The Independence left San Diego Bay for Clarion Island some 1,000 miles South Southwest in quest of the Yellowfin tuna. It took four days to reach the island. Captain Jeff DeBuys and the remarkable crew of the "Indy", Paul, Jesus, Tyler, Kevin, Oscar, Ed and Rolf were outstanding! During our stay at Clarion, this seamount was the only land within site. The 27 anglers onboard caught more than 250 tuna that weighted between 70 to 312 lbs during our 4 day stay. Todd and I made many new friends among the crew and passengers. It was a trip of a lifetime! I owe a special 'thank you' to Jesus whose assistance made it possible to land my leviathan, to Glenn Carter for the use some of his excellent photographs, and to Ivan for teaching me how to tie the knot that caught the big one!
© Sharon Wheat