Fish Of A Lifetime vs. Your Life

www.AllAboutTheBait.com
Today I wanted to focus my attention on Pinfish. Because the rudder on the Hobie was destroyed, making it virtually useless in the wind and current, I decided to take out the Tarpon 140 paddling kayak for a quick Tarpon session. While out on the water I was fortunate enough to hook into a Tarpon. To many, it is a once in a lifetime catch. While fighting the Tarpon, a storm rolled through making it very sketchy. I had to decide whether to keep fighting the fish and risk the storm, or break it off and get back to the safety of the launch. Sometimes, those types of decisions have to be made and you need to have a clear head to make them. Fish safely.
Patreon: / keywestkayakfishing
PayPal: www.paypal.me/keywestkayakfis...
KEY WEST KAYAK FISHING: Equipment Used
The Car - 1997 Honda Civic Hatchback DX
The Motorcycle - 1997 BMW F650
The Kayaks
1) 2010 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140.
2) 2012 Hobie Adventure Island w/ Outboard Motor Mount
- 2010 Suzuki 2.5 HP 4-Stroke Outboard
- Lowrance Hook-5
The Rods/Reels
1) 7' MH Shimano Teramar, TMS-X70MH, Line Wt. 10-20lb, Lure Wt 1/2-1 1/2oz, Power: Medium Heavy, Action: Extra Fast
- Penn Conflict 4000
- Power Pro 20lb
- Power Pro 10lb
- Andes 15lb pink mono
2) 7' H Shimano Teramar, TMS-F70H, Line Wt. 15-20lb, Lure Wt 1/2-2oz, Power: Heavy, Action: Med Fast
- Penn Conflict 6000
- Power Pro 65lb
3) 5'8" XH Shimano Treval Jigging Trigger Rod, TVC-58XH, Line Wt. 80-200, Lure Wt, 160 - 270grams, PowerExtra Heavy
- Shimano Torium 16
- Power Pro 65lb
4) 7'6" M Hurricane Calico Jack IM7, CAJ-457, Line Wt. 8-17lb, Lure Wt 3/8-3/4oz, Power: Medium
- Shimano Solstace 4000 FI
- Power Pro 20lb
5) 6' Ande Tournament Stand Up Rod, ASU-601A SDRMH, Line Wt. 20-50, Power: Medium Heavy
- Shimano TLD-30A 2-Speed
- Power Pro 65lb
6) 6'6" Shimano Trevala, TVC-66MH, Line Wt. 50-100lb, Jig Wt 50-100g, Power: Medium Heavy, Action: Medium Fast
- Abu Garcia 6500C3
- Power Pro 30lb
7) 7' Shimano Trevala, TVC-70ML, Line Wt. 20-50lb, Jig Wt 55-135g, Power: Medium Light, Action: Medium Fast
- Abu Garcia 6500C3
- Power Pro 30lb
Plus a few other misc saltwater rigs that are used sparingly and some Bass rigs which I won't use in salt water.
Cast Nets
-5' 3/8" Plastic enclosed weights
-6' 3/16" Super Spreader SS-1000 1 lb per foot
-7' 3/8" Mako 1lb per foot
Filming
GoPro Hero 5 Black with Sennheiser MKE2 Elements waterproof microphone.
GoPro Hero 4 Silver
GoPro Hero 3 Black
Panasonic G7
-14-42mm F3.5-5.8
-20mm F1.7
Software: Adobe Premeire Elements and Photoshop Elements
Header Graphic Created By: Jeff Kaphingst (www.jeffthedesigner.com) (www.rack30.com)

[@ppinchera8225]

being dragged into the edge of the storm by a huge fish . . . . can life get any better ?

[@MrGb4ever]

That fish had a smart fight strategy...Tow his sorry ass directly to the lightning. Lol!

[@davidwing4150]

You have some serious stones. I grew up in Florida, and lightening scares the hell out of me. I live in Utah now and when the lightning is striking in the canyon it’s back to the car. Your channel is exhilarating! Keep em coming!

[@eriklarson9137]

As someone who has lived in Illinois his whole life, I cannot imagine ever getting bored with catching sharks.

[@markmondrinos7721]

Between this one and the nighttime tarpon when you wound up getting pulled wayyyy out, I'd have to say that you have the most extreme kayak fishing channel on yt. You are always super calm and clear-minded whenever it gets sketchy. Around the 14 min mark I was like ok he needs to get out of there. Pretty hardcore man!

[@kenni411]

you got my adrenaline going on this one ... wow lol ! crazy ! huge storm front all rolling in! 200+ pound tarpon on .... damn !

[@thatgardeningrealtor]

Dig the play-by-play. So many common sense moves, but the ones that still slip your mind when in full chaos mode. Nice work!

[@mattainsworth7680]

Your best video so far. Me and my boys all three yelled out loud at the 12:39 mark when that monster almost jumped on ya!

[@W.O.P.R]

That was one smart fish. He took you towards the path of most resistance. That is why you broke off and paddled home. Great battle!

[@christopherbellore3511]

Hello, I think that I only watched 1 other video you made, so this would be number 2. At 7:51, I was like, "WOW!" Tarpin on the line, breaching like a whale, in slow motion; nice touch. The second time he jumped, right in front of the kayak was a REALLY cool surprise too. Thanks for all of your personal knowledge, and fishing techniques that you share. You have a very good presentation, and appearance. Keep teaching folks the JOY of fishing. Btw, the way you ended the fight because of the impending doom, which looked like Apocalypse NOW, got me literally LAUGHING OUT LOUD. Live to fight (fish) another day. Wise decision; Even if it wasn't your choice 100%.

[@blesssixone1902]

WOW... you've got some serious COJONES!!! We just returned from Islamorada.... absolutely LOVE that place. I've been trying to convince my wife that we should retire down there but SHE'S NOT having it..lol

[@bettercallbernie959]

Thanks for the instruction on fighting a big fish in a kayak! That size fish could flip you over.

[@mattiegtv1731]

Love the video! I'm coming down to Key Largo for my 40th this is inspiring!

[@pakde8002]

one of your best so far. I criticised you for cutting off the nurse shark in the earlier "chunking for tarpon" episode but man, really relieved when you broke off the tarpon today! everything is relative to the situation and you definitely did the right thing so kudos for a really informative and exciting video 👍👍

[@mijeepito1]

Awesome video brotha!

[@FISHINandJUNK]

You stayed after it longer than I would have, that was an incredible fish and awesome footage of the storm rolling in.

[@nickjaworski0378]

He catches 80 pound fish on the daily so when This man said fish of a life time you stop everything and watch

[@takemalift]

Nick Jaworski exactly 😂

[@700mobster]

Duck yeah dude that was a whale!

[@Hallucinogenitals]

Way to go man, handling that giant had to have taken a lot of experience and guts!! As a kayaking newbie I probably would of pissed myself and flipped the kayak lmao

[@HOOKEMINTHEMOUTHKAYAKFISHING]

I don’t blame you for the break off lightning ⛈ and thunder.

[@rodneypratt4324]

HOOKEM IN THE MOUTH KAYAK FISHING what a time to be a first-time viewer geez Louise I don't know much about fishing but that was a hell of a fish

[@JimMFishing]

"You have chosen wisely". Great fight, Steve. Still seeking my first caught tarpon up here.

[@Meditation409]

Wow that is a horrible looking weather pattern blowing through. Glad your safe... There are plenty of monster tarpon out there... But your immediate safety always comes first!

[@KingSharpeMan]

Dude you're crazy! I would never try to do what you did in this video. Thanks for sharing this amazing yet scary moment!

[@skipyost177]

Steve- you're still the best and love all the videos. Thanks for hanging in the fight and not cutting the line and running away. Already got some hats so I'll get some shirts and help you get another anchor.

[@KayakChris]

Fun video, I’ve been in that situation with a storm several times. I don’t ever look for it but it’s always an adventure. Always choose safety over fish.

[@gregorythornton385]

I would’ve cut that line a long time ago !!! That’s crazy !! But exciting !! I love it

[@Ozarks420]

An experience you will never forget. That was awesome.

[@windowclean100]

👍🏻❤️👍🏻❤️👍🏻❤️👍🏻❤️ Man Steve I got to say those shirts are excellent I went out yesterday in the kayak it was 105° with the heat index and all I had to do was pour my water on me and those shirts kept me cool

[@pamela8570]

Glad you got off the water before the bad weather

[@Jammer0825]

Man that was awesome , and scary. Enjoyed those massive jumps!! Thought your were going to flip for a second. Great vid!! I bought a shirt!!!

[@danielsantiago2419]

lol the happiest break-off of your fishing career. Nice vid

[@paddy8046]

WOW! Great video what a shame about the storm.

[@lonehorntoad7319]

Big ass tarpon and a big ass storm. That's one hell of a view, bro!

[@leovargas4884]

Man i was truly rooting for you there. Great video

[@garywolf1893]

Loved the vid. One of many great vids. That Tarpon was huge. Couple of great jumps for a fish that huge so I’m with you break at off and fish another day. Keep up the great vids.

[@flagal6053]

Did you give that baby shark a motorboat??? Steve, you are too funny. I really enjoy watching your videos, however. I think you should have a bigger Kayak or a flats boat. Calling all sponsors...this guy is AWESOME!

[@cristy1735]

Steve I absolutely love your videos! I am just getting into Kayak Fishing...I am learning so much from your videos! Thank you! and I love my All about the bait shirt and hat! From Bradenton, Fl.

[@robpoma3874]

Great video, great fish! Glad it worked out. Thanks for entertaining and educating us!

[@KH63896]

Love your videos dude! I'm up in the panhandle and don't have a lot of time to get out in the gulf, but I always enjoy having a beer after work and living vicariously through your recorded escapades :). Edit: Also love the tips and advice you give

[@Joe_1971]

Man that was awesome.!!! That tarpon was pulling you all over!!!

[@mlydick]

I'm amazed he's alive every time a new video gets posted....

[@lookin2kayakandbike664]

Big Steve with a big poon in a big storm...😎 Nice fish, too bad that storm was right on you. Good decision though. Better to be safe than sorry. 👍

[@CBonesey]

Always good to get home safe!!! Nice Tarpon too!

[@Wolf6151]

Put on your PFD and keep fishing. Glad you made it back.

[@beastmodefishing1441]

Dude this video was insane. That tarpon pulled out the turbo on you towards the end. Def Subbed.

[@musicloverstl]

Just another awesome adventure! Stay safe!

[@anthonyvespia6662]

Awsome Video!! Ocean is always Beautiful, even when it's nasty. My jonny boat bass 100, and my motor are put away for the winter. My 1st fishing season, I've learnt many thing's from your vids. Now I get to do all my DIY'S to her all winter. Thanks Steve. Be safe God bless..👍🙏🙏

[@MattsSaltwaterFishing]

That was an intense fight, definitely being out on the water during a storm with a lightning rod in your hand isn't the safest thing to do lol.

[@vanessa1822]

Wooo that’s a nasty looking cloud shelf. Glad you made it back to land A Ok.

[@YeahRight825]

Yeah, that's very familiar looking because I live in the Keys myself (100 miles north of Steve in Key Largo), and been out on the water many times in those situations, but fortunately a in a boat with a motor that can get up and go vs. a double-ended paddle lol.

[@RealisticFishing]

Awesome footage of the storm in the background 👍

[@JohnSmith-ww2pi]

Realistic Fishing ...

[@SSHitMan]

I'll be in Florida kayak fishing a month from now, a tarpon is on my bucket list. Thankfully March is not the storm season, but it's also iffy if there will be tarpon in SW Florida by then. But so far it's been a warm winter so if the water gets a little warmer there should be tarpon.

[@northforkseaanddirtfishing5754]

Dude that was a real nail biter. I completely understand your struggle and im really sorry you lost such a nice fish. I woulda been freakin out because of that lightning and being the highest point on the water with that fishing pole up in the air. At least you got video of it 🤙🏼

[@natespics8276]

I’m gonna drag this guy into the storm and out to sea! Smart fish.

[@RadReelingFishing]

Wow, that tarpon was huge, dang storm. Great video, very suspenseful there toward the end.

[@FishFinder]

That would have been a fish of my lifetime. It looked you tightened down on the drag to speed up the process (either land the fish or break off) but since I dont get the opportunity to fight a tarpon like that... i probably would have kept up with the fight and dealt with the storm. Nice job Steve... always entertaining.

[@lestergarabito608]

Wow 😳 , that was intense lol I’m glad you made it out in one piece!

[@gilbertreyna3838]

Nice video, we were in key west this past Monday and we got stranded on a charter with nothing in sight, almost 3hrs is heavy rain on a sail boat zig zagging our way back.

[@kenni411]

7:51 holy shit that thang is massive !

[@joseortiz1993]

What a good fight with that one. I was on the edge of the couch watching

[@danielgaricaii4064]

Bro hands down, really exciting video. Lol nice work

[@dondaniel2203]

Daniel Garcia I

[@bowhunter928]

Man u got some balls staying out there in a little kayak with that storm coming in

[@Q-BinTom]

Wow AWSOME stuff. Thanks for sharing

[@LJAdventures]

Wow that was awesome. Really nice Tarpon. Love the jump! Great decision on the thunder and lightning, that was getting scary!

[@HOOKEMINTHEMOUTHKAYAKFISHING]

Always be fishing 🎣 love it!

[@WhatsCrackin904]

Hey Steve..got my mullet shirt!! I'm sure you thought of it, but a drift sock or bucket will really increase your drag to help you whoop them pulling fish faster. I know you like the ride tho..

[@Sr5taco]

Man tarpon fishing looks like such an adrenaline rush

[@Jesta747200]

Gives a shark a raspberry... yep I’m an Aussie buying an all about the bait shirt now

[@thephilosopherstoner]

Man your commentating is on point im learning books from your vids man, keep it going you pro!

[@IslandLifeFishing]

Super cool video!!! Keep them coming

[@HereticSoul]

What a battle! You'll get it next time!

[@PaulOrientedotcom]

Awesome footage of the tarpon jump. Nice Steve!

[@JamesWright1955]

good video, you had my getting nervous ,,,,storm building and strong tarpon on Oh yeahhhh

[@smoothguy1993]

Maaaan you was pushing it with that storm bro LOL but that would of been a awesome catch of that tarpon nice lil shark too you caught also

[@Harufloof]

Holy shit I wish you would've caught that one. Had me on the edge of my seat

[@hyanagiya]

Safer next time. Holy cow I’m glad that sucker snapped when it did. Anyways well done and thank you for your awesome videos.

[@louisl4221]

Hemmingway himself would be proud ! the Old man and the sea couldnt have done it better !

[@TS-nb9ko]

Really cool video,what a fish:)

[@doggovision8765]

Great footage. Especially the jumps.Too bad about the weather coming in and spoiling the party. Keep up the good work. You got to have balls to fish in those squalls.

[@theanglercrew7059]

Wow what a footage lol. Had my adrenaline pumping!

[@biomorphic]

I don't know what I would have done in your place, but you remembered me The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway.

[@steveburch5113]

Great vid... love pinfish and thunder

[@dannykyle738]

Good choice breaking off. Better safe than sorry. I can tell you from experience if you have the slightest doubt to always play it on the safe side.

[@KillerBeeOutdoors]

Awesome video man!

[@mattferguson1960]

I dig your attitude mate.

[@jj691]

First timer here. Awesome video and great commentary.

[@s.ol.5511]

That was looking scary, glad you made it back in time. Also, how bout a shirt with "Stupid Sharks" :) Love the channel

[@mywholesaleac]

Awesome video Steve!!

[@Jaffeneq]

Love the shirt man! Think my wife tagged you on Instagram yesterday with me wearing your shirt. She’s jealous. I think I might just have to buy her one :)

[@swflKVNC]

Exciting, Great Job!!

[@fishingwithjoeg9631]

Steve the storm chaser. I'd have been out of there a long time ago. Another great video.

[@bobscruggs8886]

great video I never hooked one that big mostly 40- 50lbs what a fight!

[@familian89]

Awesome content man..👍👍Love your videos..🤙🤙

[@mijeepito1]

Awesome video brotha!

[@geetarzzzz]

some lady from parkland just died from lightning dude..Careful! broward is rainy!

[@Ernie012Gaming]

This some great footage nice job!

[@debpansier6705]

I loved the excitement!!

[@ahuertas69]

Gotta say, I really enjoy your channel. The catch & cook segment is awesome. The best part aside from the fishing & cooking is that, unlike everyone on KZbin, you don't say to like & subscribe. I find that annoying! Obviously, I like your channel, so I subscribed, & I hit the bell for alerts. So why would I need to be asked or told to do that if I would do it anyway? You are a savage out there & I have been binge watching your videos since I don't have the time to get the kayak out on the water at the moment 😢. Could you do a grouper fishing video now that season is finally open? I'd love to watch that!

[@FlatlandMando]

Kind of like the happy go lucky presentation...I guess that's your personality maybe. What's better ( for me) is when you need an anchor float you go beach combing & not to the store! Ohhh Yahhh

[@kenni411]

watch out for the 16' hammerhead that's chasing him !!!

[@georgewurt5183]

Great video!

[@punishthewicked5845]

Instant fan wow video reminds me how scared shit we were a few times caught up catching a bunch of stupid fish while horrible weather was moving in the bite was on but close lightning strikes will hasten all retreats to the docks

[@mrtilley66]

that's a heck of a fight, I got that shirt in the mail last week going to the inlet marsh next week.