66kg Kob caught on light tackle (RELEASED)
I went to Haga Haga this past weekend with a few mates. The sea was quite cold and the swell was quite big. No luck in the morning, but at about 12:30pm we were scratching for blue fish and I managed to hook this beauty on light tackle.
I really didn’t think it was an edible. I thought I had fowl hooked a Raggy or something. At one stage the fish was swimming to the right, down the coast towards a huge outcrop of rocks, BUT to my delight it changed direction and swam in the direction of “scattered brick” to the left of where we were fishing. Luckily this beast stayed beyond the rocks/backline in the deeper water for the majority of the fight. This powerful fish peeled at least 250 meters of line on its numerous runs.
The only way I could gain any line on the fish was to use the beach and walk back up towards the bush line. After 40 minutes or so, I managed to get the fish into the shallows. Seeing the large white underbelly from where I was fighting the fish from, I thought it was a huge Raggy swimming belly up. My mate shouted “KOB, KOB, BIG KOB!…” I couldn’t believe my eyes!!!!! I was flabbergasted…
I ran to my bag to get the camera. We took a couple of photos and took its measurement. I had my tagging kit, but in all the confusion and me wanting to release it quickly, I didn’t even think about tagging it… After 45 minutes of reviving the fish in chest deep water, the fish had gained enough strength to swim off.
What an awesome sight, seeing such an awesome specimen swim away.
Tackle used:
Rod: Errol Homes custom made high modulus stroke 4
Line: 0.40mm / 11.5 Kingfisher Giant Abrasion
Leader: 0.60mm
Hook: 2/o Daiich
FISH: Kob
WEIGHT/LENGTH: 1.83m / ORI calculations: 66kg
CAUGHT BY: jono
CAUGHT AT: Haga Haga 27 February 2010
BAIT/LURE: Pink prawn
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Hi Theuns
No, it wasnt a easy job, I could hardly lift the fish (its tail was still on the ground). As you can see by the photo, I am supporting the fish with my right leg. I was holding the fish at the bottom of the gill plate with both hands. Hope that answers your questions.
Jono
Well done that is a big one no dispute
But tell me how dit you take the picture 66kg of lifting is not an easy job and looking at your hand possision well maybe you can tell us ?
@ Muzza, forgot to answer your question – yes Rooiwaal side.
Sjoe. Thats a cracker of a fish. Well done there boet
Thanks for the positive comments guys
Was a dream fish. Awesome feeling catching such a spectacular fish
Well done Jono!!!!! forget the 2/0 hook but 0.40mm is thin line when there are rocks and a fish weighing six times the breaking strain on the other end.
WOW! A 66kg cob on a 2o hook, fishing for blues. Just plain luck. But obviously skilled to land it. So very well done.
I’ve been fishing the past year with big baits looking for the opportunity you’ve just got. But with no success of catching that big one. I am jealous!
By the way, good on you for releasing this magnificent fish! Keep it up.
That is why we keep on going fishing.
Well done,that is a great catch.
Wow, what a monster. Well done Jono!