Through the eyes of a fisherman, let’s understand the challenges of catching a valuable bluefin tuna:

On average, it takes more than two hours for the fish to approach the surface after being hooked. The fishing line can rub against the boat’s hull or propeller, and if it breaks, there must be synchrony between the captain and the crew to avoid this.

The adrenaline surges when the fishing line is pulled at full speed, but it’s crucial to control the euphoria to avoid losing the fish. When a bluefin tuna approaches the boat, the second and most delicate phase begins.

The fish must be harpooned carefully, aiming for its back to avoid hitting the large blood vessels, which would be detrimental to the catch’s value. Once this is done, the tuna’s tail is tied to a metal guide between its mouth and gills, while the fisherman controls the tuna’s head.

All of this must be accomplished while the fish struggles in the water at the edge of the boat. The fisherman must locate the animal and try to subdue it while it’s still alive.

During the struggle, the tuna’s blood temperature must be maintained at around 10 degrees Celsius, requiring another two hours of sailing with the fish swimming alongside. If the fish dies without its body temperature dropping below 20 degrees, the bluefin tuna’s value will significantly decrease, as the flesh will turn dark and develop an unpleasant taste.

Every detail is crucial in this challenging process!