Aussie ticks one off on bucket list

By Elizabeth Ah-Hi 23 April 2018, 12:00AM

Anything can happen in a fishing tournament.

Which is exactly what unfolded for the crew of Free Spirit, whose Angler, Ian Buck, secured the catch of the day with his 53.8kg Yellow fish tuna on Friday.

It was the last day of the S.I.G.F.A tournament. 

Team Free Spirit got off to a slow start earlier in the week but finished off with a big bang.

“It was a pretty quiet start, but we kept saying we’ll start slowly then finish off with a bang,” said Mr. Buck. 

“Today we were trawling out on the depths, I think it was 200 metres between Upolu and Savaii. 

“We had five lines out and then suddenly one shot off. So I let it run, and it ran and ran and ran for ages. I had to get the rod out of the holder and they put me in the chair and I was in the chair to do the job.”

Mr. Buck’s team mates got into their supporting positions and coached him through the fighting.

“We had five project managers on the job and one labourer. And I was the libourer,” he laughed. 

“They were coaching and managing me but it was a fantastic team effort.” 

The Australian Angler who resides in Samoa, told the Samoa Observer that this catch was one to tick off the bucket list.

He couldn’t believe his luck that he was the one to reel in the biggest fish of the day.

“It was really, really exciting for me because I’ve been living here for some years now working here and living here. 

“When I first came here I brought my fishing gear with me and it never touched the water. I’ve been trying to go on this fishing trip for about three and a half years now so this time I’ve actually gone out and ticked one off the bucket list.”

Now that he has had a taste of sweet success, Mr .Buck is hooked and says that he will definitely return next year 

 “Ill be here, don’t worry,” he laughed. 

“I love my fishing but this is one type of fishing that I’ve never done before with the large game fishing. Now I can tick this off my bucket list. It’s just so nice to be able to do it in a place I love so much.”

“The camaraderie, friendship is the best thing about this tournament and you do it for fun and sport - catching big fish like is the bonus. It’s been tremendous … it was a nice fish and a great way to finish the tournament.”

By Elizabeth Ah-Hi 23 April 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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