It is advised that you first read the full story: Link Karen's Big Fish Part ONE
The Battle of the The Beast was most defiantly a team effort, and it seems Johnno’s part was grossly understated in Part One of this blog. Without his participation in this mammoth tug-of-war, it would not have been such a victorious result, with such splendid, vivid photos.
Johnno was drawn out of his sleepy afternoon daze early in the unfolding of events. On the first run of line I had called back to the tent to let him know I was onto a Big Fish. He came running with camera in hand, as is expected when a Big Fish is being played. Getting photos of me straight away, rod bent, The Beast hooked, the battle begins.
His roll was not only of photographer, but also moral and technical support. “It can’t be a stingray, they wouldn’t swim back and forth like that”, “How’s your arms? You are doing a great job”, and of course “Look out for that rock, don’t let your line go around it”, where all helpful comments that helped me to continue the long haul.
But it was on the beach where Johnno’s help was of the essence, and without him I would never have got the all important ’photo’. Johnno was ready and willing to run into the water with The Beast from below, in an instant. His first chest deep walk was to guide my line from around a large rock sticking out of the surf. Second time was to try and grab my leader to help pull The Beast to shore. When this was unsuccessful the tail grabbing technique was employed.
We have named this beautiful creature ‘The Beast’ because of it’s amazing POWER, which Johnno experienced first hand as soon as he lay hands on The Beast. She instantly thrashed her powerful tail, knocking Johnno backwards. Leaving not only his pride but also his leg scared.
Photo of johnno leg here.
He (John) was determined not to give up. It took 3 attempts of ‘Tail Grabbing’ before Johnno admitted that The Beast might simply be too powerful for this plan of attack.
Thankfully I was wearing my GoPro and was able to record Johnno’s display of man-hood in his attempt to slay The Beast. Be sure to watch the You Clip: Link here.
Here are some ‘snap shot’ moments from the clip, so we can all marvel in Marven’s magnificence.
In case you missed it on the YouTube clip, because everything happened so FAST, here are photo’s of Puppy’s part in this action packed moment in time.
He was continually barking at The Beast, having his back turned to the ocean, and distracted by all the excitement. When Johnno pulled The Beast from the ocean, Pup didn’t notice the next crashing wave. When it broke directly behind him, he is seen jumping from shear fright. In an attempt to get away from the wave, Pup almost runs straight into Johnno holding The Beast. A very sharp turn averted a head on pile up involving all three of them.
Photos here.
Johnno was able to get The Beast high enough onto the beach for quick photos between waves. Then again it was Johnno’s turn to play the manly role of wrestling The Beast, when I requested hook removal from it’s mouth, for safe and healthy release. Luckily Johnno is well practiced at hook retraction as The Beast was not at all happy about being turned over for the job.
Photo here.
Johnno also handled the final part of The Battle in a very caring and safe release. Making sure she was in the water swimming safely and unharmed, while I stood on the beach shouting encouragement hardly able to hold my rod any longer.
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