Just how big do they get! The yellowfin tuna, that is.We think that they are big when they top 100 pounds here and, even then, there aren’t all that many of that sort of size caught here in any given year. Most of us make do with nice fish in the 60 to 80-pound range and are quite pleased with ourselves when we do manage to catch one. To be sure, the world records are only in danger form Bermuda fish when the tackle is light or ultra-light.Recently in the news was the fact that a 405-pounder was on the verge of displacing the long-standing record of 388 pounds. Following hard on the heels of that catch was another new potential record at 427 pounds, more than 10 percent larger than the existing record.Now, causing the imagination to boggle is an even larger yellowfin, also caught in Mexican waters, which tipped the scale at 445 pounds! What a whopper! Probably a relief to the angler who has submitted the application for the 427-pounder to the International Game Fish Association for acceptance as the new world mark is the fact that the giant fish was caught on a rod handled by two anglers, thereby disqualifying it form consideration. The real point of this comes down to: just how large does the yellowfin grow?Those interested in just how large this particular fish was might want to note that it was 84 inches long (fish are usually measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail) with a girth of 67 inches. Without a doubt, it must have resembled a barrel, and weighed like a full one.Although the species is found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans with a range that takes in most tropical and many temperate regions, it is in the eastern Pacific that the real giants reside. The biggest fish have all been caught in Mexican waters, even though the actual locations are somewhat removed from the Mexican mainland. It may come as something of a surprise to those who are not geography buffs that Mexico has a number of offshore islands that extend its jurisdiction rather farther out into the Pacific than one might at first think.These particular islands and some of the banks associated with them are favourite fishing grounds for some of the long-range boats that operate out of southern California, USA, notably San Diego.Unlike normal charter boats, these fishing boats more resemble mini-cruise ships with accommodations for anglers where they can grab 40 winks on the run to the preferred fishing spots. There is a dining room where hot meals are served to the hungry anglers and there are other facilities such as a tackle shop and other distractions to occupy one while the boat is in cruise mode.When the fish are located, various forms of madness occur on deck as anglers use stand-up tackle, often heavy gear, to try to catch large yellowfins, wahoo, dolphin and whatever else they encounter. There are plenty of storage facilities for icing down the catch so that it will be nice and fresh when the happy angler returns to the dock.Trips normally last three to five days, so it really is a bit of an excursion. One thing for sure, those boats definitely go where the biggest yellowfins live and can be caught. Still, the question remains, just how big do they get? Is 500 pounds outlandish?May be one day, we will find out, but, for now, we can confine our epic battles to the smaller versions that routinely appear here and which are currently inhabiting the waters around the Banks and, presumably, portions of Bermuda’s Edge.Other than a few reports of the odd wahoo here and there, the only substantive angling information pertains to the tuna offshore. The tide conditions seem to be variable and, given the time of year, it is unlikely that anyone is going to put in too much effort to establish a chum slick that can be worked over a number of days. Most will be looking for an easy drift, the rapid appearance of two or three willing fish followed by a quick hook up with the fish being introduced to the fish box inside of about fifteen minutes’ time. That is just about what anyone could want, but there won’t be too many anglers doing much of that for the next couple of weeks.Bottom bouncing is the other option, but this takes time and you have to be content with lots of small fish — coneys and barbers, for the most part. Still, if the object of the exercise is to secure some fresh white fillets, then that is a good way to go.To be fair, fishing is just about only on the minds of those who fish for a living and even then, it is the lobsters that have caught their imagination. This means minimal fuel and time outlay and probably close to maximum financial return. A ready market at this time of the year when extravagance is the norm before the onset of parsimony early in the New Year.With the focus on gifts and celebrations, would-be anglers will be indulging in land-based enterprises for the next two weeks and the fish will get a bit of a rest while many go mad from the trails and tribulations of shopping for the perfect gift.Those desperate for a stocking stuffer for an angler might like to know that the 2012 IGFA World Record Game Fishes book has been released for sale to the general public. This book is normally restricted to IGFA representatives and members worldwide. It is quite useful as it contains all the recognised world records; be they on fly rod, by juniors or in any other category.There are also sections on the rules and regulations that apply to sport fishing and copies of the applications used for the various records or other accolades that IGFA can bestow. Also useful is a section that describes just about every game species that you can image and gives some primary information on each.In addition, there are a number of articles on fishing all over the globe, both in salt and fresh water. Naturally there are lots of ads, some of which are actually of interest to the fishing fraternity. The book is available on-line from AMAZON.com for $7.99 plus shipping. It is updated annually, so has the potential to be a regular part of someone’s Christmas package. “Hooked” in a word, even if it doesn’t exactly involve Tight lines!!!