Archive for August, 2009

Pictures

119 lb Wahoo from last year. Just a few lbs short of the World Record. The visibility was about as bad as it gets. On the surface was less than a few inches. I had to put my watch against my mask to see it.

119 lb Wahoo from last year. Just a few lbs short of the World Record. The visibility was about as bad as it gets. On the surface was less than a few inches. I had to put my watch against my mask to see it.

A fins free ascent in the Grotto in Saipan. Another DJ Struntz Photo

A fins free ascent in the Grotto in Saipan. Another DJ Struntz Photo

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11lb Lobster Freediving last month in North Carolina

11lb Lobster Freediving last month in North Carolina

11lb Langosta Freediving

11lb Langosta Freediving

dsc04152My second biggest Dogtooth Tuna Indonesia

My second biggest Dogtooth Tuna Indonesia

 

Big Bull Dolphin in Gulf of Mexico

Big Bull Dolphin in Gulf of Mexico

Dolphin Camoflauge. Riffe Cryptic suit and this fish fit perfect.

Dolphin Camoflauge. Riffe Cryptic suit and this fish fit perfect.

A nice Pacific Cubera Snapper dragged up on a deep dive off Mexico. Brad got this one on film from start to finish then I filmed him stoning the smaller one with a Hawaiian sling. I'd put him up against anyone with a Hawaiian sling he is arguably one of the best in the world with them for sure.

A nice Pacific Cubera Snapper dragged up on a deep dive off Mexico. Brad got this one on film from start to finish then I filmed him stoning the smaller one with a Hawaiian sling. I'd put him up against anyone with a Hawaiian sling he is arguably one of the best in the world with them for sure.

Nice East Coast Cubera Snapper shot by Chris Gardinal. I'm claiming the assist since I saw it floating a half mile from the Wreck enroute to the next spot and then we gaffed it to land it. 63 lbs.

Nice East Coast Cubera Snapper shot by Chris Gardinal. I'm claiming the assist since I saw it floating a half mile from the Wreck enroute to the next spot and then we gaffed it to land it. 63 lbs.

Nice Black Grouper in the Florida Keys. This is one of the first trips with the 130 Euro and the results were pretty good.

Nice Black Grouper in the Florida Keys. This is one of the first trips with the 130 Euro and the results were pretty good.

119lb Wahoo.

119lb Wahoo.

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100+lb Yellowfin Tuna in the Gulf of Mexico. On my fourth drop of the day he came up and coaxed me deeper. I pulled the trigger at 77 feet and it was a long drop for so early in the day at 1:34. Just goes to show that being in shape is important so you can be ready at any time.

100+lb Yellowfin Tuna in the Gulf of Mexico. On my fourth drop of the day he came up and coaxed me deeper. I pulled the trigger at 77 feet and it was a long drop for so early in the day at 1:34. Just goes to show that being in shape is important so you can be ready at any time.

 

A solid 200 lb Yellowfin Tuna in Central America. This one came through with a big school in about 3000 feet of water. When the shaft hit him it snapped his spine and he did a back roll and jumped all the way out of the water. When he jumped again I grabbed him by the tail and and held his tail out of the water while the boat backed down on us and gaffed it and pulled it into the boat. I had so much adrenaline from it I dragged him into my lap for this picture less than a few minutes after he'd been shot.

A solid 200 lb Yellowfin Tuna in Central America. This one came through with a big school in about 3000 feet of water. When the shaft hit him it snapped his spine and he did a back roll and jumped all the way out of the water. When he jumped again I grabbed him by the tail and and held his tail out of the water while the boat backed down on us and gaffed it and pulled it into the boat. I had so much adrenaline from it I dragged him into my lap for this picture less than a few minutes after he’d been shot.

 

200-lb-tuna-central-america200-lb-tuna-central-america-1200-lb-tuna-central-america-2Tavarua Fiji, Epic visibility, ripping current and a nice Cod. This picture was my inspiration for the Riffe Cryptic Wetsuits. I figure Nature has Camoflauge design down to an art and these type of grouper are invisible on the bottom. I love the design it works amazing and it all started with these pics.

Tavarua Fiji, Epic visibility, ripping current and a nice Cod. This picture was my inspiration for the Riffe Cryptic Wetsuits. I figure Nature has Camoflauge design down to an art and these type of grouper are invisible on the bottom. I love the design it works amazing and it all started with these pics.

 

There is so much to this photo it goes to show why DJ Struntz is one of the best photographers in the world. This is Craig diving down to get his hands on a nice Rainbow Runner, It had just started raining and we were rushing to get some pics in the clear water before the sun disappeared. The angle of the pic is just right so that he is facing the part of the sky away from the black ominous cloud that is sending the rain to sprinkle the surface and give it that amazing texture. The Yellow/orange glow in the upper left is actually the oil rig through the surface of the water. Amazing picture. Craigs posture and the action that you can feel through the picture doesn't happen every day.

There is so much to this photo it goes to show why DJ Struntz is one of the best photographers in the world. This is Craig diving down to get his hands on a nice Rainbow Runner, It had just started raining and we were rushing to get some pics in the clear water before the sun disappeared. The angle of the pic is just right so that he is facing the part of the sky away from the black ominous cloud that is sending the rain to sprinkle the surface and give it that amazing texture. The Yellow/orange glow in the upper left is actually the oil rig through the surface of the water. Amazing picture. Craigs posture and the action that you can feel through the picture doesn't happen every day.

Note to self: Every sailfish I have ever seen speared has turned and come back after the diver. GR grabbed me one time and had my arms locked behind my back and used me as a human shield to fend off a big one now charging within inches of us. Since then every single one I've shot or see shot has come back at us. Damn things are scary. This one was in the Sea of Cortez and around 100 lbs. I love this angle from below.

Note to self: Every sailfish I have ever seen speared has turned and come back after the diver. GR grabbed me one time and had my arms locked behind my back and used me as a human shield to fend off a big one now charging within inches of us. Since then every single one I’ve shot or see shot has come back at us. Damn things are scary. This one was in the Sea of Cortez and around 100 lbs. I love this angle from below.

 

 

 

I first met Stevo in East Nusa Tengarra (Indonesia). I was there with a few of my buddies hunting Dogtooth Tuna and Waves and he was there with Wes Mannion and his cameraman catching snakes and monitors and anything else that moved. The first afternoon I surfed with just the three of us out and we talked about all the different travels we'd had and he said he was jealous at what a good life I'd been able to lead. Hearing him hooting on the shoulder as I dropped in on a wave and doing the same for him was one of the coolest experiences. As it turns out two Cyclones trapped us all on the little island and we were stuck together for 2 weeks trading stories and catching snakes and waves. We all became good friends and when we finally escaped back to Bali we had some big nights out on the town together. Steve and Wes were one of the big reasons I started going to Australia. Great people. He was as passionate about life off camera as he was on and the smile on his face in the mornings when he'd meet us to get on the boat to take out surfing and spearing couldn't do justice for how stoked he was to have spent the last four hours chasing cobras in the Rice Paddies while we were out shooting breakfast. And he thought we were nuts! Classic Steve, we're surfing double overhead Nusa Dua and he suddenly bails off his board to chase down a sea snake that has surfaced in the lineup.

I first met Stevo in East Nusa Tengarra (Indonesia). I was there with a few of my buddies hunting Dogtooth Tuna and Waves and he was there with Wes Mannion and his cameraman catching snakes and monitors and anything else that moved. The first afternoon I surfed with just the three of us out and we talked about all the different travels we'd had and he said he was jealous at what a good life I'd been able to lead. Hearing him hooting on the shoulder as I dropped in on a wave and doing the same for him was one of the coolest experiences. As it turns out two Cyclones trapped us all on the little island and we were stuck together for 2 weeks trading stories and catching snakes and waves. We all became good friends and when we finally escaped back to Bali we had some big nights out on the town together. Steve and Wes were one of the big reasons I started going to Australia. Great people. He was as passionate about life off camera as he was on and the smile on his face in the mornings when he'd meet us to get on the boat to take out surfing and spearing couldn't do justice for how stoked he was to have spent the last four hours chasing cobras in the Rice Paddies while we were out shooting breakfast. And he thought we were nuts! Classic Steve, we're surfing double overhead Nusa Dua and he suddenly bails off his board to chase down a sea snake that has surfaced in the lineup.

My first Mulloway (Jewfish) Australias version of a White Sea Bass. Not the smartest fish in the ocean. If you can find them you can get them most of the time. This one was in a huge school of fish on a drop off. The swim so tightly together its a wonder more doubles aren't speared. Its difficult to choose the big ones out of the school. A week later we were diving the coast in 6 foot vis and I crept up on a school of 10 lb ones that were schooled up in front of a big rock. Waiting trying to figure out which one was the biggest the rock suddenly turned and I realized it was a Mulloway that was easily 80-100 lbs. I sent a hail mary shot into the dark but to no avail. I'm still bummed I missed out on that one. I've never even seen one like that in pictures.

My first Mulloway (Jewfish) Australias version of a White Sea Bass. Not the smartest fish in the ocean. If you can find them you can get them most of the time. This one was in a huge school of fish on a drop off. The swim so tightly together its a wonder more doubles aren't speared. Its difficult to choose the big ones out of the school. A week later we were diving the coast in 6 foot vis and I crept up on a school of 10 lb ones that were schooled up in front of a big rock. Waiting trying to figure out which one was the biggest the rock suddenly turned and I realized it was a Mulloway that was easily 80-100 lbs. I sent a hail mary shot into the dark but to no avail. I'm still bummed I missed out on that one. I've never even seen one like that in pictures.

World Record Hogfish. I was lined up on what is still the biggest Sheepshead I've ever seen in my life. I hate shooting the damn things but I thought it would be hilarious to bring home and break Ritchie Zacker's record he'd shot on our boat. It must have been 17 lbs. So I'm looking at this convict trying to convince myself to shoot it and here comes this monster Hog fish. The decision was easy and we brought this guy home instead.

World Record Hogfish. I was lined up on what is still the biggest Sheepshead I’ve ever seen in my life. I hate shooting the damn things but I thought it would be hilarious to bring home and break Ritchie Zacker’s record he’d shot on our boat. It must have been 17 lbs. So I’m looking at this convict trying to convince myself to shoot it and here comes this monster Hog fish. The decision was easy and we brought this guy home instead.

 

39lb Bull Dolphin off Key West. My buddy hooked me up with some guys that had a boat and wanted to go trolling. I think this was the day after one of the Key West Tournaments so I showed up to the weigh in to visit everyone and see what was caught. Went out the following day and ran the boat while these guys slayed the big dolphin. When they'd had enough I found a likely looking weed patch and hopped in to find a school of big boys. Shot the best one and he came off but was hurt pretty bad. I chased him about 200 yards down the weedline and in about three circles around the big patch praying he wouldn't dive deep and finally ambushed him from underneath a big patch to get the second shot in him. Santa Claus there in the background was still laughing at me getting my ass kicked on the surface by this guy when I finally got my hand on him.

39lb Bull Dolphin off Key West. My buddy hooked me up with some guys that had a boat and wanted to go trolling. I think this was the day after one of the Key West Tournaments so I showed up to the weigh in to visit everyone and see what was caught. Went out the following day and ran the boat while these guys slayed the big dolphin. When they’d had enough I found a likely looking weed patch and hopped in to find a school of big boys. Shot the best one and he came off but was hurt pretty bad. I chased him about 200 yards down the weedline and in about three circles around the big patch praying he wouldn’t dive deep and finally ambushed him from underneath a big patch to get the second shot in him. Santa Claus there in the background was still laughing at me getting my ass kicked on the surface by this guy when I finally got my hand on him.

 

Arguably my favorite spearfishing photo. This was a few days after the 200lb Dogtooth. There was no current this day so we didn't expect much, taking it easy diving deep and the same school showed up. In the back of the school there were two like this and even with a good shot through the shoulder he kicked my ass for the next 45 minutes. I love Doggies. By far my favorite fish to hunt.

Arguably my favorite spearfishing photo. This was a few days after the 200lb Dogtooth. There was no current this day so we didn’t expect much, taking it easy diving deep and the same school showed up. In the back of the school there were two like this and even with a good shot through the shoulder he kicked my ass for the next 45 minutes. I love Doggies. By far my favorite fish to hunt.

This is one of the best Yellowfins I've landed. A week later the World Record was shot so we were dead on with the planning but at only 260 lbs this guy still wasn't big enough. Awesome fish though. When I shot this one the shaft went through him so that it was half sticking out of either side of him and he ran so hard it bent back on both sides to form a U with the shaft that was almost symmetrical to his long Trailer fins.

This is one of the best Yellowfins I’ve landed. A week later the World Record was shot so we were dead on with the planning but at only 260 lbs this guy still wasn’t big enough. Awesome fish though. When I shot this one the shaft went through him so that it was half sticking out of either side of him and he ran so hard it bent back on both sides to form a U with the shaft that was almost symmetrical to his long Trailer fins.

 

 

 

Big Black Grouper and Amberjack Pole Spearing in the Bahamas. Brad Thornbrough hit the AJ with a hawaiian sling and it took us 10 minutes to chase him down and get him in the boat. I know you could care less about where the fish came from though. Not too shabby for a crew huh?

Big Black Grouper and Amberjack Pole Spearing in the Bahamas. Brad Thornbrough hit the AJ with a hawaiian sling and it took us 10 minutes to chase him down and get him in the boat. I know you could care less about where the fish came from though. Not too shabby for a crew huh?

Myself, world record Pacific Blue Marlin, Paul from Okinawa, and Terry Maas. While I was in Indonesia Terry called me and asked he if I would be interested in hosting a TV show with him on Spearfishing. I planned us a trip and we shot the pilot for SPEARGUN HUNTER in Okinawa. On the first day offshore I shot and landed a World Record Pacific Blue Marlin and Terry got the whole thing on HD film of me stoning it. On that trip we landed 20 dolphin over 20 lbs, 3 wahoo, multiple Tuna and a number of Giant Trevally. After some discussion on the matter I 100% refused to let the footage of the Marlin being shot go on National television in order to protect the few rights that we have left as spearfisherman. Despite all the billfish killed in Tournaments and every day by longliners around the world, we do not have the lobbyists in government or the numbers to protect our sport to risk bringing more heat upon us. I appreciate Terry siding with me on this one and I think we did the right thing by keeping it off the air.

Myself, world record Pacific Blue Marlin, Paul from Okinawa, and Terry Maas.

275 lbs Pacific Blue Marlin World Record

275 lbs Pacific Blue Marlin World Record

GR (RedTide) Tarr and my dad Kirk Kirkconnell with a good day of Wahoo in Florida. One of my favorite days on the water watching my dad shoot his first hoo. This was also one of the best 5 minutes of my spearfishing life. GR and I let my dad shoot all day and we filmed until he was ready to take a break for a bit. Next drift the school came by and I stoned one, reached the surface and yelled for dad to get in the water, strung the first one, reloaded, stoned another one, strung him, reloaded and had the third within 3 minutes. The boat was only about 150 yards away and it happened so fast I don't think the wahoo, me or anyone else really believed it when I handed the gun and 150 lbs of fish into the boat. What a blur. This same day GR shot a big one and stoned it but it fell off the shaft. While he was reloaded we drifted over the fish which was laying on the bottom at 100 ft. GR dives down and grabs it in the gills and it instantly comes to life and like a striped underwater scooter, shot him to the surface so fast I could almost hear him laughing underwater and his eyes were bugging out of his head it was so hilarious.

GR (RedTide) Tarr and my dad Kirk Kirkconnell with a good day of Wahoo in Florida. One of my favorite days on the water watching my dad shoot his first hoo. This was also one of the best 5 minutes of my spearfishing life. GR and I let my dad shoot all day and we filmed until he was ready to take a break for a bit. Next drift the school came by and I stoned one, reached the surface and yelled for dad to get in the water, strung the first one, reloaded, stoned another one, strung him, reloaded and had the third within 3 minutes. The boat was only about 150 yards away and it happened so fast I don't think the wahoo, me or anyone else really believed it when I handed the gun and 150 lbs of fish into the boat. What a blur. This same day GR shot a big one and stoned it but it fell off the shaft. While he was reloaded we drifted over the fish which was laying on the bottom at 100 ft. GR dives down and grabs it in the gills and it instantly comes to life and like a striped underwater scooter, shot him to the surface so fast I could almost hear him laughing underwater and his eyes were bugging out of his head it was so hilarious.

 

I think it was the Saint Pete Open that was coming up the next day and I couldn't get anyone that wanted to dive it with me. The day before I went out and took pictures and video of each of the fish that I wanted to shoot and sent them to a few of my friends trying to convince them to do the tourney with me. This is a 15 lb Mangrove Snapper. We took 1st and 2nd Place in the Tournament. Nole Karcher couldn't handle seeing this one and made the drive to the east coast...

I think it was the Saint Pete Open that was coming up the next day and I couldn't get anyone that wanted to dive it with me. The day before I went out and took pictures and video of each of the fish that I wanted to shoot and sent them to a few of my friends trying to convince them to do the tourney with me. This is a 15 lb Mangrove Snapper. We took 1st and 2nd Place in the Tournament. Nole Karcher couldn't handle seeing this one and made the drive to the east coast...This Amberjack was the same day that Steve blacked out and I ended up shooting him. In all that day I shot an 85 and 105lb Amberjack and Steve Bennet who was around 165. One of the best and worst days of my life.

Craig and the Tiger Shark. This was a gnarly day as you can imagine. I spent most of it in the boat so DJ and Ryan could get some time in the water spearing. This is the only pic we have with both me and the Tiger shark in the same frame. If you look really closely you can see a little white speck over craigs shoulder. That is me, swimming with a beer in my hand, no fins on, chasing the boat which is drifting close by.

Craig and the Tiger Shark. This was a gnarly day as you can imagine. I spent most of it in the boat so DJ and Ryan could get some time in the water spearing. This is the only pic we have with both me and the Tiger shark in the same frame. If you look really closely you can see a little white speck over craigs shoulder. That is me, swimming with a beer in my hand, no fins on, chasing the boat which is drifting close by.

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August 31, 2009 · Filed under Photos, Spearfishing Tales, Spearfishing Travel