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View Full Version : How about that?! I got an ulua too!


thecrab87
03-06-2007, 02:16 AM
Except I stoned mine! Hehehe! Story below....

Since the weather report was looking good (finally!), we played hooky from work today. I had a lot on my mind as we headed out of the harbor (mostly personal crap) and was in dire need of a good day on the water. We checked a couple of buoys, but they were empty. We even found a private buoy (second trip in a row that we've found one), but it was empty too. We dove Keopuka Rock, and I had a bummer of a time. I stoned a mu at 82 feet, only to have it wiggle the tiniest bit and get off about halfway to the surface. I also missed a makeable shot on a really nice uku, about 8-10#. To top it off, I couldn't catch an uhu to save my life.

We hit an ulua house at Puka Maui... nada. So, I dropped down, lined up on a nice uhu, and pulled the trigger. Thud! I hit some stupid rubbish fish that happened to swim in the way. Not my day! Next stop is one of my favorite spots, even though it is one of the roughest areas on the entire north shore. As I approached the pinnacle, I was impressed by how clean the water was. All the colors were bright and vivid. The water was filled with life: schools of lai, mamo, and opelu kala were everywhere. Underneath them, big uhu were in abundance. To top it off, about 300 yards offshore, a humpback was repeatedly breaching. Awesome.... but I had big ulua on my mind.

I found the crack and dropped down to the top, about 60 feet deep, and peered into it. The bottom, about another 15 feet below, didn't seem to be holding any ulua, but I eased in and started sinking down. As I drifted towards the bottom, I spotted a white ulua about 30 feet away, slowly swimming in my direction. He was completely unafraid, and swam right up to me. For a few seconds, we eyeballed each other, head to head. I was running out of air, and couldn't wait for a broadside shot, so I stuck a spear right into his forehead. Stoned! He didn't even twitch. I flicked the freespool on my reel and headed for the surface (yes, I was using a reel). I've got to say... there is nothing like pulling a big ulua up, especially when he's been stoned. :-)

The rest of the day was ok. I still had the yips with the uhus (although I ended up with three nice ones). Still, that one shot made the day!

Anyway, I hope you have one thing happen today that makes your day!

Will

thecrab87
03-06-2007, 02:26 AM
FYI, IMO, here's the classic brain shot location for ulua.

Ron S
03-06-2007, 10:42 AM
Awsome fish Willie! It's good that you have days and shots like that to help clear your mind of all the "other crap" that can be overwhelming. Keep posting these stories and photos for those of us sitting in snowcountry. Half my office is headed to the islands for 10 days and they were asking me about snorkelling techniques and gear. It was killin' me!
Ron.

float 'n stalk
03-06-2007, 10:52 AM
Great Job Willie! Nice motivational anecdote to go along with your pics.....

:thumps:

Natedogg
03-06-2007, 05:43 PM
I love the stone shot, if I can ever another get one. :rolleyes:
A nice fish like that really helps to put things into perspective when you’re under too much pressure. Funny how putting your life in your hands and testing your primal skills leaves you with a since that nothing else in life is that hard any more.

I’m heading to Kona on Thursday for the PFC; I will try to post during the class for you guys.

Aloha!

rigdvr
03-06-2007, 08:17 PM
Ill be there too nate....you bringing a gun?

no tanks
03-07-2007, 03:00 AM
Nice Ulua Willie

Phil

PV_Spearo
03-07-2007, 03:31 AM
Good Job Willie!!
If all goes as planned I may be seeing you on Maui this summer!

syrespect
03-07-2007, 06:05 AM
Nice fish Willie! How many pounds did it weigh? I landed a 50 lb. just 2 weeks ago also. stoned too. :D

Tino Bernazzani
03-07-2007, 08:33 AM
Willie,
Sweet fish and great story. Glad to see your taking some time to get in the water. Great to hear from ya and hope the family is doing well.

Natedogg
03-07-2007, 09:33 AM
Ill be there too nate....you bringing a gun?
I'm borrowing a gun from a friend there and bring a sling, but that's it. I fly in and out right after class. Chris (Southbound) is already there and staying after for some hunting. Are you?

Bill McIntyre
03-07-2007, 01:25 PM
OK Willie, I got one too!

Sorry the photo quality is poor, but I had to scan a print from 1961.

Damn, I think I see a new avatar here.

slavict
03-07-2007, 03:19 PM
Nice ulua and story ... a day out on and in the water will always get your mind right.

isibrigade
03-07-2007, 04:48 PM
Very nice! I have had dreams of spearing some giants like that, but never given the opportunity. KUDOS to you!
-Dustin

thecrab87
03-08-2007, 02:28 AM
Good Job Willie!!
If all goes as planned I may be seeing you on Maui this summer!

Right on! Should be fun, let's pray for good weather...

thecrab87
03-08-2007, 02:29 AM
Nice fish Willie! How many pounds did it weigh? I landed a 50 lb. just 2 weeks ago also. stoned too. :D

I guess they are IN! Glad to hear you got one too!