$100,000 GIANT BLUEFIN TUNA!? (One Day Early)

In this episode we head offshore aboard the "Broad Minded" in Islamorada, Florida. We stop at the hump on the way out and jig up and couple blackfin tuna and a skipjack tuna before heading further offshore to deep drop for swordfish. On the 3rd drift we hook a giant fish in 1800' of water! At first we thought it was a big swordfish, but after 3.5 hours of battling it an estimated 500 lb giant bluefin tuna comes up boatside. Unfortunately the fish died during the battle and it was one day before the commercial season opened! We weren't able to bring it back to the dock because of the closed season which was heartbreaking know that some of these giant tuna can sell for $100,000 or more!
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[@JustinEdwards316]

Said a prayer for you Nick. You took my dad brother and me fishing more than a decade ago and it's a memory I'll never forget. The world needs more genuine kind examples of hard work and perseverance such as yourself.

[@StanzFam]

Thank you. Appreciate it. Awesome to hear we fished together in the past 👊🏻

[@julienduytsche901]

I would’ve sat on that boat with the fish in the water until midnight…

[@86rshingles]

Was thinking the exact same thing myself mate

[@JosephSaucier-vz7oz]

Stan I am very disappointed in you and the way you done that there's tuna that tuna was still good there was nothing wrong with it that you're supposed to be able to catch a tuna for personal use maybe you need to read app on that a little bit more that was wasted 500 pounds of fish totally wastedd it could assert a lot of people and give me a lot of good food to eat I'm really disappointed in you Stan You know I used to have a lot of respect for you Jude you've called me to lose some with that error too I'm sorry to say

[@jlcsr9163]

Me too

[@MtnMichael88]

@@JosephSaucier-vz7oz you’re entitled to your opinion but he made the call and has safety and family concerns so it’s HIS call. Nick is a total boss and a stand up guy.

[@djwilliams4714]

True, but that Tuna was likely wrecked and in rigor after that long of a battle, and depths… Still an amazing fish!

[@mikerileyfop]

Finally a video back on the big boat off shore!!!

[@StanzFam]

A couple more coming up that we shot in late May and early June

[@TheAuthenticJourney]

Fishing was on fire

[@willscottrell6919]

You are so kind to take time to talk to the fans at the dock especially after a long day on the water when you have to be tired, says a lot about your character.

[@StanzFam]

Always appreciate the support. Thanks

[@jeffpierce3436]

Well Nick, you’ve got a LOT of us faithful followers pullin’ for you!! I know I will remain OPENMINDED that you will get well 🤞🤜🤛❤️👍

[@StanzFam]

Thanks Jeff!

[@JackDrenalin]

Great show as usual. It takes a lot of courage to open up about yourself. Much respect too you. Keep on fishing and prayers for you and the family as you make the journey to recovery.

[@StanzFam]

Thanks for watching. Appreciate it. Part of me didn’t want to but KZbin has been a big part of my life and brought so much enjoyment the past 5 years so figured I should keep everyone in the loop who supports us.

[@GingerNinja68]

Get well soon. Health is wealth. Tight lines Nick

[@StanzFam]

Thank you!

[@serenastanley9830]

Oh, my dear Nick! I had no idea that you were experiencing health concerns. My prayers and those of my husband are encircling you and your dear family as of right now. You are such a fine man, husband, and father. We are always in awe of your adventures, both on the ocean and in the kitchen. Please take it slow, follow your physicians’ orders (my husband and I are both trauma surgeons) and know that you are loved by so many. (Just please watch out for those bull sharks, my nerves can’t take any more close calls.) With many prayers, Serena Stanley

[@StanzFam]

Thank you Serena. Appreciate it. Hope to get back to myself soon 🙏🏻

[@patrickmclaughlin6235]

My family and I stopped by Bud N Mary's on a recent trip down to Marathon. Great place and amazing staff. The ladies in the office/store that helped us were extremely kind and helpful. Skipped the madness of other (fish feeding) places and bought my daughter a bucket of shrimp and fed some tarpon right there at the dock. Thanks for a great place and for all of the work that you and everyone there puts in.

[@StanzFam]

Thanks for sharing

[@fredbrents8758]

Can't wait to come back nick

[@StanzFam]

👊🏻

[@dougkelly5459]

The fish of a lifetime, super good job guys

[@StanzFam]

It was exciting. Thanks

[@djwilliams4714]

Nice action with a small tuna on that mini rod!

[@StanzFam]

It’s a fun rod for sure!

[@keithcampbell4098]

Wishing you all the best and a full recovery. Love your channel. My family have a trip booked with Mike this month.

[@StanzFam]

Thank you. Awesome, good luck with Mike!

[@pammager7135]

Wish you the best of everything Nick!

[@StanzFam]

Thanks Pam : )

[@miketorre16]

hope all is well with your health issues nick!! love the channel as i always say!! be good, be safe, god bless!!!

[@StanzFam]

Thanks Mike

[@CaptColladoOutdoors]

Super dope! Congratulations to the boys. And hope your health is good most importantly 🎉❤

[@StanzFam]

Thanks! Appreciate it

[@timothyengland3]

Keep on the mend Nick, best wishes

[@StanzFam]

Thank you

[@allankoch4863]

Hey Nick great video as usual our family loves to watch you and your family fishing, crabbIng and I was shocked to hear of you medical issues , thank you and get well soon ! Please !

[@StanzFam]

Thanks for watching. Appreciate the well wishes too

[@robertwhitaker9163]

Love to see GS in the house fishing in the Keys!

[@PSSKDerby]

Great video Stanzfam! Nice to see you on the Broad Minded catching some beauties. Too bad about the tuna, but he’ll feed a bunch of big ones out there. Prayers for you, Sara & the girls. Take care of yourself. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@StanzFam]

Thanks. Appreciate it : )

[@Snookninja386]

Hope you get better man sorry for whatever you’re going through ❤🤙🏼🙏🏼

[@StanzFam]

Thank you 👊🏻

[@nickleback3695]

This is #3 this year I've heard about when in comes to giant bluefin in the keys. In the last few years I've even seen examples of people actually targeting and then catching them during their spring run past the keys. Looks like the ones that come through are making a comeback!

[@StanzFam]

Definitely more and more seem to be coming through. Hope it continues over the upcoming years

[@im4broke643]

Love your vids...sorry to hear you've had health issues. I commented recently and you mentioned Rob coming....how about a "Recovery" vid of you both? Two fav's struggling and winning/losing...doesn't matter. Win or lose we love you guys and you both make great real videos.

[@StanzFam]

Thanks for the support. Hope to film with Robb before the year is over

[@timcournay968]

Nick great video as usual! Hope your healthy and ready to fish soon! Would love to go out with you and catch a giant one! Take care!

[@StanzFam]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching the channel and for the support

[@djduke47823]

🙏🏽🙏🏽 to you Nick! Me and wife stopped they last summer. Didn’t get a chance to meet you, but we did meet your co star Mike… again Praying for you and your family.

[@StanzFam]

Thanks! Appreciate it. Everyone loves Mike!

[@ellenmorgan6923]

Prayers for healing

[@StanzFam]

Thank you 🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@joshmottl2950]

I hope you get through whatever you're going through quickly. Your family needs you and so do we! Take care of yourself buddy. We're all rooting for you!

[@StanzFam]

Thank you! Appreciate it

[@roberttanner4225]

Hope all is well with your health! awesome channel! Love bringing the Apache to the Keys!

[@StanzFam]

Thank you

[@martyw9675]

Sorry to hear about your health issues Nick, you take good care of yourself, Mate. God bless and kind regards from Marty ( Melbourne Australia)

[@StanzFam]

Thanks Marty! Appreciate it

[@martyw9675]

You are most welcome.🙏

[@SouthernSpeedVideos]

Rooting for ya, Nick! 🤙🏼

[@StanzFam]

Thanks! Appreciate it

[@matthewberg7395]

Sorry to hear of your Health Issues....Hope your well soon.

[@StanzFam]

Thank you. Hope to be back to chartering some more in a month or two

[@robpimblett7241]

Get well soon Nick, thinking of you and your family!

[@StanzFam]

Thanks! Appreciate it

[@franiannarone8196]

Oh no that is heart breaking, too bad you couldn't ice them till morning. Well the shark will have a good meal

[@j.s.ajaheimssuperadventure9200]

Hey bro so sorry to hear about you being sick glad you recovering my prayers goes out to you and your family GOD bless you all from Jamaica 🇯🇲 🙏

[@StanzFam]

Thank you. Appreciate it.

[@biopack5307]

Can't wait to get back down there to Bud n Mary's what a neat place to visit.

[@StanzFam]

Great to hear! Hope you make it back down sooner than later

[@gradybrowning3976]

Yea Boy

[@joecorrero6763]

We’ll keep you and your family in our prayers. If you don’t have your health and your family, you don’t have anything. Take care brother. Stay safe and God Bless!

[@StanzFam]

Thanks Joe

[@g.kenleygoins5985]

I just prayed 🙏🏽 for you cousin 😉😎🤝🏾🙏🏽🤲🏾💪🏾🫵🏾🙌🏾✊🏾👏🏾

[@StanzFam]

Thank you! God bless

[@crispychris9492]

For anyone wondering why they couldn’t keep the fish, If you get caught with a giant bluefin like that out of season or without the right permits, the minimum fine is like $10,000 and they confiscate the boat and gear until the fine is payed. There was a guy up in the NY/NJ area where I am from who got caught with a giant bluefin and didn’t have the $25 HMS permit and his boat and gear was confiscated, not sure how much the fine was and if he ever got the boat back, as much as it sucks to see the fish go to waste and sink down to the bottom the rules are the rules, and people say it was dead when it came up they should let you keep it if that was a case, we all know people would abuse that privilege, and the fish would not be worth anywhere near $100k, guys I know that were commercial fishing last year were getting around $5 per lb for giant bluefin and that’s after the fish had been dressed with the head and tail cut off and gutted

[@haroldmclarty7317]

Health is number one take care buddy.

[@StanzFam]

👊🏻

[@royrostjr1352]

Get better soon Nick many Prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️🇺🇸

[@StanzFam]

Thank you!

[@wonderchild53]

GOD bless you get well soon...and be better ...Amen

[@StanzFam]

Thanks 👊🏻

[@jerryky2580]

Thoughts and prayers for your man

[@StanzFam]

Thanks , appreciate it. Hope to be in good shape soon

[@robertrreagan1179]

Prayers for a speedy recovery

[@StanzFam]

Thank you

[@winterswijk1970]

🙏,, Get well soon ,,🙏💪,, love the video as usual,,

[@StanzFam]

Thank you 🙌

[@rgutomo8141]

Amazing my friend

[@StanzFam]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@alquinn3562]

Awesome fish!! Timing is everything. I had no idea you were having surgeries. Maybe this will allow the fishery to rejuvenate before you get back to hammering them again. 😉 Best wishes for a return to your former health levels and fighting sea monsters once again.

[@StanzFam]

Thanks Al. Hope to get out there in good health and strength soon

[@alquinn3562]

@@StanzFam you got this!!

[@blewis2022]

Awesome 💯 Prayers

[@StanzFam]

🙏🏻👊🏻

[@zacdrury5]

Hey Nick I hope you’re doing well, I hope you’re fully recovered from whatever you’re dealing with and get back to doing what you love.

[@DHKEYWEST1]

Blue fin should be OFF PEI & NOVA SCOTIA now.

[@scary_scat3924]

1000,000 is a dream,in Maine we are averaging 3-5 a pound for 500-600 pd fish.Plus that fish of yours was caught in warm water with 0 fat .Great catch and congrats but the days of giants getting 20-25 dollars a pound are far behind us

[@helencurtis9252]

Eagerly look forward to your videos. Sorry to hear about your health issues and hoping they are now behind you 😊. Best wishes to you all from Ireland. P.S. can we see more of Sarah’s artwork?

[@StanzFam]

Thank you. Appreciate it. I will try to get to do some more and show everyone

[@geoffhunt7965]

Thoughts and prayers for improving health ,Nick.

[@StanzFam]

Thank you 👊🏻

[@robertbailey4843]

Get well soon stan

[@StanzFam]

Thank you Robert

[@tomgensel4134]

All the best 👍🙏🇺🇲

[@StanzFam]

Thank you!

[@garretallen7995]

I fish inshore, but I use kid casters as minis for red fish, and speckled sea trout

[@jpharned3291]

Well capt . Health is such a player in our later years . I myself turn 54 on July 1st. And dang I feel like I’m really needing a bud and Mary’s visit , and possibly a meet and greet .a fishing trip would be a bucket list but not necessary. Just a chance to visit would suffice

[@StanzFam]

Happy birthday! Hope it’s a good one!

[@tombrown7577]

I'm sory to hear about your health issues. Hope your doctors will get you back into battlewagon shape before too long. It is ashame to hook and land a fish of that magnitude only to see it die but more so that it's out of season. I know it happens. Good luck and good weather to your group of fine fishermen there In Islamorada!

[@StanzFam]

Thanks Tom! Agreed it’s disappointing with the fish. Appreciate the comment, Hoping another month or two and start running some charters myself again

[@BroadBillHunter]

Great video. Could tell it hurt letting that one sink to the bottom knowing all the faces it would feed back at the docks :( Maybe somebody rom fwc or noaa could see this video and vote for a change on this season. wishing you a speeedy recovery cheers from hillsboro inlet

[@StanzFam]

Thank you. An incidental permit would be nice for sure. Appreciate the health wishes. Hope to get back to myself soon

[@candyhicks-sf9de]

June 1 is my birthday I would absolutely love to be able to go tuna fishing down south I live in Pennsylvania I live a long ways away but that is on my bucket list. But I do not know anyone down that way that would take me out fishing. I have my own boat up here in Pennsylvania and I have my 17 foot boat and I fish lake Erie all summer for walleye. God bless you all and be very careful.

[@Tom007Tiger]

Hope all is well !

[@StanzFam]

We are hanging in there 👍🏻

[@abahamcastillo547]

First. Came early today! 🫡

[@StanzFam]

👊🏻

[@davisfamilyoutdoors3450]

Just don’t sit right with me letting a dead fish go. Would of called FWC explained situation and donated the meat most likely. Not shaming you laws are laws! Great video!

[@StanzFam]

👊🏻

[@rodchristensen644]

Awesome video Nick, continue to concentrate on your health, your daughters need a healthy dad.

[@StanzFam]

Thanks for watching. Appreciate it 🙏🏻👊🏻

[@LikeLikeLikeLikeLike]

Wait what that’s not fair can I have a dollar? Lmao just kidding great video!!

[@CharlesHudson-pf8kz]

So all the bleeding fish will be eaten by a larger fish?

[@Chefsantatravels]

I'll be praying for you brother I understand besides the heart attack I had in 2016 I've been pretty healthy all my life now that I'm old and retired everything's hitting me I just found out last week I have malignant Melanoma they did a full body scan and it seems it's only in one place so I hope that's all it is and they can go in and take it out and cure it but I'll be praying for you buddy you got a lot of life to live yet. That tuna was awesome too bad you couldn't have brought it in it would have definitely helped out the bottom line on your company. God bless stay safe stay strong stay healthy but of everything enjoy life,🙏🙏🙏💪✌✌👏🎅🚌🌻

[@StanzFam]

Good luck with the melanoma. Hope it can be removed and hasn’t spread. Thank you for the healthy wishes

[@ProAnglerBob]

We caught a 564.5 lb Bluefin out of Port Aransas Texas in 2019. Doubt I’ll ever see another one.

[@StanzFam]

That’s a big fish! Congrats!

[@MUSTAMOMO]

Such a shame that a dead fish can't be kept. The times when regulations are above commonsense I guess. Great episode as always 👏 👌

[@mysrilanka24]

❤

[@tom-nl5sj]

Someone suggested that the boat could have left the fish hooked in the water until midnight. Since it was caught out of season with hours left until it was open, could they have legally done this? Could that fish be kept for personal consumption vs a commercial catch?

[@StanzFam]

That might work but i don’t think the fish would be good siting in 85-90 degree water temp for 8 hours

[@John-yt5zr]

Best of health to you Nick, blue Gabe’s brother Rob, aka deermeatfordinner had 2 strokes as I’m sure you’re aware of, pulling for you guys!🙏

[@StanzFam]

Thank you

[@alasdairfleming57]

How frustrating for you!!! Hope the health improves and it hasn’t had too significant financial impact for you. The diverse content in the meantime has been good though. Thanks for sharing as always :)

[@StanzFam]

Thanks, appreciate it.

[@alasdairfleming57]

@@StanzFam you are very welcome. And thx for taking the time to reply.

[@randykinley1766]

Take care of yourself Nick

[@StanzFam]

Thanks 👊🏻

[@yak_fishin_6099]

Praying for you bud

[@StanzFam]

Thank you!

[@lingcod]

For sure would have called FWC asked for an exception that was a solid few hundred lbs of meat that sank to the bottom of the ocean there and if it died during the fight plus there's video footage it makes no sense to let that go to waste

[@StanzFam]

Would be nice to have an incidental permit for sure

[@Chris-fo8wp]

God Bless Brother!!! Get well and Tight Lines!!!

[@StanzFam]

Thanks Chris

[@robertlittle8672]

NICK,IF I MAY ASK,no #s just in reference, were you between Key Largo and your house,on this adventure? If you rather not say,I fully understand. I'm broke,retired, and love to fish! Just hoping, someday, I'll be able to fulfill that ultimate dream like the old days!!!

[@StanzFam]

Down here , I only fish key largo on occasion

[@badindianjamaicanchannella7055]

Brother where can i order these electric reels im a fisherman in jamaica i do deep water fishing

[@StanzFam]

We do orders for the reels and build custom deep drop packages for people. Email me at [e-mail] if interested

[@chadnorris1412]

Haven't seen Marv in awhile 😂

[@StanzFam]

He’s back!

[@JermainColbert119]

Nick i don't think I could've have turn my back on that 100 racks. Day before season I'm probably going to break the law sir. 😂😂😂😂. I ain't got that. Good man. . I'm going to get the money.

[@StanzFam]

Thanks to watching. No telling what the fish would have brought at the market, I just know that some fish have sold for that much or more depending on the time of year

[@drgoutbreak7934]

If the fish is dead when it gets to the surface you should be able to keep it but you already know people would abuse it

[@mikencrew8885]

Sorry to hear your having health issues. Praying for total and complete healing in Jesus name!

[@StanzFam]

Thanks 👊🏻

[@dsante56]

Sometimes rules suck! You had video evidence that the fish was dead. One day before season FWC should make exception! Fish is dead it’s just gonna end up in some sharks belly. Anyway hope you feel better soon cap

[@eoinmcmahon1323]

A hypothetical question: If you hooked the fish on the 31st and landed it on the 1st (assuming you had any required permits) ie fought it past midnight, would it be legal to land?

[@redline927]

yes, legal to possess at that time

[@eoinmcmahon1323]

@@redline927 thought so 👍🏻 thanks

[@josephdemoor9680]

Why did you cut the tuna off?

[@StanzFam]

Season was closed. Federal offense to bring in to land

[@heathwood6738]

Why did it die

[@StanzFam]

Long fight, heavy lead weight, extremely deep water a few of the reasons

[@buckleskate1]

They should let you harvest it and give it to the food bank at least🤕

[@ethannoser2689]

First

[@Snookninja386]

Man they should let you keep em if it dies on the line and you have evidence of it recorded on video…..

[@faraway3032]

It is a dumb rule. If you catch a fish like that and it dies, they should let a fisherman keep it, especially since its on video showing it died.

[@StanzFam]

Would be nice : /

[@piquicaanez3321]

I want to buy a mini can you send me the link plz

[@StanzFam]

stanzfishing.com/products/mini-stanz-offshore-rod?ToPasteboard

[@solidtangent9953]

Man that’s a sad one .

[@Matt0932]

Filet and release

[@georgeb6079]

that was a sad ending. try music to relax mandolin orange is good try blue ruin he wrote after the kids were killed in new town or lovely love affair he wrote after his first kid was born

[@carlossolomon2248]

I've watching for before you even have a channel but c'mon bro I would have broken the law because the fish is dead and one day before season?, 😢😢 No way in hell I'll let that go Get well man

[@lipripper187]

$100,000 one day early! It would have stayed hooked up until midnight when I pulled it into the boat. 🤔🤯

[@StanzFam]

A day early : ( Not sure what the price would have been but tunas have sold for as much of that or more in the past

[@randymarsh5150]

@@StanzFamwhy fish for them outta season Killed a trophy tuna for views ?

[@shanestewart410]

Rules I do not agree with. If it's captured on video, it should be legal to keep.

[@StanzFam]

Would be nice

[@psycos59]

This blue fin can't survive after that fight