The madness that is the kubota classic unleashed comes around every year in March and is only open to those previously entered. Its not hard to find purpose after medicine when such challenges exist.
The Kubota Classic Unleashed: after all the prep, the anticipation, and the gear checks, it started—as these things often do—in a pub. The captain’s briefing was held at the local watering hole, and we were nearly denied entry. Apparently, our crew tipped the balance—too many blokes in singlets swilling beer. Eventually let in, we were met by a sea of the wild, unshaven brotherhhood of the sea and a few brave women, already deep into unsponsored hydration.
The briefing? Classic. No fighting, no blocking the radio with inane chatter, and definitely no cheating. Oh, and make sure your wind-ons and leaders are compliant—DQ (that’s disqualification) is always lurking.
We declined the shotgun start—imagine 475 boats launching at once, the ocean suddenly a giant washing machine of diesel and foam. Instead, we cruised out, collected our livebaits, and stuck close. Good call: early on, we hooked and landed a massive kingfish. Spirits were high—we thought we had a comp winner. The Kubota Classic unleashed had begun.
At weigh-in, we were leaders. For a while.
Overnight in Opito Bay, then slow trolled out to Red Mercury. The radio crackled with “hookups” all day (no mermaids, just fish). It’s a funny thing—the prizes for ladies are big, but 90% of the crews are still blokes. On Day 2, we got word: our kingie had been beaten by half a kilo. Classic heartbreak.
More trolling. More dragging plastic. More waiting.
And then—yellowfin.
Not the trophy fish, but damn tasty. Sashimi on deck, beers in hand, and a blood-smeared deck to show for it. The weather held, the company was solid, and the banter top tier.
They call it the biggest game fishing tournament in the world. With 475 boats on the water, it certainly felt like it.
And we may be back, and may not. It’s too big now.
If you enjoyed this and enjoy the sea, then feel free to look at my sea mammal photos .
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