The big 245# tuna was caught at Clipperton Island in April 2004. I was using a Calstar GF 7460 H rod and an Accurate TDR 50W reel. The line was Cuda Ultraline with Izorline 135# Spectra backing. The leader was 200# Izorline and a rusty Mustad 7731 Sea Demon hook tipped with a live Rainbow Runner for bait. The fish was caught at sundown after hooking 5 sharks. I won 1st place in the jackpot and this was the first time I won a JP on a long range trip. It was also the first time I caught a tuna over 200# and the first time I caught 2 tuna over 200# on a trip. All three of my big fish (245#, 206#, and 177#) were caught on the same rig.

Alex Masumoto
The Rusty Hook