen



UL fishing with 2# line have some nice and decent fishes records

Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: RowdyW on August 13, 2016, 08:42:19 PM
Which one is going to pull you over the transom & take you swimming with the fishes?? A Grander Bluefin is where I would put my money on. I don't care how hard a 10# fish fights it doesn't pull like a 1000#+ BFT will. To me the harder a fish pulls the heavier the line you have to use to fight him. Catching a 10# fish on 2# line is skill not a test of the strongest fish. It doesn't matter how much skill you have just try to catch a BFT on 2# line.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Keta on August 13, 2016, 08:46:48 PM
That is not adjusting for weight, "pound for pound", I do not think a grander YT or bluegill could be landed.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Vintage Offshore Tackle on August 13, 2016, 09:34:54 PM
Quote from: steelfish on August 13, 2016, 08:21:08 PM
50# YT on 10# outfit will never happen



UL fishing with 2# line have some nice and decent fishes records



As of 1979, the IGFA men's 12 lb. line class record for yellowtail was 65 lbs and the women's 12 lb. record was 61 lbs.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: MFB on August 13, 2016, 09:42:12 PM
I would put my money on Kingfish, strong long fight and they never give up...

Regards

Mark
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: SoCalAngler on August 13, 2016, 10:56:58 PM
Many of the "Jack" family of fish pull very hard and not just at the start of the fight. but all the way to the boat. Fish like yellowtail/kingfish/jurel are the same species of jacks just called by different names depending in what part of the world your fishing. Other jacks like amber, almaco, jack crevalle and rooster fish/pez gallo all share in the hard fighting of the jack family. I have been lucky enough to catch all of the above in similar weights so for me not one of the above fish types seems to out shine the other in a pound per pound fight. Any of the fish listed above in a good size will give you a work out for sure.

The "Grouper" family of fish do pull really hard for a bit until you (if you can) remove them from the structure where they like to live. Fish like the goliath grouper/jew fish, black seabass, cabrilla and all of the grouper family have hard starts to the fight and removing them from any structure in the first few seconds of a fight is key to landing them. Sapper fish like the pargo/dog tooth and others share with the above fish where getting them away from structure is key. But once done you have a very good chance of landing one.

Ok, for me the mighty bonito has to be one of the hardest fighting fish in the ocean pound per pound. If you catch one, say around 5 lbs on 15 lb gear you will have your hands full. The Sea of Cortez has bonito that get big. I have caught " barrilete" , the name for them in Mexico, that have gone 25-30 lbs and kick your butt. Around the same fight as a BFT twice its size and yes I have caught many 50-70 lb bft and as well as the 20-30 barrilete to compare the fight.

Now a swordfish from what I hear are some of the meanest fish swimming. Also there seems to be a difference in fighting between day and night swords, being that the night time fish are deeper and actively feeding pull harder. Here in So Cal I have not been lucky enough to hook one let alone land one. Though I have baited many sleepers not one of the fish has taken my offering and I do not target them at night.

So until I land a swordfish I can't speak to those, but their on my bucket list for sure.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: spc7669 on August 13, 2016, 11:16:19 PM
Based only on fish I've caught, I'd have to go with tarpon. I read a book one time that claimed the New Guinea black bass was the toughest fish out there. Anyone ever hook up with one?
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: ChileRelleno on August 14, 2016, 12:45:20 AM
Quote from: Flounder Boy 3 on August 10, 2016, 01:15:25 PM
Pound for pound, I think bluegill rates right near the top.
I was reading through thinking I was going to post about big bull Bream.
And I'm happy to see that many people agree on bream.

Pound for pound a big bull Bream in deep water on 2# line is a noteworthy fight.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: wascallywabit on August 14, 2016, 02:20:12 AM
Here on the east coast Bigeye tuna have a reputation all their own. Have boated many 50-80 lb. Bluefin and YFT in the canyons off NJ, but the day a Bigeye hit a spreader bar on the troll in the Hudson left me speechless. Penn Int. 50W with 80lb. Ande set at 27lb. by scale. Fish dumped more than half the spool on first run like it was in free spool! Fish weighed 186 at the dock. Bonito, albacore, Chinook salmon, they're all fun, but I will never forget that Bigeye.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: erikpowell on August 14, 2016, 02:36:48 AM
Up there with GT's, YFT, and Black marlin, the Mangrove Jack fights like a true heavyweight. 
I know some oz mates will agree ;)
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: whalebreath on August 14, 2016, 05:12:17 AM
Roosterfish.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: oc1 on August 14, 2016, 08:31:00 AM
Funny.  If you do a google for this question you find it has been argued a thousand times without resolution.  Everyone has an opinion, but nobody has data to back it up. 

A few examples of where the same question was posed on other forums:
http://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/outdoor/pound-for-pound-what-is-the-hardest-fighting-fish-in-the-world/64689646/ (http://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/outdoor/pound-for-pound-what-is-the-hardest-fighting-fish-in-the-world/64689646/)
http://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/topic/187991-best-fighting-fish-pound-for-pound/page-1 (http://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/topic/187991-best-fighting-fish-pound-for-pound/page-1)
http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=152250 (http://www.ifish.net/board/showthread.php?t=152250)
http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/coarse-fishing/316023-hardest-fighting-fish.html (http://www.fishingmagic.com/forums/coarse-fishing/316023-hardest-fighting-fish.html)
-steve
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Jeri on August 14, 2016, 12:59:51 PM
Hi All,

My vote for salt water goes to Tarpon caught in deep water - not that skinny water stuff, but deep enough that the fish don't leap about and wear themselves out. Caught a lot in northern Angola, way out from the beach, and on 50lb class tackle, they are about 1 minute per kg for fight time as a minimum.

To fresh water, Vundu Catfish just beat up anglers and tackle for the pure pleasure - fishing in the Zambezi river with anything less than 50lb class gear, and you are going into a gun fight with a knife!!!

Cheers from sunny Africa.

jeri
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: boon on August 14, 2016, 08:29:58 PM
I'm going to throw in Yellowtail/Kingfish as my pick, even small (<75cm) ones have a blistering run when they first realise they are hooked.
The world record is 115lb, >60lb specimens routinely require 37kg tackle and a fair bit of luck to land. These fish will happily pull on close to their bodyweight in drag pressure.
I suspect a 200lb model would be near impossible to land unless somehow hooked in very deep water.

The other fish I'll mention is the humble Kahawai (often used as livebait for the aforementioned Kingfish), Arripis trutta, aka Eastern Australian Salmon.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: David Hall on August 14, 2016, 08:45:06 PM
This is just like the which is the best caliber rifle argument, lots of personal opinions and never a consensus. It is an argument without resolution.  Too many variables to consider and too many species.  What we need is three old men who have fished every species of fish to have this discussion and see if they can reach a consensus and then explain to all of us the reasons behind it, the only problem with that is three old men are never going to have a consensus on any subject short of alcohol, cigars and grandchildren.
But it sure is fun to discuss anyway?
I have fished the west coast from Monterey to Vancouver Island inland and offshore, aside from my regulars of rock fish, king salmon, albacore and more recently blue fin tuna the most memorable fishing I have was Octobers on the Nooksack river, fishing night crawlers on light spinning gear for sea run cut throat trout.  An awesome fun fish to catch and they smoke up delicious.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Jeri on August 15, 2016, 07:49:17 AM
Hi All,

It would be like asking on this forum: 'What is the best reel?'

- You would never get consensus!!!!

Cheers from sunny Africa,

Jeri
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Flounder Boy 3 on August 15, 2016, 03:23:08 PM
This topic was never meant for a consensus.  ::)

It was meant to hear out and consider different viewpoints, which it seems to have done.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: handi2 on August 15, 2016, 04:04:44 PM
Any of the Jack family. Pound for pound.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: whalebreath on August 16, 2016, 03:31:06 AM
Quote from: whalebreath on August 14, 2016, 05:12:17 AM
Roosterfish.
YFT second-never caught a Bluefin.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Shark Hunter on August 16, 2016, 04:01:42 AM
Hammerhead from the Beach.
Getting him over that last bar is a feat.
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/IMG_0049_zpsuo79n9hk.jpg)
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Tightlines667 on August 16, 2016, 04:05:21 AM
Saltwater:

1)Monster Grander Blue Marlin right after they pick up the bait.. explosive, and unstoppable.

2)850lb+ Short fin Mako Sharks.. an intelligent animal with speed, power, and tactics

3)Triple Marker Bluefin Tuna...dogged, powerful, endurance fighters

4)Double marker Bigeye Tuna

5)100+ Yellowfin Tuna

6)Giant (100lb+) Trevelly

7)Wahoo is the fastest on the strike

8)500lb+Swordfish.. deep, dogged, slow and steady endurance fighters with a soft jaw that requires care with applied pressure

9)large (500-1000lb+) Hammerheads, Tigers, Threshers good staying power, and require alot of pressure to get them to head your way.  Threshers are good at staying deep on you, and can get a bit 'frisky' as well

10)Big Halibut.. try pulling a sheet of plywood through the water

11)Any other Pelagic Fish... Other billfish species, dolphinfish, Cobia, Kings.. etc.

Freshwater:

1)Sturgeon.. I caught an 80lb+ once on 12lb.. impressive fish

2)King Salmon, Silvers, Steelhead, etc.


2)Catfish big, powerful

3)Musky.. actually large Northern Pike often fight a bit harder, but the Musky definately let's you know he is king of the lake

4)Alligator Gar.. not to be triffled with

5)large Lake Trout.. I once hooked a 35lber on 6lb ultralight, and he towed me 3+miles on my kayak

6)Smallmouth Bass.. they may be small but they can tug pretty good

7)Carp. A big carp does not give up easily

8)big Largemouth.. explosive strike, esp. on topwaters

9)Walleye.. gotta put them on the l8st.. simply because they are so fun to catch

10)Trout

11)Dogfish and Burbot too.. try catching a big one on an ultralight

I skipped Striped Bass cause I have never caught one, though I am sure they deserve a place somewhere on the list.

Also deserving is the Snook, and the venerable Redfish.

I also tangled with a large Manta Ray once.. and they are no joke. (Those these, and cetaceans are protected species, and as such should never be targeted)
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Flounder Boy 3 on August 16, 2016, 04:12:35 AM
Quote from: Tightlines666 on August 16, 2016, 04:05:21 AM
1)Monster Grander Blue Marlin right after they pick up the bait.. explosive, and unstoppable.

2)850lb+ Short fin Mako Sharks.. an intelligent animal with speed, power, and tactics

3)Triple Marker + Bluefin Tuna. Dogged


Makos are a hell of a fish. Unbelievable how high they can jump. And those teeth, something else.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Cor on August 16, 2016, 02:35:16 PM
It is not possible to reach a consensus, one of the reasons being that the same species of fish does not fight in the same way.
Yesterday I caught and landed a small Yellowtail that I did not see before it took my lure.    I really thought it was a small bonita, it hardly pulled at all.

I usually fish inside a bay, and the Yellowtail generally stay around there throughout summer, but we can tell when some different new shoals come in to the bay, they are fatter and generally in better condition, but more importantly they fight much much harder.

So you can't even compare the same species's fighting ability.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: nelz on August 16, 2016, 04:17:48 PM
My experience is mostly inshore, and there, # 4 # the Bonito (Little Tunny) is king.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: MarkT on August 16, 2016, 04:44:08 PM
Deciding the hardest fighting fish on a pound for pound basis pretty much makes it a small fish that fights above it's weight class.  Unfortunately you can't scale them up, or the big fish down, to create a level playing field. As noted even the same species in different places/times can fight differently. Hey, sometimes they stayed out late the night before with the boys and had a few too many and aren't feeling it today. I'm sure you understand!
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: erikpowell on August 18, 2016, 12:05:23 AM
Quote from: Jeri on August 14, 2016, 12:59:51 PM
Hi All,

My vote for salt water goes to Tarpon caught in deep water - not that skinny water stuff, but deep enough that the fish don't leap about and wear themselves out. Caught a lot in northern Angola, way out from the beach, and on 50lb class tackle, they are about 1 minute per kg for fight time as a minimum.

jeri

Jeri,  that's a great scale! .... min/kg
I like it!

Obviously there are alot of variables, but for a guy on the water alot who knows his gear and species, I think that's a great way to scale or rate a fish fight.
It'll take me awhile, but I intend to make a list and apply this to my usual species.

Is it always sunny in Africa? :)

Cheers from a Rainy Fiji,
Erik

Quote from: handi2 on August 15, 2016, 04:04:44 PM
Any of the Jack family. Pound for pound.

Way to simplify Keith, I'd have to agree.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: bill19803 on August 18, 2016, 03:32:08 PM
pound   for  pound   an  eastern brook  trout   about   3 lbs   but   for total  butt kicking    200+  yellow  fin  and  just the thought of that fight makes my body  start  to ache
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Fishy247 on September 09, 2016, 03:14:31 PM
California Yellowtail gets my vote. I've caught them from 5# up to 30#+ and every single one of them fought like the dickens all the way to the boat. That being said, I definitely agree with the assessment on grouper being super tough in the first 10-20 feet of the fight. In the fresh stuff, I'd have to go with my personal favorite, bluegill!
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: the rockfish ninja on September 27, 2016, 05:01:13 PM
Without a doubt it's bonefish!!!
Never got to do the fly on the flats for them but when I was in the Bahamas they were doing that. I had brought a telescoping spinning rig and was trying to throw lures at the groupers with no success at all and I was fascinated by the skiffs working inside the reef for them. When those fly fishers got bit those things took off like nothing I've ever seen.

One of the cooks from the resort saw me staring at them with drooling eyes and said "You wanna catch bonefish mon?", I said yea but I'm not gonna pay for the guide svc, too much $$. He laughed and gave me a handful of shrimp chunks that they were using for sauté, and told me to just put it on a hook and chuck it into the sea grass. Well I caught 2 or 3, and they were a fraction of the size of what the fly fishers were catching, but man they flew around like they were being zapped with 500 volts of electricity. Incredible.

Caught a bunch of little needlefish too, toothy critters.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: oc1 on September 27, 2016, 08:07:54 PM
I agree ninja.  I think it is because of the width of the fish from the caudal peduncle forward into the back.  When you look at the fish from the top it seems to have more muscle for propulsion in the read end. 
-steve
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Decker on September 28, 2016, 01:13:43 PM
The bluefish is very strong.  I've had ones around 15 pounds snap 30 lb test mono on a run. 
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Bill B on October 05, 2016, 03:46:08 PM
Some King Salmon observations...
A large King (25+) mouth hooked will pull like a tractor, but seems to tire quickly
A large King (25+) tail or belly hooked jumps more and fights longer
A small King (-10) doesnt pull very hard, but is really floppy on the surface at the boat, but this could be due to getting it to the boat quickly

Bill
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Indyfisher on October 07, 2016, 01:14:34 PM
Pound for pound, definitely a bluegill.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Rancanfish on October 07, 2016, 02:55:55 PM
Yes, biggest hit and tug I ever got on 4lb test.  Seriously thought I had a record bass on the line. And the lake record is 18lbs.

He survived all day in the live well so we kept him as a pet in the aquarium for months.  ;D

He went nutzoid one day and banged into the glass until done.  I think he got some kind of parasite in his brain....
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: ez2cdave on October 28, 2016, 01:46:57 AM
"ULUA" aka Giant Trevally . . .

Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: nelz on October 28, 2016, 02:54:08 AM
Caught some Pompano today... wow, lb for lb, those little guys bring it!
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Gfish on October 28, 2016, 08:35:45 PM
I've gotten some big spawning male bluegills that'ed turn sideways and make things fun, but for me the fight never lasted that long. Mabey I didn't fish for them in the right evironment. Several weeks ago, got my 1st ulua("GT"), only about 20 lbs., overmatched on 50 lb. test, but man! That gal(had eggs in her) wouldn't give up till the very end. No thrashin on the surface, no thrashin in the kayak. I think she gave everything she had before then.
So I replied before, that it was a bonefish and for fast strong runs it is, but for bulldogin durability it's them reef huntin uluas. Ethics wise this should be last n' only one I kill, and I don't feel right about havin killed this one.
Gfish
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: oc1 on October 29, 2016, 08:13:14 AM
Congrats.  A twenty pounder from a kayak must have been exciting.
-steve
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Dr. Jekyll - AKA MeL B on October 30, 2016, 04:34:06 AM
Tambaqui pound for pound is one of the hardest fighting fresh water fish according to Jeremy Wade of River Monsters and I agree. Was on one and thought it was a giant because that monster was peeling line but it was a 4 kilo on steroids.. :) :o
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Rivverrat on November 24, 2016, 08:50:05 AM
Some day Ill get out on one of those boats to fish the fish you all speak of.

But of the fish I know pound for pound best fighter the lowly Rodney Dangerfield of fish
the Carp then the Wiper, Sunfish or what some you are calling bluegill.....Jeff
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: ez2cdave on November 24, 2016, 02:30:50 PM
Sorry, Guys . . . EVERYBODY has got it WRONG . . .

The HARDEST FIGHTING FISHING is, without any question, the "ONE THAT GOT AWAY" !!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING & Tight Lines !!!
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: boon on November 25, 2016, 08:58:22 AM
Quote from: Gfish on October 28, 2016, 08:35:45 PM
I've gotten some big spawning male bluegills that'ed turn sideways and make things fun, but for me the fight never lasted that long. Mabey I didn't fish for them in the right evironment. Several weeks ago, got my 1st ulua("GT"), only about 20 lbs., overmatched on 50 lb. test, but man! That gal(had eggs in her) wouldn't give up till the very end. No thrashin on the surface, no thrashin in the kayak. I think she gave everything she had before then.
So I replied before, that it was a bonefish and for fast strong runs it is, but for bulldogin durability it's them reef huntin uluas. Ethics wise this should be last n' only one I kill, and I don't feel right about havin killed this one.
Gfish

In the lagoon at Muri (Cook Islands) there are a bunch of GTs that hang around the jetty a couple of charter boats operate from. I would estimate the big ones at >100lb. The bursts of speed they could put on were incredible, great black-grey logs of muscle racing around. All I had with me was a 30lb spinning setup and I wasn't even going to bother flicking a lure at them, would have been a quick exercise in getting spooled.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: fishgrain on November 25, 2016, 04:44:50 PM
cock-a-doodle doo

<=====

I don't have too many different species "notched" on my belt but for me it was the rooster
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: wfjord on April 04, 2017, 10:32:31 PM
I'm a little late, but I'll chime in here.  I'm sure most of you folks have caught far bigger fish and a lot more species than I have, but for me it was a Bonito that took off like a rocket and nearly spooled my Penn 550SS.  Had to chase it with the boat.  Then there was a 45 minute battle I had on an 8-wt fly rod with a 35+lb striper while wading in a river.  It took me far enough into the backing to worry me.  The striper didn't come close to being as fast a bonito, but it was stubborn and took me a long time to finally turn it.  Generally, saltwater fish seem to hit harder than freshwater fish, but pound for pound a smallmouth can deliver a big punch.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: reelrepair123 on April 05, 2017, 03:36:53 AM
tuna, jack crevalle.    harryk
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Hardy Boy on April 05, 2017, 04:50:38 PM
I've caught a few different species of fresh and salt water fish and I'm always amazed at how hard any tuna species or jack species fights and for how long, maybe its because they don't jump and tire them self's out. it also appears that the colder water fish do not fight as hard pound for pound.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: wfjord on April 05, 2017, 05:01:57 PM
I caught quite a few Jack Crevalle and they were hard fighters.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: PRSD on April 18, 2017, 04:24:28 AM
For me i would say a big redbass on the great barrier reef. Penn 330gti 15kg line and still took over 10-15 min to get it up.
Had to thumb the spool abit.
That got a sweat up.
Also big stingrays that just circle under the boat come to mind
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: GOTTA FISH on April 11, 2020, 06:37:45 AM
I hooked a seal on the Klamath River a couple years ago.  Man can they fight hard, broke me off.  Yes not a fish, but it was pretty cool while it lasted!   :)
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Caranx on April 11, 2020, 10:28:08 AM
Whale shark by far the hardest fighter 😂
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: pjstevko on April 11, 2020, 02:55:34 PM
Peacock Bass pull hard and are very aggressive!
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: sciaenops on April 11, 2020, 04:18:56 PM
QuoteI hooked a seal on the Klamath River a couple years ago.  Man can they fight hard, broke me off.

lol. I've yet to land one.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: philaroman on April 11, 2020, 05:00:59 PM
I've "landed" a goose
well, he got untangled half-way, but kept comin'
...a fat domestic SOB w/ no fear of humans & a "springtime attitude" ;)
not much of a fight, at first -- just reeling slack line, as HE got to ME
then, IT WAS ON!!!  I backed up frantically, but did NOT turn&run!
he tasted MUCH Fenwick brown, before he relented & let me fish
yet another testimonial for vintage glass  ;D
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: David Hall on April 11, 2020, 05:03:37 PM
gotta go with Tuna.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Vintage Offshore Tackle on April 11, 2020, 05:13:22 PM
Surface caught swordfish (not deep drop with an electric reel in a rod holder).  Strength, endurance and a vicious attitude.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: ez2cdave on April 12, 2020, 03:15:06 PM
EVERYTHING is a LUNKER on 2-4 lb test ! ! !



Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: ez2cdave on April 12, 2020, 03:25:56 PM
Now, where is that Gold fish bowl ?  LOL !

Stay Safe & Tight Lines !

Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Rivverrat on April 12, 2020, 04:12:34 PM
Dave whats the reel your using there ? ... Jeff
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Alto Mare on April 12, 2020, 04:33:09 PM
Bluefin kicked my but a while back, I was out of work for a week with a sore shoulder.
Was using an international 50 single speed.

Sal
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Maxed Out on April 12, 2020, 04:45:17 PM
 A dolphin hooked by the tail......don't ask me how I know that
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: ez2cdave on April 12, 2020, 05:23:25 PM
Quote from: Rivverrat on April 12, 2020, 04:12:34 PM
Dave whats the reel your using there ? ... Jeff

Jeff,

Those reels have been marketed under several different names and in different colors.

The pics below are of a Bass Pro Shops" Crappie Maxx" reel . . . Identical, except for color.

The one I have is older ( probably a different seller, possibly K-Mart ) . . . They are still being made.

CHANGE THE DRAG ! ! !

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-crappie-maxx-tightline-special-crappie-reel-100015551-1 (https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-crappie-maxx-tightline-special-crappie-reel-100015551-1)

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-crappie-maxx-tightline-special-crappie-reel (https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-crappie-maxx-tightline-special-crappie-reel)


I think that MING-YANG makes these reels . . . They have the CL20, without level-wind and the CL 25, with level-wind.

https://www.amazon.com/Ming-Yang-CL20-BAITCAST-Panfish/dp/B00X1QXL88 (https://www.amazon.com/Ming-Yang-CL20-BAITCAST-Panfish/dp/B00X1QXL88)

https://www.amazon.com/Ming-Yang-Fishing-Baitcast-Walleye/dp/B00PNYEY3W (https://www.amazon.com/Ming-Yang-Fishing-Baitcast-Walleye/dp/B00PNYEY3W)


Stay Safe & Tight Lines !

Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Swami805 on April 12, 2020, 06:02:29 PM
I'd agree with Sal. My PB bluefin was the toughest fish I've pulled on, just wouldn't give up. I've caught yellowfin twice the size that didn't have the stamina of bluefin. That fish kicked my behind.
So cal bonito are right in there too.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: oc1 on April 12, 2020, 08:01:17 PM
Quote from: ez2cdave on April 12, 2020, 05:23:25 PM
Jeff,

Those reels have been marketed under several different names and in different colors.

... including Ming Yang.
-s
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: ez2cdave on April 12, 2020, 08:05:55 PM
Quote from: oc1 on April 12, 2020, 08:01:17 PM
Quote from: ez2cdave on April 12, 2020, 05:23:25 PM
Jeff,

Those reels have been marketed under several different names and in different colors.

... including Ming Yang.
-s

Yes, indeed . . . I modified my response above to reflect that. They have the CL20, without level-wind and the CL-25, with level-wind.

Stay Safe & Tight Lines !
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: SoCalAngler on April 13, 2020, 02:53:45 AM
Since this thread came back to life, which is cool IMO, I should of added sailfish in my first post. They are said to be the fastest fish in the ocean. I have no idea how you would measure that? But, one thing I do know is that they peel off line faster than any wahoo I have caught and fight way longer. With that said I have never caught a 80-100lb hoo but I have caught a couple sails around the 100 lb mark and several smaller. They are never weighted as we release all billfish caught. Sails are amazing on how fast they can swim and rarely give up until boat side and many times not then.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Dominick on April 13, 2020, 03:26:46 PM
I have to vote for tuna.  I have only caught yellow fin.  I don't know if blue fin pull harder.  Dominick
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: ez2cdave on April 13, 2020, 05:53:34 PM
Quote from: SoCalAngler on April 13, 2020, 02:53:45 AM
Since this thread came back to life, which is cool IMO, I should of added sailfish in my first post. They are said to be the fastest fish in the ocean. I have no idea how you would measure that? But, one thing I do know is that they peel off line faster than any wahoo I have caught and fight way longer. With that said I have never caught a 80-100lb hoo but I have caught a couple sails around the 100 lb mark and several smaller. They are never weighted as we release all billfish caught. Sails are amazing on how fast they can swim and rarely give up until boat side and many times not then.

Stay Safe & Tight Lines !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B6wBSQjdeQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0B6wBSQjdeQ)

Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Ron Jones on April 13, 2020, 06:03:31 PM
I'm going with Mark, all the wayback at the beginning. Can you imagine a 100 pond bonita? I've caught big bonita mixed with similar sized yellow fin / tail and always thought they were HUGE yellowtail. If they got the size of BFT there wouldn't be anything that could touch them short of a shark.
The Man
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: PacRat on April 13, 2020, 06:24:05 PM
Ron is right on about the Bonito. I was got the jackpot with a bonehead. It has in the last few moments before pulling anchor so I decided to toss a jig. That bonehead hit hard and took me a couple of times around the rail. When we could see color I couldn't believe it was 'just a bonito' but the deckhand said "Don't loose it. You got the jackpot right there!"...and all I could think was 'on a bonehead?'. Made a believer out of me.

In fresh water I have been impressed with Peacock Bass. I fished Guri Reservoir in Venezuela and those are some hard-hitting fish. They were tearing my tackle up! I was using Ambassadors with 25 lb line and got broke off twice on the strikes which were explosive.

-Mike 
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Ron Jones on April 13, 2020, 08:02:42 PM
I hear people talk trash about bonito all the time. They make fantastic ceviche, and I have a friend from Guam who uses them for the best caliguen you've ever imagined.
The Man
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Jim Fujitani on April 13, 2020, 09:17:26 PM
I haven't read the entire thread..... but I will throw this out there, only because the smaller ones hooked in San Francisco Bay will just waste your time for a while.  Mud Marlin, also known as Bat Rays.  The California Bat Ray can reach up to 200 pounds.  A 25 pounder will take at least 20-30 minutes, incidentally hooked on 30# test, if the line isn't broken or cut.  And no, I don't intentionally fish for them, nor would I.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: nelz on April 13, 2020, 09:56:21 PM
Yeah, rays don't get that much attention, but they are beasts! We get the big common sting rays around here, they have spooled many a surprised fisherman!  :o
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: boon on April 14, 2020, 03:20:50 AM
Yeah the old Mud Marlin has spooled many an unsuspecting fisherman over the years.

I think I said it earlier in this thread, but Yellowtail Kingfish have to be up there. I caught a 26lb fish recently that pulled line off a Makaira 20000 with the drag scaled at 33lb... albeit, only briefly.

The initial run from a Giant Trevally has to be up there as well.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: redsetta on April 16, 2020, 02:00:38 AM
Quote...the old Mud Marlin...
:D ;D
Priceless - will definitely be using that one!
Cheers mate, Justin
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Jim Fujitani on April 16, 2020, 06:32:38 PM
Just this morning, on a another 'local fishing website', someone posted a fishing report of snagging a fishing line while fishing in SF Bay.  There was a rod and reel on one end, on the other end was a Mud Marlin!
If the rod isn't safety clipped, a Mud Marlin will jerk the rig over the rail when it hits, while going in the opposite direction of the troll.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: xjchad on April 16, 2020, 06:50:27 PM
I've never caught a tuna, so I'd have to go with the rays as well.
I target bat rays and shark from the beach, and the rays will definitely put your gear to the test!
I've landed several over 100 lbs. and my arms and back sure feel it!

(https://i.imgur.com/FcGaFSK.jpg?2)

(https://i.imgur.com/EmeWNog.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Lingwendil on April 16, 2020, 06:57:59 PM
I'm convinced that a 30 pound bluegill would be a hell of a fight, but that's not what we're talking about :)

Hardest fighting fish I've ever personally dealt with is a 54" Sevengill shark I caught while perch fishing on an ultralight rig. If there wasn't a net I couldn't have done it.

Rays come for a close second though, especially if you hook into one of the lively ones. I've been spooled twice at the Alameda rock wall by big rays that simply would not stop.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Crow on April 16, 2020, 08:36:31 PM
I'd agree about the bluegill....if they all were 10 ponders, nobody would know what they looked like ;D!
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Darin Crofton on April 16, 2020, 08:42:20 PM
Cubera Snapper will flat out pull like a freight train!
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: happyhooker on April 16, 2020, 08:53:19 PM
Others have mentioned bluegill, and I would go along with that for sure.  They do not quit 'till you pull 'em out of the lake.  Fun on light tackle, and if you can get into a bigger representative of the family, you'll talk about it for a long time.

Carp were also mentioned; they are very strong.  Although they may resemble carp, both in looks and the way they fight, buffalo are native fish and equally strong with carp.  They fight all the way in and just when you think you are ready to land one, they hit their second wind and the battle starts all over.  I hooked a 20 lb. one on spinning tackle & 12 lb. test line, and over a 15-20 min, fight, I thought several times it would snap something and get away.  Hooked another two years ago in some tailwaters on a small Minn. river, and it just pulled like a semi downstream at least 75 yds., taking drag all the way, before the line snapped.  They don't really jump, but will get near the surface and roll/splash big time; mostly, tho', just tugging, tugging, tugging.  They are also almost as clever as carp in regards to finding a snag and wrapping up your line.

Frank
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: festus on April 16, 2020, 09:37:15 PM
Quote from: happyhooker on April 16, 2020, 08:53:19 PM
Others have mentioned bluegill, and I would go along with that for sure.  They do not quit 'till you pull 'em out of the lake.  Fun on light tackle, and if you can get into a bigger representative of the family, you'll talk about it for a long time.

Carp were also mentioned; they are very strong.  Although they may resemble carp, both in looks and the way they fight, buffalo are native fish and equally strong with carp.  They fight all the way in and just when you think you are ready to land one, they hit their second wind and the battle starts all over.  I hooked a 20 lb. one on spinning tackle & 12 lb. test line, and over a 15-20 min, fight, I thought several times it would snap something and get away.  Hooked another two years ago in some tailwaters on a small Minn. river, and it just pulled like a semi downstream at least 75 yds., taking drag all the way, before the line snapped.  They don't really jump, but will get near the surface and roll/splash big time; mostly, tho', just tugging, tugging, tugging.  They are also almost as clever as carp in regards to finding a snag and wrapping up your line.

Frank
Most any of the freshwater sunfish, including bluegill, redbreast, rock bass, redear, green sunfish and more are tough, especially on UL spinning tackle with 2 to 4 lb mono.  Those rock bass, green sunfish, and warmouth have huge mouths and they'll smack a big bass plug or spinnerbait when least expected. 

I used to do carp and buffalo fishing years ago.  Nowadays carp fishermen hve some highly sophisticated tackle, bait alarms, spods, hair rigs and such.  I never got beyond canned Niblets corn and strawberry Jello doughballs. Caught a few on a fly rod.  Those invasive silver carp, bighead carp, and Asian carp are becoming quite a problem in the northwestern part of the state. 
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: xjchad on April 16, 2020, 09:44:01 PM
Quote from: Lingwendil on April 16, 2020, 06:57:59 PM

Hardest fighting fish I've ever personally dealt with is a 54" Sevengill shark I caught while perch fishing on an ultralight rig. If there wasn't a net I couldn't have done it.


Anthony,
I love catching Sevengills!
In fact, that's what I target the most!
I wouldn't necessarily consider them one of the hardest fighting fish because 8 times out of 10, they charge the beach when I hook them.  So the fight is usually only 10-20 minutes of getting through the wash.

However, once you grab the tail, THAT'S A DIFFERENT STORY!
They can curl in a circle and bite their own tail, they're so flexible, and will twist and chomp at you over and over.

(https://i.imgur.com/YVx42om.jpg)

There are a few exception, and sometimes I'll hook one that's in breeding mode and goes nuts.  This 9 footer put up a heck of a fight.  It took two 100-150 yard runs and bulldogged me just outside the breakers for a long time. 

(https://i.imgur.com/FNOQTAj.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/6t1J1SC.jpg?1)
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Sharkb8 on April 17, 2020, 04:38:27 AM
Them bat rays look the same as eagle rays we have  here and they put up a great fight, we also have seven gills  sharks but I think the bronze whaler shark fight a bit harder

Kim
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Jenx on July 08, 2020, 07:04:38 PM
One of my favorite fish to catch from the shore here in SOCAL are Sargo. I have never caught one bigger than 14 or 15 inches, but even at that size I have had them snap 15lb line trying to lift them out of the rocks.

I can only imagine what that heart and fight would be like in a larger offshore fish.

They are also delicious.


(https://coffeeandcreatures.files.wordpress.com/2018/12/actinopterygii_perciformes_haemulidae_anisotremus_davidsonii_xantic_sargo_12in_2009_05_07_post.jpg)
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: the rockfish ninja on July 11, 2020, 06:26:34 PM
By most accounts Tarpon, GT, and bonefish are the hardest fighters out there and I can support the bonefish vote as I caught some juveniles in the Bahamas that astounded me with the power and vigor coming out of these 8-10" fish. Never caught an adult but the battle on fly gear must be epic.

I also hate to burst the bubble of all the mud marlin (bat ray) votes. Yes they are big, strong, and have ENDURANCE, but our bay is full of them and I've been wrestling with them since childhood. On a halibut trip a couple weeks ago I boated & released a 50lb ray on what amounts to a freshwater bass setup that I use to catch bait or light plugging,

(https://i.imgur.com/YymB2vc.jpg)

took all my 50 years of experience, a bit of extra drag from my thumb, and approx 10 minutes.

From my experience it's the warm water tropical species that fight the hardest.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: nelz on July 11, 2020, 06:49:30 PM
Quote from: the rockfish ninja on July 11, 2020, 06:26:34 PMI also hate to burst the bubble of all the mud marlin (bat ray) votes.

Don't know about "mud marlin" rays, but a 50lb common sting ray, like the ones we get around here, would've handed you your butt!  ;D
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: El Pescador on July 11, 2020, 07:00:56 PM
Quote from: the rockfish ninja on July 11, 2020, 06:26:34 PM

(https://i.imgur.com/YymB2vc.jpg)

... took all my 50 years of experience, a bit of extra drag from my thumb, and approx 10 minutes.



Tony!!!!

YOU SIR are a stud-muffin!!!!   10 minutes on a 50 lbs. ray!!!!   I  bow to you Sir!!!

Me???  I wrangled this skate on Gary's boat, the USS Maiko, and I know, and both Gary and Dominick will attest - my battle lasted over 10 minutes.   Maybe the current?? ;D

and on a ProGear Yellowtail Special with 80 lbs. braid.

(https://alantani.com/gallery/29/7588_23_08_19_4_53_35_290812399.jpeg)

I have fish for you in my freezer!!!

Wayne
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: the rockfish ninja on July 11, 2020, 07:35:24 PM
Quote from: nelz on July 11, 2020, 06:49:30 PM
Quote from: the rockfish ninja on July 11, 2020, 06:26:34 PMI also hate to burst the bubble of all the mud marlin (bat ray) votes.

Don't know about "mud marlin" rays, but a 50lb common sting ray, like the ones we get around here, would've handed you your butt!  ;D

If it's one of those ones that fly out of the water like in the documentaries, probably.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: the rockfish ninja on July 11, 2020, 07:49:40 PM
Quote from: El Pescador on July 11, 2020, 07:00:56 PM
Quote from: the rockfish ninja on July 11, 2020, 06:26:34 PM

(https://i.imgur.com/YymB2vc.jpg)

... took all my 50 years of experience, a bit of extra drag from my thumb, and approx 10 minutes.



Tony!!!!

YOU SIR are a stud-muffin!!!!   10 minutes on a 50 lbs. ray!!!!   I  bow to you Sir!!!

Me???  I wrangled this skate on Gary's boat, the USS Maiko, and I know, and both Gary and Dominick will attest - my battle lasted over 10 minutes.   Maybe the current?? ;D

(https://alantani.com/gallery/29/7588_23_08_19_4_53_35_290812399.jpeg)

I have fish for you in my freezer!!!

Wayne

IMHO that old guitarfish fights harder, more like a shark. Beating the batray is less of me being a muffin and more about technique. It's a critter that fights in bursts, so giving line when he runs and taking when it rests is the surefire way to gain ground on them. Kind of like giving with the wave surge when surf fishing, when the waves pull back you give and when it surges in you crank in line, only it's at the whim of the ray's enthusiasm. They're just big and strong, that's why the fights are so much fun. Pound for pound I still stand by the tropical species, even snappers make our rockfish seem like we're pulling up sponges & starfish. ;D

... and speaking of surf fishing, I'm thinking of hitting the coast, are you working during the week? I try to avoid weekend crowds. Hit me with a PM if you're free.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: nelz on July 12, 2020, 01:18:29 AM
Quote from: the rockfish ninja on July 11, 2020, 07:35:24 PMIf it's one of those ones that fly out of the water like in the documentaries, probably.

I think the jumpers are the manta rays. I'm talking about the florida stingray. The fight is very basic, just a solid, steady, powerful pull. VERY powerful! A 50 pounder would be like latching onto a pickup truck!
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Swami805 on July 12, 2020, 02:42:12 AM
I snagged a manta ray in the wing tuna fishing at clarion island. At first I thought I had a good one then saw a wing tip. I was in the bow so I locked the drag to try to break it off but 130lb don't brake easy. Towed the boat for a bit which is saying something, I was on the polaris supreme which is big. Got as close as we could and cut the line, off it swam. It was a monster.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: oc1 on July 12, 2020, 06:45:06 AM
Big stingrays can stick to the bottom like a suction cup.  You can't move them and when they're stuck on the bottom they are catching their breath.  Sometimes plucking the line like a guitar string will make them get up.  You have to keep them moving in order to land them.
-steve
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Rivverrat on July 12, 2020, 04:37:57 PM
Steve, thats what I was thinking. I have little experience compared to others here with rays.  I caught a big Cow Nosed ray that was definitely more than 30 lbs. I've caught other types that were bigger. The locals fishing next to me said the Cow Nosed Ray ( they called them by another name ) I  caught was the biggest they had seen.

 I've had good success getting them to the beach using an appropriate reel & doing all I can keeping them off the bottom. There is one type ray that I catch that turns sideways in the water & runs in an arc in front of me while pulling line. This is a fantastic fighter & seemingly smart fish. Next time I'll get a picture so some one here can identify it... Jeff
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: nelz on July 12, 2020, 05:00:27 PM
Quote from: oc1 on July 12, 2020, 06:45:06 AMBig stingrays can stick to the bottom like a suction cup.  You can't move them and when they're stuck on the bottom they are catching their breath.

You said it Steve. I had a big ray empty out over half of a Jigmaster then glue itself to the sand. I finally gave up waiting and forced the line til it broke.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: boon on July 13, 2020, 01:33:31 AM
Quote from: oc1 on July 12, 2020, 06:45:06 AM
Sometimes plucking the line like a guitar string will make them get up

I have heard the guitar string one as well.

I wonder if they're one of those fish that you're best to just freespool the reel for a bit then try gently coax it. Some fish just give back whatever you try stick to them, with interest...
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: tincanary on September 15, 2020, 02:03:56 PM
Let me preface this by saying I've never once fished saltwater, all of my fishing has been done in the Great Lakes area so that's all I have to go by.  Everything from trout and panfish to musky, salmon, steelhead, and lake sturgeon have been the targets of my fishing adventures.  To me, the hardest fighter, pound for pound, is the rock bass, or grouper as we affectionately call them.  Size being equal, they fight even harder than smallmouth.  I've had quite a few peel drag and double my rod over, so much fun to catch, and they're mighty tasty as well. 
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Patudo on December 26, 2021, 03:04:40 AM
In my own experience (almost all offshore) any of the small tunas are pound for pound the hardest fighting (combination of speed and power).  The jack family are also really strong, but the difficulty with most of them is compounded by the obstruction/structure factor.  A big GT hooked in open water is still a brute, but the same fish hooked near structure can be unlandable. 

Anyhow I think all the tunas up to about 30 lbs, from the Atlantic bonito to the yellowfin, are outstanding on a pound for pound basis.  I don't think there is a fish of the same size you could catch on say 12 lb spinning gear that is faster, or will bend your rod harder for longer.  And, for me, the skipjack takes the cake as the ultimate mini pelagic powerhouse amongst them.  Speed, stamina, heart, good looks, great tasting raw or grilled, the humble skipjack (all too often cranked in as a billfish bait) has got it all.  Catching a good one on a light spinning rod is really not that different sporting wise to catching a big tuna on stand up 50, except with none of the pain. 

I've been lucky enough to have done a fair amount of fishing for big game, and now, after having seen and experienced the big boys on big gear, I can honestly say that if I was able to target skipjack tuna, and only skipjack, whenever I wanted for the rest of my life, I really wouldn't have too many complaints. 
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Ron Jones on December 26, 2021, 10:06:59 PM
I'm with you on the small tunas. Those and Yellowtail. When I'm several fish into the day and I hook into a good skipjack I know it will be a ton of waisted effort.
The Man
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: conchydong on December 26, 2021, 10:46:09 PM
I am surprised that many of you West Coasters don't like to eat Skipjacks (not Black Skipjacks). I'd rather have them in Poke than Yellowfin or Blackfin (FL Tuna). I consume all of them that I catch.

Scott
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: jurelometer on December 27, 2021, 02:26:18 AM
Quote from: conchydong on December 26, 2021, 10:46:09 PM
I am surprised that many of you West Coasters don't like to eat Skipjacks (not Black Skipjacks). I'd rather have them in Poke than Yellowfin or Blackfin (FL Tuna). I consume all of them that I catch.

Scott

There is a skipjack that is considered good table fare down  in Southern Baja.  The local name is Barrilete blanco - which might be Katsuwonus pelamis -the same skipjack as on the east coat USA.  I have only gotten into them once, and don't have a photo or photographic memory :)   They were tasty.  The black skipjack (Katsuwonus  lineatus) is much more common in Baja.  The locals call the black skipjacks just barrilete or occasionally barrilete negro.  I wouldn't be surprised if many of us westies haven't encountered blancos or didn't know the difference.  Maybe the long rangers on the Pacific side get into them more frequently?

When there are other species available, the black skippies are  considered a nuisance fish, even by the sport fishers.   Which seems kind of crazy to me if you are willing to C&R and are fishing lighter tackle.    They pull hard and  will go after cast surface lures. A great fly rod species. 

-J


Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: oc1 on December 27, 2021, 06:29:08 AM
That is the same species in Hawaii, other Pacific Islands and Japan.  The are called Aku here and are very popular for making poke and shashimi.  Some people like them better than yellowfin.  To me, they taste too strong.  But, I grew up with white flesh fish without much oil..

With the demise of the Skipjack fleet using jack poles and live bait, they are now caught almost exclusively by trolling; usually with heavy tackle designed for larger tuna and billfish,  A sixteen pounder could take the IGFA fly tackle record.

Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: conchydong on December 27, 2021, 11:16:37 AM
Here is the Skipjack that I am referring to. Here on the East coast a HMS (Highly Migratory Species) Federal permit registered to your boat is required to land them. Again, I find them quite tasty, better than the Dolphin in the picture for sure.

Scott

Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: steelfish on January 03, 2022, 07:04:39 PM
Here in Baja, white SkidJack is called it Bonita or Bonito and black skidjack is called it Barrilete.
Bonita has dark-pink meat but its good on ceviche, meatballs, poke and smoked.
Barrilete has pretty dark and oily meat, too strong flavor, normally used as bait, but still, some local eat them as ceviche or meatballs

this is one Bonita that I prepared as poke (at least my version of poke)

that poke was made with Bonita and Scallops
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Gfish on January 04, 2022, 06:31:26 AM
Man that Bonita got some teeth. Can even see a baitfish hangin out it's mouth. How they fight? We got the Barrilete out here.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: conchydong on January 04, 2022, 01:34:22 PM
Quote from: steelfish on January 03, 2022, 07:04:39 PM
Here in Baja, white SkidJack is called it Bonita or Bonito and black skidjack is called it Barrilete.
Bonita has dark-pink meat but its good on ceviche, meatballs, poke and smoked.
Barrilete has pretty dark and oily meat, too strong flavor, normally used as bait, but still, some local eat them as ceviche or meatballs

this is one Bonita that I prepared as poke (at least my version of poke)

that poke was made with Bonita and Scallops

Alex, we also have a true  Bonito very similar to yours called the Atlantic Bonito. Like yours, pretty good eating but not as good a a true Skipjack IMO.
Here is a photo guide that pretty much sums up our "Bonitos" on the East coast.
Scott

Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: RowdyW on January 04, 2022, 03:04:23 PM
Scott, the photo of the dog really sums up a "Little Tunie" dinner any way you make it.  ;D ;D        Rudy
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Squidder Bidder on January 04, 2022, 03:31:39 PM
Quote from: Patudo on December 26, 2021, 03:04:40 AM
In my own experience (almost all offshore) any of the small tunas are pound for pound the hardest fighting (combination of speed and power). 

I'd go with blackfin tuna on light spinning tackle. I can't really rate the fight versus larger fish on much heavier tackle, but it's certainly a blast and a test of both angling skill (to effectively fight the fish moreso than getting it to bite) and stamina.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: steelfish on January 04, 2022, 05:32:34 PM
Quote from: Gfish on January 04, 2022, 06:31:26 AM
Man that Bonita got some teeth. Can even see a baitfish hangin out it's mouth. How they fight? We got the Barrilete out here.

on light or medium gear they fight like bulls, bonitos of 8#-10# fight as strong as YT, they are pretty fun to catch while casting 1oz -1.5oz jigs with a swimbait 8ft rod and the abu garcia toro beast or the calcutta 400TE or even using a 40# setup



Quote from: conchydong on January 04, 2022, 01:34:22 PM
Alex, we also have a true  Bonito very similar to yours called the Atlantic Bonito. Like yours, pretty good eating but not as good a a true Skipjack IMO.
Here is a photo guide that pretty much sums up our "Bonitos" on the East coast.
Scott
hmm the one on my picture is pretty similar to the atlantic Bonito on your guide, too bad we have more Barriletes than Bonitos, you will catch 3 barriletes per 1 Bonito, either one its not a targeted fish, you will catch them while trolling or jigging for YT
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Ron Jones on January 04, 2022, 10:24:39 PM
Every now and then at Cedros you will fill your sabiki with 6 2#+ bonito instead of half pound mackerel. Makes a mess out of everything, but what a ride!

The Man
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: wailua boy on January 04, 2022, 11:24:44 PM
I would have to vote for the ulua or giant trevally(Caranax ignobilis)
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: JasonGotaProblem on January 05, 2022, 03:53:57 PM
I have not fought the variety of fish many here have seen, but I vote for the young red grouper. An 8" puppy fights like a 20" snook IMO.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Gfish on January 05, 2022, 08:22:47 PM
Ha!🤣. Love that picture conchydong. I've eaten several pounds of those Little Tunny(Kava Kava or Barrilete)over several years, and haven't hurled-up any yet🤪! Perhaps the key is only consume small amounts at a time. Wonder what they's like smoked?
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: jurelometer on January 05, 2022, 08:26:32 PM
OK, this is driving me nuts.  Common names are not so useful for a worldwide forum.

For example, a kingfish can be  a croaker, a whiting, a trevally, a jack, and probably lots of other species depending on where you live.

Bonito is not as bad, but it still gets abused. I did some interwebbing on the possible species.

Where  Alex and I fish (Baja California peninsula), there are three species of "skipjack" and two species of "bonito".  Even in Baja, the local common names vary a bit.

Euthynnus lineatus  - Black skipjack - temperate waters of the Easten Pacific.  Horizontal stripes mostly on top half.  Black blotches behind the gills.  Called barrilete negro, or just Barrilete in Baja.   Maybe the worst eating, but still, I have had some local preparations that were palatable, but these are not regularly kept by sport fishermen.

Katsuwonus pelamis -  Skipjack, aku, striped tuna - worldwide.  Horizontal stripes  mostly on the bottom half.  Called barrilete blanco, barrilete  listado,  or bonito into baja.  Good table fare.

Euthynnus affinis - Kawakawa - Western/Indo Pacific with a rare stray in the Baja area.  Spots like a black skipjack, but wavy irregular diagonal bars on top.  Related to and similar in appearance to the Atlantic little tunny/false albacore (Euthynnus alletteratus).  Called bacoreta oriental in Baja. Opinions on table fare vary.

Sarda chiliensis - Pacifico Bonito - Easterrn pacific.  Thin diagonal stripes.  Called bonito in Baja. Not my first choice for eating.

Sarda orientalis - Striped  bonito - Indo Pacific.  Thin horizontal stripes.  Called bonito blanco,  bonita, bonito mono in Baja.  Tasty, but a bit  soft flesh.  Best eaten soon after capture. 

Hope this helps,

-J
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Gfish on January 05, 2022, 08:34:26 PM
Yup. Thanks. Forgot about the pronunciation, here like in the German language,  "w" can sound like an English "V". So we have the affinis species here.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: jurelometer on January 05, 2022, 09:01:13 PM
Quote from: Gfish on January 05, 2022, 08:34:26 PM
Yup. Thanks. Forgot about the pronunciation, here like in the German language,  "w" can sound like an English "V". So we have the affinis species here.


Piper methysticum  - Kava Kava   Medicinal plant in tropical western pacific. The root is ground  and  soaked in water. The strained (sort of)  liquid is  served at social events and religious ceremonies.  You can get hammered on the stuff.  Pretty common in rural Fiji.

Some medical concerns about liver damage, some studies on possible benefits for treating anxiety.   Or something like that.

Don't know how common it is in Hawaii, but I would venture to guess that if somebody invites  you over for some kava kava, it will not be a fish feed :)

Nice Kawakawa BTW.  I quit the whole punch list thing for catching fish species, but Kawakawa was on it back in the day.

-J
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: MarkT on January 05, 2022, 09:13:12 PM
Skipjack... good table fare.  Were you smiling and winking when you wrote that?  They always go over the side, kicked out a scupper or get used as bait on my 10 days!  I don't think I've ever seen one kept!

They fight pretty good but it's like hooking a Mackeral... you know what it is immediately!  Oh damn, another skippy!
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Ron Jones on January 05, 2022, 11:57:11 PM
Quote from: jurelometer on January 05, 2022, 08:26:32 PM
OK, this is driving me nuts.  Common names are not so useful for a worldwide forum.

For example, a kingfish can be  a croaker, a whiting, a trevally, a jack, and probably lots of other species depending on where you live.

Bonito is not as bad, but it still gets abused. I did some interwebbing on the possible species.

Where  Alex and I fish (Baja California peninsula), there are three species of "skipjack" and two species of "bonito".  Even in Baja, the local common names vary a bit.

Euthynnus lineatus  - Black skipjack - temperate waters of the Easten Pacific.  Horizontal stripes mostly on top half.  Black blotches behind the gills.  Called barrilete negro, or just Barrilete in Baja.   Maybe the worst eating, but still, I have had some local preparations that were palatable, but these are not regularly kept by sport fishermen.

Katsuwonus pelamis -  Skipjack, aku, striped tuna - worldwide.  Horizontal stripes  mostly on the bottom half.  Called barrilete blanco, barrilete  listado,  or bonito into baja.  Good table fare.

Euthynnus affinis - Kawakawa - Western/Indo Pacific with a rare stray in the Baja area.  Spots like a black skipjack, but wavy irregular diagonal bars on top.  Related to and similar in appearance to the Atlantic little tunny/false albacore (Euthynnus alletteratus).  Called bacoreta oriental in Baja. Opinions on table fare vary.

Sarda chiliensis - Pacifico Bonito - Easterrn pacific.  Thin diagonal stripes.  Called bonito in Baja. Not my first choice for eating.

Sarda orientalis - Striped  bonito - Indo Pacific.  Thin horizontal stripes.  Called bonito blanco,  bonita, bonito mono in Baja.  Tasty, but a bit  soft flesh.  Best eaten soon after capture. 

Hope this helps,

-J
Thanks J.
Growing up, I caught maybe 100 tons of bonita, took forever (and some 3/4 day trips) to figure out that there was a difference between bonita and bonito. I really enjoy bonita smoked and as ceviche. Did a couple Chinese style, prefer maceral or parrot fish (yum.)

The Man
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: oc1 on January 06, 2022, 03:27:26 AM
Quote from: Gfish on January 05, 2022, 08:22:47 PM
Ha!🤣. Love that picture conchydong. I've eaten several pounds of those Little Tunny(Kava Kava or Barrilete)over several years, and haven't hurled-up any yet🤪! Perhaps the key is only consume small amounts at a time. Wonder what they's like smoked?

I will never eat skipjack again unless it is smoked.  They have a strong taste raw or seared, but the smoke mellows that out.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: oc1 on January 06, 2022, 03:34:34 AM
Quote from: jurelometer on January 05, 2022, 08:26:32 PM
For example, a kingfish can be  a croaker, a whiting, a trevally, a jack, and probably lots of other species depending on where you live.
Excuse me, but a kingfish is what some call a king mackeral (Scomberomorus cavalla).
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: JasonGotaProblem on January 06, 2022, 05:10:58 PM
I've always said if a fish only tastes good smoked, that's basically saying it's a bad tasting fish. My tshirt probably tastes good smoked. I bet if you smoked my left sock it would improve the flavor.

But how would you keep it lit?
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Squidder Bidder on January 08, 2022, 04:44:03 PM
Quote from: JasonGotaPenn on January 06, 2022, 05:10:58 PM
I've always said if a fish only tastes good smoked, that's basically saying it's a bad tasting fish. My tshirt probably tastes good smoked. I bet if you smoked my left sock it would improve the flavor.

Usually it's fattier/oilier fish that take well to salting and smoking - mackerels, bluefish, salmon, (even a white marlin that won't revive boatside). More delicate tasting, leaner white-fleshed fish would get overwhelmed by smoke. But notice however that the more delicate fish usually gets a preparation with flavorful sauces, butter, or fried batter/breadcrumbs etc. So it's really more of a question of "how can I make this fish taste good/better?" That said, the best tasting fish flesh (to me) are from species that subsist on a lot of crustaceans.

De gustibus . . .
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Cor on January 08, 2022, 06:27:52 PM
Quote from: jurelometer on January 05, 2022, 08:26:32 PM
OK, this is driving me nuts.  Common names are not so useful for a worldwide forum..........

-J

This name confusion is not only a problem internationally, but even within South Africa domestically as well.

In Cape Town we have what is locally called a "Katonkel" which is actually an "Atlantic Bonita" and looks like the one with the same name in  conchydong's middle picture.   It is also known as Sarda Sarda in Natal, a province 810 miles North from Cape town.  We also have a very similar species, slightly bigger and the stripes very slightly different which carries the same name in Cape Town.   My scientist friend has a Latin Name for it but we all just call it a Katonkel because most can not see the difference.   These are indeed the most delicious when smoked.

Skipjack Tuna we never ate in days gone bye and they were actually quite scarce here.   Then one day another quasi marine scientist friend told me that he loved Skipjack and made Sashimi from them which I told my wife.   I was then promptly told to bring one home for her to try.   The test proved positive and I now have instructions to bring them home if I happen to catch one.    The soft flesh with a strong wild taste does not sit well with my taste buds and I leave them alone.


Most fish have two or three different names.
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Dominick on January 08, 2022, 07:10:59 PM
Quote from: Cor on January 08, 2022, 06:27:52 PM

Most fish have two or three different names.

I simplify the name thing by calling them all "fish."  You are welcome for this brilliant insight.  :D  Dominick
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Patudo on January 08, 2022, 08:58:37 PM
The true skipjack (Hawaiian = aku or otado), Latin name Katsuwonus pelamis) I strongly feel needs to be treated like a tuna to give its best - that means bleeding it upon capture, icing it and taking care not to let it beat its delicate flesh up against the fishbox.  Treated that way, and consumed within 24 hours, as they go off more quickly than the bigger tunas (that super-fast metabolism that gives them such speed and power for their size works against them once they are caught, as they break down more quickly), they are fine eating. 

I've found skipjack caught in the tropics can sometimes be feeding on anchovies or similar baitfish and taste a bit on the strong side - bleeding them out becomes especially important when they are like that.  Skipjack caught in more temperate climes often seem to feed on something else (krill or other small pelagic food items) and can taste very good indeed.  Also, big ones, 10 lbs and upwards, taste better - firmer meat and great flavour.  The sashimi I've had from 15+ pounders has easily been the equal of yellowfin. 

The "little tunny" types (I haven't caught an Atlantic little tunny yet but have caught black skipjack and many kawakawa) are somewhat behind the true skipjack when it comes to edibility, but if bled and treated with care, are pretty decent sashimi fish and I find them perfectly acceptable on the grill.  If you find the taste too strong even when bled, I've seen crews wash the steaks in saltwater to wash more of the blood away.  I've eaten them many a time and always enjoyed them, but I agree that if you can expect to catch dorado, wahoo, yellowfin etc. any of those are better. 

It's a shame these little powerhouses are so seldom caught with gear that lets them show their paces - I think a lot of the time because when we encounter them we are focused on bigger fish and time spent targeting skipjacks is time lost in your hunt for blue marlin or what have you.  But if you've not caught one before a 10 lb skipjack on something like a baitcasting rod and an Abu 6500 size reel is a revelation.  Ridiculous fun.  From the point of view of pure enjoyment and fun, they're really hard to beat. 
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: philaroman on January 08, 2022, 10:30:35 PM
Quote from: Dominick on January 08, 2022, 07:10:59 PM
Quote from: Cor on January 08, 2022, 06:27:52 PM

Most fish have two or three different names.

I simplify the name thing by calling them all "fish."  You are welcome for this brilliant insight.  :D  Dominick

I call 'em all sorts of things...  they still don't listen  ::)
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Cor on January 09, 2022, 05:14:40 AM
Quote from: philaroman on January 08, 2022, 10:30:35 PM
Quote from: Dominick on January 08, 2022, 07:10:59 PM
Quote from: Cor on January 08, 2022, 06:27:52 PM

Most fish have two or three different names.

I simplify the name thing by calling them all "fish."  You are welcome for this brilliant insight.  :D  Dominick

I call 'em all sorts of things...  they still don't listen  ::)
Understandably, try calling them what your wife does! ;D ;D
Title: Re: Pound for pound, what is the hardest fighting fish in the world?
Post by: Benni3 on January 09, 2022, 08:04:12 AM
In freshwater it's hybrids then brooks,,,,smallmouth,,,, ;) but in saltwater maybe not for pound but gothic grouper oh my they will kill you,,,,,,,, :o