MD State Record Hammerhead and 1st place Shark WMO

[Hookin-Up]

Its official the scales just closed and I won 1st place for the shark division of the WMO.

I also found out today that my shark was a scalloped Hammerhead and my 254lb shark beat the state record by 60 lbs!

Here is our story...

We went into this tournament just happy that Capt Stu of the Lisa was available for the tournament and we decided just to go after Tuna and Meat fish for our first WMO.

Stu knew the big Bluefin had gone north and left the Hambone and other shoals where they had been just 2 weeks prior so we ran north to the 90 fathom lump on Monday. We were chunking and had a chum bag out also to attract fish including shark and we had one shark rig out with a piece of Skipjack. We started the day with a little gaffer Mahi, then a 70 lb mako. Around 1:30 a TLD25 went off and knew it was a tuna. It was light tackle for a tuna and we though it was a nice one as it took some intense runs and would not get close to the boat. After 1:50mins we finally got the 53lb yellowfin to the boat and we were all surprised #1 it took so long and #2 that it was a yellowfin and not a bluefin! By that time it was 3:40 so we headed in.

Tuesday we headed out to the same area maybe inshore a little to the Tea Cup. The morning was slow but around 11am we had a nice school of Mahi around and managed the Bull and Cow and 2 smalls. Then about 3:00 the shark rod began screaming and I grabbed it. The shark was taking alot of line off the Penn50W and the Capt said it was deff over the 100lb tournament min. It stayed very high in the water which he said meant it was a mako but it didnt jump. after 15 mins I was finally making progress when the 2 hooks somehow pulled out of its mouth. We were all bummed and headed in for the day.

Wednesday we headed to the Massey's Canyon area. We again set up the chunk but knowing all the Bigeye tuna coming in we knew our only chance to win any $$$ was to get into a shark. we set up the chum at 8:15 waiting for 8:30 when we could drop lines. about 8:25 we noticed the chum bag was missing and someone spotted a big grey shark under the boat and we determined it was the shark that stole the chum! We set over another and kept and eye on it and at 8:30 we went out the rods. about 8:40 one of the Tuna chunk rods went off that was suspended with a balloon and one of the Anglers we were keeping fresh for a big shark so I took the rod thinking it was a tuna or a mahi. Boy were we wrong. After about 10 mins we got a glimpse of the brown beast under the boat and knew I was in for a long battle. The shark did not make may runs but sinc ehe was on the Penn50w with 80lb test and no steel leader we did not want to force him up. Well the drag was just loose enough that I could get him to the boat and he would circle away and I could not stop him. Lisa has no fighting chair so after 30 mins I could already feel my lower back tightening. They pulled the cooler near the back gunnel and I took a seat. I would have to get up every 5 mins as he would circle under the boat, and after 90 mins I had to prop the rod or my arm on my knee to reel the rod. After 2 hours my forearm on my cranking arm began to cramp and I had to chug some Gatorade. The shark was able to turn his head into the current and not even put much effort into swimming but his shape in the current would be enough to pull drag off the reel. Finally after exactly 3 hours of battle he came just close enough for the Capt to get the long gaf into him. When he did the line snapped and the Capt was yelling for the mate and other guy to throw gafs into him. Capt Stu was being beat by the 9ft beasts tail and the flying gaf broke in the melee. It was a cluster F for a minute until the rope was finally around his tail and tied to the boat. I just wanted to lay down as my back was so sore and arms numb. We were nervous te whole time as we knew he hit a tuna rig with no steel leader on a circle hook and was worried about the line snapping. When we got him to the boat we found that somehow he had hit the butterfish and the hook lodged near his eye on the tip of his head. That was a blessing and kudo's to eagle claw as the circle hook did not straighten out with all the pressure of pulling the beast to the surface!

I was so relieved when he was secure But then the mate started talking about the mahi in the chum slick so in my pain I grabbed a spinner and chunk of butter fish and fed it out 3 times before I finally got the small dolphin to the boat.

It was a day to remember and it was nice to be recognized at the weigh in and all the kids looking in awe at the cool shark. I knew it was going to be first in the tournament so far but had no idea it was a state record. Luckily the White Marlin Club is a certified weigh station and the gentleman at the DNR said there would be no issues certifying the state record.

Here are some pics...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d626b3127ccec79aa2e4033e00000030O00AauW7lo1atW IPbz4a/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d626b3127ccec79bff43e25300000030O00AauW7lo1atW IPbz4a/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d626b3127ccec79a36f4036400000030O00AauW7lo1atW IPbz4a/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d626b3127ccec79b060023c400000030O00AauW7lo1atW IPbz4a/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I always wanted to hold a fishing record but never would have guessed it would be for a hammerhead shark!:clap:

[Krabaholic]

Congrats.... Great story

[CaptNemo]

Sweet!

[whitebite]

Its official the scales just closed and I won 1st place for the shark division of the WMO.

I also found out today that my shark was a scalloped Hammerhead and my 254lb shark beat the state record by 60 lbs!

Here is our story...

We went into this tournament just happy that Capt Stu of the Lisa was available for the tournament and we decided just to go after Tuna and Meat fish for our first WMO.

Stu knew the big Bluefin had gone north and left the Hambone and other shoals where they had been just 2 weeks prior so we ran north to the 90 fathom lump on Monday. We were chunking and had a chum bag out also to attract fish including shark and we had one shark rig out with a piece of Skipjack. We started the day with a little gaffer Mahi, then a 70 lb mako. Around 1:30 a TLD25 went off and knew it was a tuna. It was light tackle for a tuna and we though it was a nice one as it took some intense runs and would not get close to the boat. After 1:50mins we finally got the 53lb yellowfin to the boat and we were all surprised #1 it took so long and #2 that it was a yellowfin and not a bluefin! By that time it was 3:40 so we headed in.

Tuesday we headed out to the same area maybe inshore a little to the Tea Cup. The morning was slow but around 11am we had a nice school of Mahi around and managed the Bull and Cow and 2 smalls. Then about 3:00 the shark rod began screaming and I grabbed it. The shark was taking alot of line off the Penn50W and the Capt said it was deff over the 100lb tournament min. It stayed very high in the water which he said meant it was a mako but it didnt jump. after 15 mins I was finally making progress when the 2 hooks somehow pulled out of its mouth. We were all bummed and headed in for the day.

Wednesday we headed to the Massey's Canyon area. We again set up the chunk but knowing all the Bigeye tuna coming in we knew our only chance to win any $$$ was to get into a shark. we set up the chum at 8:15 waiting for 8:30 when we could drop lines. about 8:25 we noticed the chum bag was missing and someone spotted a big grey shark under the boat and we determined it was the shark that stole the chum! We set over another and kept and eye on it and at 8:30 we went out the rods. about 8:40 one of the Tuna chunk rods went off that was suspended with a balloon and one of the Anglers we were keeping fresh for a big shark so I took the rod thinking it was a tuna or a mahi. Boy were we wrong. After about 10 mins we got a glimpse of the brown beast under the boat and knew I was in for a long battle. The shark did not make may runs but sinc ehe was on the Penn50w with 80lb test and no steel leader we did not want to force him up. Well the drag was just loose enough that I could get him to the boat and he would circle away and I could not stop him. Lisa has no fighting chair so after 30 mins I could already feel my lower back tightening. They pulled the cooler near the back gunnel and I took a seat. I would have to get up every 5 mins as he would circle under the boat, and after 90 mins I had to prop the rod or my arm on my knee to reel the rod. After 2 hours my forearm on my cranking arm began to cramp and I had to chug some Gatorade. The shark was able to turn his head into the current and not even put much effort into swimming but his shape in the current would be enough to pull drag off the reel. Finally after exactly 3 hours of battle he came just close enough for the Capt to get the long gaf into him. When he did the line snapped and the Capt was yelling for the mate and other guy to throw gafs into him. Capt Stu was being beat by the 9ft beasts tail and the flying gaf broke in the melee. It was a cluster F for a minute until the rope was finally around his tail and tied to the boat. I just wanted to lay down as my back was so sore and arms numb. We were nervous te whole time as we knew he hit a tuna rig with no steel leader on a circle hook and was worried about the line snapping. When we got him to the boat we found that somehow he had hit the butterfish and the hook lodged near his eye on the tip of his head. That was a blessing and kudo's to eagle claw as the circle hook did not straighten out with all the pressure of pulling the beast to the surface!

I was so relieved when he was secure But then the mate started talking about the mahi in the chum slick so in my pain I grabbed a spinner and chunk of butter fish and fed it out 3 times before I finally got the small dolphin to the boat.

It was a day to remember and it was nice to be recognized at the weigh in and all the kids looking in awe at the cool shark. I knew it was going to be first in the tournament so far but had no idea it was a state record. Luckily the White Marlin Club is a certified weigh station and the gentleman at the DNR said there would be no issues certifying the state record.

Here are some pics...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d626b3127ccec79aa2e4033e00000030O00AauW7lo1atW IPbz4a/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d626b3127ccec79bff43e25300000030O00AauW7lo1atW IPbz4a/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d626b3127ccec79a36f4036400000030O00AauW7lo1atW IPbz4a/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d626b3127ccec79b060023c400000030O00AauW7lo1atW IPbz4a/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

I always wanted to hold a fishing record but never would have guessed it would be for a hammerhead shark!:clap:

nice catch- congrats

[FLATLINER]

Nice catch. Congratulations. Instead of sitting on a cooler next time, try that thing in the middle of the back of the boat that has Lisa written on it, or even one of the other two on each side. It would make a great place to park your butt!:yes::yes:

Seriously tho, great catch and we all hope that the record holds for a long long time!!!:clap::clap::clapping2:

Kevin

[kwalk59]

WTG - Great job!!!

[Hookin-Up]

Kevin - His seat is to far away from the transom and the fish was under the boat for almost 2 hours. Trust me if the tip of the rod would be over the transom I would have been there!

[whitebite]

Like I said before that is a nice catch and congrats on your record. But you should do the right thing and notify tournament officials and disqualify your fish and allow the 2nd place shark to take the first place purse. Here is my reason why I say this.

Wednesday we headed to the Massey's Canyon area. We again set up the chunk but knowing all the Bigeye tuna coming in we knew our only chance to win any $$$ was to get into a shark. we set up the chum at 8:15 waiting for 8:30 when we could drop lines. about 8:25 we noticed the chum bag was missing and someone spotted a big grey shark under the boat and we determined it was the shark that stole the chum!

According to the official rules of the WMO as found on there website -

Fishing hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. No boat may place lines or teasers in the water prior to 8:30 a.m. All lines and teasers must be removed from the water by 3:30 p.m.

You clearly violated that rule. Chum is considered an attractant and a teaser. You were fishing before lines in at 8:30am. The rules also state that no protest will be considered unless logged prior to 3:15am on sat aug 8th. So unless the tournament itself decides that you violated a rule then no-one can protest your error. I am sure you had no idea you were breaking a rule although I would think your seasoned captain would be aware. But I would urge you to do the right thing!

[Hakuna Matata]

Like I said before that is a nice catch and congrats on your record. But you should do the right thing and notify tournament officials and disqualify your fish and allow the 2nd place shark to take the first place purse. Here is my reason why I say this.

Wednesday we headed to the Massey's Canyon area. We again set up the chunk but knowing all the Bigeye tuna coming in we knew our only chance to win any $$$ was to get into a shark. we set up the chum at 8:15 waiting for 8:30 when we could drop lines. about 8:25 we noticed the chum bag was missing and someone spotted a big grey shark under the boat and we determined it was the shark that stole the chum!

According to the official rules of the WMO as found on there website -

Fishing hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. No boat may place lines or teasers in the water prior to 8:30 a.m. All lines and teasers must be removed from the water by 3:30 p.m.

You clearly violated that rule. Chum is considered an attractant and a teaser. You were fishing before lines in at 8:30am. The rules also state that no protest will be considered unless logged prior to 3:15am on sat aug 8th. So unless the tournament itself decides that you violated a rule then no-one can protest your error. I am sure you had no idea you were breaking a rule although I would think your seasoned captain would be aware. But I would urge you to do the right thing!

Where does it state that chum is considered a teaser?

-JB

[whitebite]

this question has been asked before in captains meetings. and the clairification at meetings has always been nothing is allowed in the water prior to 8:30am that would attract a fish to the boat. This is not only common sense but also one of the easiest rules to clairify. That is why you see guys standing at the back of the boat with baits and teasers in hand waiting for lines in to be called or for the GPS clock to hit the appropiate time.

Like I said no protest can really be logged since it is after 3:15am aug 8th but last I check this was a gentleman's sport and most would do the right thing. reminds me of the time the Run-Off was fishing the first Barta Tournament in MHC. The team had a triple header sailfish on and one was hooked on the bridge. The rod was passed down but somehow in the confusion the rod was passed twice which is against the rules. No one realized it, not even the crew. Later that night the crew was celebrating at the house and watching the video of their day. All of sudden the crew said stop the tape. They all saw the infraction. The next morning on the way to the fishing grounds for the last day of fishing the captain got on the radio and disqualified the fish from yesterday. They did the right thing and it was a true sign of sportsmanship and what our sport is all about. Karma paid them back and they ended up winning the tournament.

If chum is not considered a teaser and deploying it prior to 8:30am is not an infraction then I would be the first to apologize to the crew for even bringing it up. But I am confident with the utmost certainty that this is a rules infraction that would disqualify that team.

[FLATLINER]

Kevin - His seat is to far away from the transom and the fish was under the boat for almost 2 hours. Trust me if the tip of the rod would be over the transom I would have been there!

I knew that, thats why I put the smily face after that. I wanted the emoticon that had a snickering smiley with horns, but couldn't find it. Im excited for him and the record. I couldn't even imagine the accomplishment that he has achieved. It was just a friendly razzing. I couldn't even imagine fighting a record hammerhead and also trying to shuffle around the deck to stay with the fish.

Sorry if it was taken the wrong way, it certainly wasnt intended.

Kevin

[FrankyPettolina]

Congrats on the catch- although Whitebite has a point.

My question is about the double hook rig you lost the fish on- Circle hooks? I would be curious to know a double circle rig for sharks. I know Mark Sampson uses single circles with great success.

[Russ D]

Circles for sharks simply WORK. I'll never fish another J-hook while sharking again. I agree with Whitebite on the rule violation. Winning by cheating is only cheating yourself.

[Hookin-Up]

Whitebite dont call someone out on a public forum with an assumption.

That being said we didnt go to the captains meeting but if you read the rules and they says lines and teasers any normal person will assume teasers are spreader bars and other chains with no hooks used while trolling. If its such a common questions in the meetings maybe they should spell it out in the rules?!?

Frank... we took the J's off the rig and put circles on for the tournament.

This is why I dont like posting detailed reports... never will again on this board.

[FrankyPettolina]

Thanks for the info- I will get up with Josh and check out the double circle rig- might be good for filet baits i think.

Again, congrats on the record fish- My old mate talked to Josh and relayed to me that the circle was stuck in the fish's eye, and that it really went nuts on the gaff!!! Amazing fish to fight that long and still have some whoop ass left in it!!

[Here We Go]

Maybe the rule book should say "teasers or attractants" that would clarify that issue.

I would agree a teaser is not a chum bag!

[whitebite]

Whitebite you are an A-hole to calling us out when you dont know for sure the rules! You dont call someone out on a public forum with an assumption.

That being said we didnt go to the captains meeting but if you read the rules and they says lines and teasers any normal person will assume teasers are spreader bars and other chains with no hooks used while trolling. If its such a common questions in the meetings maybe they should spell it out in the rules?!?

Frank... we took the J's off the rig and put circles on for the tournament.

This is why I dont like posting detailed reports... never will again on this board.

First of all my name is bill pino just in case you may think I am hiding behind a screen name. And although I may be an a-hole I am not a cheater. I do know for sure the rules and if you don't maybe you should call Motsko and ask him if he feels you broke the rules. And when he says yes you should forfeit your winnings and your trophy.

BTW - If you don't want people to comment good or bad on your public post then I wouldn't post it. Again - Obviously you were not aware of the infraction or else you would not have posted it. I never said a krass word about you or your team.

[Hill Billy]

Well said Bill Pino.

[joemonticolo]

Got to agree with you Bill!!

[hd232]

Hookin up great fish and congrats. However I feel Bill was just stating information that was covered in the captains meetings and was not rude to you or your crew.

[BIEBS]

gotta agree with you bill, pretty common sense here. Money should go to the 2nd place fish. Hopefully they will just turn the money back in and it will be quick and simple.

[Mike Avery]

Congrats on the new state record. As for the WMO all I'll say is I hate unwritten rules.

[tubby]

Congrats on a great fish...As for the WMO it pays to know the rules inside or out or someone will call you out. To many readers not to comment. Hey, it is a great fish don't let it steal your thunder.

[Hookin-Up]

I knew the written rules inside and out. we had a copy on the boat we were reading when bored. As most agree should be spelled out that chum is considered a teaser. Its not worth arguing over... whats done is done...

[tunafisher21]

My guess is its a Marlin Tournament so they don't plan on anyone chumming. You spend roughly $20K then target a $4,500 fish. Just not something they have planned on someone doing. A suggestion for next year, but if it doesn't say chum in the rules I would let it go.

I know in the Mako Mania your not allowed to put anything in the water until Lines in.

Congrats on a nice fish and the State Record.

Tuna

[jengel]

Congrats on the State Record and your fish! I would think it more prudent that a private b-mail been sent vs. calling out the angler publicly. Right or wrong, you make a very valid point about the chum being a 'teaser', and did so without malice or insult, BUT, it should have been delivered privately. My .02...

[jack hammer]

Yes once again a gray area. Yes is doesn't say anything about chum, I think we all know it is 8:30 am to start fishing. Do the right thing.

[Hroonk]

Congrats on a great fish. I agree with the unwritten rule part, but since this is a public forum, I'll throw this out.

We've tuna fished the WMO the last two years (07 and 08). At each capt's meeting I asked

1. was chunking allowed and
2. no chunks in the water before 0830

The answers to both questions were yes.

Although not chum, I assume the same would apply to chum.

Again, nice fish.

[Hammer Time]

[QUOTE=Hroonk;1427192]Congrats on a great fish. I agree with the unwritten rule part, but since this is a public forum, I'll throw this out.

We've tuna fished the WMO the last two years (07 and 08). At each capt's meeting I asked

1. was chunking allowed and
2. no chunks in the water before 0830

The answers to both questions were yes

THE RULES NEED TO CLEARLY STATE NOTHING IN THE WATER TILL 830......since the rules are unclear he should not give back the money......plain and simple

[FrankyPettolina]

Actually- the rules are pretty clear that a rep must be at the captains meeting, and it is pretty clear that you start fishing at the designated time. So either the rep at the meeting misinterpretted the rules, or there was no rep at the meeting. beyond that, Stu and josh should have known better. i don't have a dog in this race, but if i did i would be pretty upset.

As president of the OC Marlin club I spend a lot of time working on tournaments, and it bothers me when people don't go to captain's meetings, or don't speak up at them. i recently had a complaint on one of the other forums about the wahoo division in the canyon kickoff not having any guaranteed money (yet there was no question about it at the captains meeting). The internet may not be the best forum for this, but it is the forum that the discussion started on.

Again- to the angler in question- I am not questioning your integrity about the tourney- you did not knowingly cheat- if you had you would not have openly posted it online- that is obvious. The question has been raised now, however, even though it was not done intentionally, is it any less a rule infraction? i have DQ'd my own fish before when someone thought it was ok to help guide the line, or other similar type events occurred. i know of several captains who DQ'd their own fish last week. At least one was potentially worth money. In the 90's i hooked a dolphin after lines out was called, it would have won that category- i probably could have got away with weighing it, but the question i asked myself- is any amount of money worth my integrity and rep?

Please don't take this the wrong way- I still congratulate you on an incredible catch. But think of how you would feel if the shoe was on the other foot.

BTW i am pretty good friends with your cousin kathy and her husband luke.

[DoveHunt]

I am curious....so if this "not" considered a violation as a few believe, are those in the WMO that target the tuna Calcutta leaving the inlet at 4am and starting your chunk at 5:30am or 6am when you arrive on the tuna grounds??? If you seriously beleive that it is ok to chunk/chum before 8:30am and you are not chumming by 6am you would be foolish.

[crab ballzz]

If no one has filed an official protest about the shark in doubt and the chumming issue, with the WMO officials, then its as good as done

personally I think its wrong, and the money needs to go to the second place fish, and egnorance is no excuse, you should have went to the capt. meeting, and nothing should have went into the water until the 8:30 lines in time.

now the capt. the boat and crew now have a bad rep. as cheaters.

You need to call and ask the WMO officials and if the chumming before 8:30am. is an issue, If nothing else, have the respect do the capt. turn the money in and clear the capt. and the boat.

[StepChild]

Congrats on the record and 1st place!!!! :thumbup::clapping2:

[Hookin-Up]

So Capt Stu called me last night after he got wind of this and told me I was completely wrong and it was 8:30 when we dropped the chum bag in. My phone was off and stowed and I had layed down in the v berth so I had no idea of the time and was guessing on the report I first posted.

I should not posted exact times on the report if I was not sure what time it really was. Sorry for the confusion and the drama!

[Hroonk]

Congrats again and nice pics!

[Lance325is]

riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiighhhhhhhhhhtt ttttttttt 8:30.... Riggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhttttttttttttttttt

[jack hammer]

Imagine that now your back peddling now that the sh*t hit the fan.

[whitebite]

Well I guess that makes more sense. and who am i to question an error in time accounts on your story but it actually makes the story a bit more improbable. so the chum bag went in at 8:30 and when you noticed the shark under the boat you decided to wait a few more minutes before actually putting a line in the water. :nono:

[chocomilo]

Congrats on record and getting into the money..Mental Note; Keep mouth shut and cut all lures and leaders off before going to scale:yes:

[ismokerocks]

it took you to post #34 to say that you might have been wrong about the time? and details about where your phone and you were?

LMAO!

Nice fish, but..... well you know the rest.

and yes... we know the 2nd chum bag went into the water at 830.... or 8:25 as you said before... still to early.

If you changed all the times in you orginal post, it would STILL not add up, and in fact I agree with whitebite it makes the story waaaaay more improbable.

How much cash did you "win"??

[CJacobs2]

Keep digging the hole is just getting bigger...

Nice fish though!

[BEERACUDA]

Congrats on record and getting into the money..Mental Note; Keep mouth shut and cut all lures and leaders off before going to scale:yes:

Wrong answer Chocomilo... Just play by the rules and you don't have to worry about anything... In this case, I believe that the crew didn't intentionally break the rules, but it certainly appears they were broken none the less...

[27 sailfish]

WMO has the meat fish divisions because when trolling for marlin - they are caught by accident - almost a bycatch of the real target.

Now some guys go out chunking for Tuna or chumming for sharks - trying for those fish on purpose. WMO might need to add 2-3 rules about it.

Some tournaments are trolling only - rules are easy to understand.
When other methods are allowed - it gets tougher.


Reguardless of how this plays out - it really shows why going to a captains meeting is so important.

No where near the money of the WMO - we fished a Rockfish tournament a few years ago. In that one - we clarified a rule about putting our planer boards over early ( 10 minutes ) to be ready to fish at 6:00. They did tell us that was OK. Next year - it was written in the booklet.

Better to ask then to assume.

Other tip: Be sure the crew can see the GPS clock. We had a strike at 3:38 when cut off was 3:30. The fish was small BUT if it had been a winner - three people clearly saw 3:28 :thumbup:. Same with start time. Trust me - at 6:00.01 - lines were out there.