What an awesome outing. Thanks for taking us with you. As soon as you get hooked into one of those monsters you know you are going to be busy for a while.
The tackle we had back in the day wouldn't handle this kind of pressure. My Dear brother used to make costume rods for Ted Williams and Boog Powell and the likes, whenever they were in south Miami for spring training. My brother had a little setup in Tackle World with Mel Shapiro in the back of his little shop in South Miami. RIP Dear Jim. I miss you Biggly, but I believe that through the Grace of God, we'll be together again. Viva Cristo Rey
Epic Fight Man vs Animal . I count that as a Land , you could a touched it s tail a few times . Thanks for the great POV . We all wish we can fish the way you Fish .
Hey John, that was freaking crazy man. I seen you putting so much pressure on the fish. Your hands are shaking. That's awesome thank you for putting this up man. I had a great time watching it. Thanks again.
I'd like to be able to get at least one catch worthy of the title, "Fish of a Lifetime". I'll keep at it, but until then, I live vicariously through your adventures where you bag that experience at least every year. Congratulations!
Wow what a behemoth of a fish. Awesome fight . And that rod! Holy smokes thats amazing the pressure you put on that thing. Very impressive. Thanks for the video
Back water Sea Monster John! And he put you in the mangroves as a final goodbye😂that was 170 or so it looked like... thank you for not yelling and screaming it's a giant it's a giant that calm demeanor is much appreciated he ran you all over that bay really good video
Nice catch John ! My biggest Tarpon was 120 that Bouncer Smith put me on . South Beach , 45 min fight that the fish took us into the Cut and had a Cruise Ship make us get out of Cut . Bouncer was the best guide I've ever used and he got a great tip that day !!! I was sore for weeks ...
John, I agree; the thing looked more like a Tuna! I can't believe your gear held up that long under that pressure. I wish you could have put your hands on that thing. Good job staying with the fight! Long time subscriber.
The girth on that fish is remarkable. Ending of the video reminds me of an old western movie where the hero rides off into the sunset …only this time he floats into a mangrove lol. One thing for certain is that Dark Matter has officially proved its worth. Between you and Rich they’ve been well tested, held up great even in conditions WELL above their intended use and above their pay grade and price tag.
Good work ! Was pushing for ya on that one..Out matched...and landed..That's fishing ! Also speaks for how much 20lb. braid is actually under-rated....Geesh !
I'm surprised a giant like that one was in those waters this time of year. They usually are in warmer water until springtime. You did very well with such a big tarpon on the gear you were using. I hooked a 150 lber a few years ago fishing from shore in the Keys... he shredded a 50 lb fluoro leader in short time before losing him. I did get to see 4 jumps from him tho and that was awesome!
What a battle! Can't believe you got that horse boatside with that setup.And I'm amazed the hook stayed in and sharks didn't chew it up.Great job on running him down with the trolling motor in the initial stages of battle too.Looks like the bottom eye on that rod took some battle damage or are they like that?👏👍🧙♂️
Wow, epic battle. I’m so so anxious when those pots came up on you. I think if you would have put a little less heat you may have landed but she probably wouldn’t survive
Jeez Louise John! Never seen anything like that. Those silver kings sure have some ferocious fight in them! Would you say that's your biggest hooked to date?
I am shocked the rod didn't bust before the line. You were essentially high sticking when that fish was close to the boat and the rod was totally parabolic. Like bringing a knife to a gunfight. Very few would have been as close as you were to landing that beast. I'll bet the adrenaline was through the roof for quite a while. Congrats!
That was insane!!! Another polar vortex is gonna be hitting the eastern half of the country soon. Daytime temperatures back up here in the NYC tri-state area will be struggling to reach the freezing mark, with many locations not even reaching 30 during the afternoon.
Had a similar hit in Terra Ceia bay late last year, all I got to see was a glimpse of the silver dollar sized eye before the line broke; I was too agressive thinking the fish would tangle me up. Great fish, John, congrats. I think I need to get out back there in the cold. Being near the cooling towers probably helps. What knots are you using?
Rod: bit.ly/45GoMej Reel (2000): bit.ly/3TaSWCS Lure: amzn.to/3tYSoG6 Swimbait Hook: amzn.to/3S6kx6b Line (20#): amzn.to/47G4ulU Leader (40#): bit.ly/2EcadoD Palomar on the braid, clinch on the leader, loop on the lure.
Says alot about all your equipment and techniques - I think the true star here is the 20lb Seagaur braid. You put the onions to that fish near the end and the braid didn't break on a near 200lb fish.
It is, and it's always done the job in the kayak and even once on shore. This time I was very close to being stripped. A 2000 Evict has the power of larger reels though. Stainless gear train...
Why I use my vs 200 , 65 lb braid, 60 lb floro leader and heavy carbon shield rod there . Overkill for the 30 lb fish but I will put a hurting on those monsters . Nice job.
I wish I could cast and work the 1/4-ounce lure with that. I'm trying a saltX 3K and 30/50 going forward. BTW, went back three days later and only saw one large. Saw some juvis and caught one of those and missed a few.
@@JohnSkinnerFishing nice I struck out the day I talked to you last night. The tide was incoming and I found them later in the morning on the other side of the river closer to the plant.. you could walk on the glass minnows. Great video as usual.
Thanks for that. It helps confirm the size. I'm not a chunker, but I could make an exception for a shot at fighting one of the big ones with a SaltX 6K and 50# line.
@@JohnSkinnerFishing i used a penn 450 with 50lb braid and 50# leader,the real had to be thrown out afterwards.the other good spot is around the pilings just below the power plant above the trailer park.i really miss doing it but dont have a boat when i go down for vacation anymore.throw out a chunk of catfish and cast a plastic bait.
52 weeks later and still no resolution to what is more effective on these fish.. a Hail Mary or an Our Father 🤔🙏… but one things for certain I could actually hear you saying the Rosary under your breath during this fight! Great job on the fight.. poor reel, didn’t sound like it had much left in it at the end..
I purchased the dark matter travel fishing rod a few months ago, and unfortunately, it has not lived up to expectations. The guide is loose, and the rod frequently gets stuck, making it difficult to detach. I had hoped the company would stand behind its product, but now my warranty claim has been denied. I’m extremely dissatisfied with the situation.
What an awesome outing. Thanks for taking us with you. As soon as you get hooked into one of those monsters you know you are going to be busy for a while.
Absolutely fascinating!
I've been fishing my whole life (64 yo)
Watching fishing shows since forever, never seen anything like this.
BRAVO.....
The tackle we had back in the day wouldn't handle this kind of pressure. My Dear brother used to make costume rods for Ted Williams and Boog Powell and the likes, whenever they were in south Miami for spring training.
My brother had a little setup in Tackle World with Mel Shapiro in the back of his little shop in South Miami. RIP Dear Jim. I miss you Biggly, but I believe that through the Grace of God, we'll be together again. Viva Cristo Rey
Exciting trip! Thanks for taking us along!
Great video, John! You have every reason to be proud-that's a fish of a lifetime!🎉
John you're best videos are when you fight one Fish for the duration! That must have been such a workout man!
Arm and leg muscles hurt for two days.
Epic Fight Man vs Animal . I count that as a Land , you could a touched it s tail a few times . Thanks for the great POV . We all wish we can fish the way you Fish .
John: Thanx for the ride! My wrists would be on fire after that beast. Grats on an exhilerating trip.
Brilliantly played.
The Old Man and the Sea.
Congratulations.
I was thinking the same. Sanitago!
Congrats, John! Let me get the popcorn and a soda.... Wait.. When is intermission ? EPIC! Congrats!
You, Sir, are a professional. Well done. Thank you.
This is why we watch!!! Its like I was there in the boat.
What a ride! Congratulations John
Hey John, that was freaking crazy man. I seen you putting so much pressure on the fish. Your hands are shaking. That's awesome thank you for putting this up man. I had a great time watching it. Thanks again.
I'd like to be able to get at least one catch worthy of the title, "Fish of a Lifetime". I'll keep at it, but until then, I live vicariously through your adventures where you bag that experience at least every year. Congratulations!
Well done! The sound of the stress on the line was really nerve-wracking.
From New England to you thank you for the content!
Incredible fight john thanks for sharing and it says alot for the dark matter rods
Excellent fight - thanks for sharing it with us!
Omg...felt like the old man and the sea
.lol..nice job Skinner
The Old Man and the Sea?
Wow - incredible.
Incredible. The skill to be that patient and calm. Also , time for me to hit the gym. That was a workout 💪🏽
That was awesome to watch John Thank you
Wow what a behemoth of a fish. Awesome fight . And that rod! Holy smokes thats amazing the pressure you put on that thing. Very impressive. Thanks for the video
Awesome job maintaining your patience with that beast , kudos to your knot and gear
Epic, John! I couple of days of recovery are in order. What a beast!
Omg john, that was really epic. I couldn't believe you fought that fish with a 40-lb leader .
Congratulations, you did really amazing .👍👏
UNBELIEVABLE ! ! ! ! ! What a fight ! ! ! Never seen stuff like that in kayak ! ! Emmanuel, PARIS, FRANCE
It's obvious a lot of "grey matter" went in to the design and composition of your Dark Matter rods, unbelievable video John!!
WOW!!! IMPRESSIVE JOHN...Great catch and man does that show the power and durability of that Dark Matter rod... 👏👏🎣🎣
Back water Sea Monster John! And he put you in the mangroves as a final goodbye😂that was 170 or so it looked like... thank you for not yelling and screaming it's a giant it's a giant that calm demeanor is much appreciated he ran you all over that bay really good video
Good Job - this was a fun tarpon - hunting trip
Looks like that tarpon took you and your kayak on a Nantucket sleighride. Great Video!
Reminds me of fighting carp on ultralight tackle only magnified 100X. Awesome video John.
Nice catch John ! My biggest Tarpon was 120 that Bouncer Smith put me on . South Beach , 45 min fight that the fish took us into the Cut and had a Cruise Ship make us get out of Cut .
Bouncer was the best guide I've ever used and he got a great tip that day !!! I was sore for weeks ...
Well, that was a little intense. The old man and the sea! I think he caught you! 😂
Best ad ever for Dark Matter Rods
I can't believe that rod didn't snap in the last 10 minutes. My muscles hurt for two days.
John, I agree; the thing looked more like a Tuna! I can't believe your gear held up that long under that pressure. I wish you could have put your hands on that thing. Good job staying with the fight! Long time subscriber.
Well done man!
Never seen one the shape of a coffee table before. Thing is a rectangle lol. Well fished and well played.
Exactly. The shape was bizarre. Really looked tuna-shaped but still had length.
The girth on that fish is remarkable. Ending of the video reminds me of an old western movie where the hero rides off into the sunset …only this time he floats into a mangrove lol. One thing for certain is that Dark Matter has officially proved its worth. Between you and Rich they’ve been well tested, held up great even in conditions WELL above their intended use and above their pay grade and price tag.
150 my ass. Lol Love it. Awesome work and fish John
reminds me of Old Mann and the Sea battle well done
I am going to have to try your technique on the tarpon I've seen inshore. I have a spot where I have seen several very large ones...on a regular basis
Gee Mr Skinner, you are a bonafide tarpon hunter.
I’ve caught a bunch of Tarpon over the years. Every single one of them is as amazing as the first one.
Yeah, that was a big one.
Holly hell that’s a real one !!
crazy after all that and he still didn't seem anywhere near done 😮💨 killer fish
Wow, that's a big one!
Good work ! Was pushing for ya on that one..Out matched...and landed..That's fishing ! Also speaks for how much 20lb. braid is actually under-rated....Geesh !
What a battle !
I'm surprised a giant like that one was in those waters this time of year. They usually are in warmer water until springtime. You did very well with such a big tarpon on the gear you were using. I hooked a 150 lber a few years ago fishing from shore in the Keys... he shredded a 50 lb fluoro leader in short time before losing him. I did get to see 4 jumps from him tho and that was awesome!
John, Thank you, Thank you for the experience! Now I need some ice for the cramp in MY leg.😅😅
What a fight!
Has every bit of 200 pounds one hell a sleigh ride John all I can say is wow
What a battle! Can't believe you got that horse boatside with that setup.And I'm amazed the hook stayed in and sharks didn't chew it up.Great job on running him down with the trolling motor in the initial stages of battle too.Looks like the bottom eye on that rod took some battle damage or are they like that?👏👍🧙♂️
Wow, epic battle. I’m so so anxious when those pots came up on you. I think if you would have put a little less heat you may have landed but she probably wouldn’t survive
Agreed. Had to over-pressure until something gave. Fish was still upright and strong when we parted ways.
Jeez Louise John! Never seen anything like that. Those silver kings sure have some ferocious fight in them! Would you say that's your biggest hooked to date?
“150 my ass” 😂
Crazy John
Wow,,,nice ride
I am shocked the rod didn't bust before the line. You were essentially high sticking when that fish was close to the boat and the rod was totally parabolic. Like bringing a knife to a gunfight. Very few would have been as close as you were to landing that beast. I'll bet the adrenaline was through the roof for quite a while. Congrats!
It was like a how-to on how to break a rod.
Great video! WOW! I would have been done after that!
I pretty much was. The fish should have come back and revived me.
Wow, that's some powerful rod.. I have a dark matter phycodelic..
@JohnSkinnerFishing Reminds me of when I went out in raritan bay
nice knots!
Geez John, I'm pretty sure we're about the same age. You got me feeling kinda lame .lol
The first thing I did when I got home was take Ibuprofen.
That was insane!!!
Another polar vortex is gonna be hitting the eastern half of the country soon. Daytime temperatures back up here in the NYC tri-state area will be struggling to reach the freezing mark, with many locations not even reaching 30 during the afternoon.
I'll be there for Striper Day this weekend. It will remind me what "cold" is.
You said it holly shit. True giant on a yak amazing. Congrats
Had a similar hit in Terra Ceia bay late last year, all I got to see was a glimpse of the silver dollar sized eye before the line broke; I was too agressive thinking the fish would tangle me up. Great fish, John, congrats. I think I need to get out back there in the cold. Being near the cooling towers probably helps. What knots are you using?
Josh is going to relabel these the Skinner Giant Tarpon Rod and increase the price $150😂
Wow!
So that was a tarpon?
Hope you are okay!
GregT
South Carolina
Tarpon. Nothing Ibuprofen won't fix!
John - would you mind sharing info on your terminal tackle setup, specifically the knot(s) you used? Incredible video and nice bicep workout!
Rod: bit.ly/45GoMej
Reel (2000): bit.ly/3TaSWCS
Lure: amzn.to/3tYSoG6
Swimbait Hook: amzn.to/3S6kx6b
Line (20#): amzn.to/47G4ulU
Leader (40#): bit.ly/2EcadoD
Palomar on the braid, clinch on the leader, loop on the lure.
Says alot about all your equipment and techniques - I think the true star here is the 20lb Seagaur braid. You put the onions to that fish near the end and the braid didn't break on a near 200lb fish.
Agreed on the Seaguar Smackdown line. I'm all in on that stuff after this. Been using it for about three seasons and I'm totally sold now.
How fast were you going when it was pulling you? Always a pleasure to watch your videos.
4mph
that sky looks angry
I need a nap!!!
Wow! Nothing else to say about that!
monster fish!
TO ALL THOSE GUYS WHO SAY YOU CANT CATCH A HUGE FISH ON A SPINNING REAL……IL CONTINUE USING MY SPINNING REAL….LOOK AT THAT ROD!!im buying it!!!
Right??? And it’s always freshwater bass guys saying that.😂
Walking a Silver Giant
John, was that really a 2000 class reel?
It is, and it's always done the job in the kayak and even once on shore. This time I was very close to being stripped. A 2000 Evict has the power of larger reels though. Stainless gear train...
Holy smokes
Why I use my vs 200 , 65 lb braid, 60 lb floro leader and heavy carbon shield rod there . Overkill for the 30 lb fish but I will put a hurting on those monsters . Nice job.
I wish I could cast and work the 1/4-ounce lure with that. I'm trying a saltX 3K and 30/50 going forward. BTW, went back three days later and only saw one large. Saw some juvis and caught one of those and missed a few.
@@JohnSkinnerFishing nice I struck out the day I talked to you last night. The tide was incoming and I found them later in the morning on the other side of the river closer to the plant.. you could walk on the glass minnows. Great video as usual.
Thank the weather for keeping boat traffic to about zero.
John, timewise how long did you fight it?
Looked very thick and heavy
nice,i caught 3 fish between 150 to 180lbs in that exact spot in february years ago.catfish tails 4ft under a balloon drifted around is what we used.
Thanks for that. It helps confirm the size. I'm not a chunker, but I could make an exception for a shot at fighting one of the big ones with a SaltX 6K and 50# line.
@@JohnSkinnerFishing i used a penn 450 with 50lb braid and 50# leader,the real had to be thrown out afterwards.the other good spot is around the pilings just below the power plant above the trailer park.i really miss doing it but dont have a boat when i go down for vacation anymore.throw out a chunk of catfish and cast a plastic bait.
50# Fluor won’t help on tarpon that size. Had one somewhat smaller, maybe 100# , break off 50# leader.
Do you keep and eat any FL fish?
Sheepshead, and a rare redfish.
200+‼
Epic
UNPARALLELED !!! You could probably measure that fish by the number of ibuprofens you took back home to combat the soreness.
First thing I did when I got home!
52 weeks later and still no resolution to what is more effective on these fish.. a Hail Mary or an Our Father 🤔🙏… but one things for certain I could actually hear you saying the Rosary under your breath during this fight! Great job on the fight.. poor reel, didn’t sound like it had much left in it at the end..
wow!!!!!!!
175
I've been kindof thinking that. Thanks for the input.
I name you Captain Ahab. Thar be the white whale.
Yes. The biggest ones go > 200#.
Hi honey, it's John. Can you come pick me up in Labelle?
I had to think about that for a bit. Ha!! Good one!
I purchased the dark matter travel fishing rod a few months ago, and unfortunately, it has not lived up to expectations. The guide is loose, and the rod frequently gets stuck, making it difficult to detach. I had hoped the company would stand behind its product, but now my warranty claim has been denied. I’m extremely dissatisfied with the situation.
We’re gonna need a bigger boat lol. What a fish