LIKE FATHER LIKE SON

Tuna Fishing in Nova Scotia

By Ben Kruger, Senior

(Originally published in the January 2026 issue of SKI-BOAT magazine)

THERE are few adventures more special than those shared between a father and son, and for me this one was destined to be unforgettable.

Having fished for giant bluefin tuna in Nova Scotia on a previous occasion with my loyal fishing companion, Richard Green, I was thrilled to be returning once again. But this trip held something extra special because my son, Ben Junior, would be joining me at the legendary fishing grounds of Ballantyne’s Cove, Nova Scotia, alongside the legendary Captain Michael Tait and his trusted deckhand, Steven Clapperton.

The trip was planned for 5 to 9 October 2025, but it almost didn’t happen for Ben Junior, who had been selected to play for the Blue Bulls interprovincial tournament during the same week. The call of the ocean, however, was stronger than the call of the rugby field, and soon enough, after a gruelling two-day journey and three flights halfway around the world, the three of us arrived at Ballantyne’s Cove, ready to begin our long-awaited adventure.

STRAIGHT INTO ACTION

At 5:15 a.m. on our first day, the crew gathered on deck. Spirits high and eyes on the horizon, we discussed the week’s fishing plan. The mission was simple: find the big ladies.

Richard Green was up first and wasted no time hooking into an impressive 700–800 lb tuna that morning. After a thrilling fight, the fish was successfully tagged and released – a fantastic start and a priceless opportunity for Ben Junior to observe from the fighting chair, knowing he was up next.

Later that afternoon, Ben Junior had his first strike, but, heartbreakingly, the hook pulled after a few minutes. But fortune wasn’t done testing him yet. Just before lines in he had another strike. He fought bravely for half an hour before the hook again gave way.

Though disappointed, Ben Junior had proven his strength and composure under pressure. Captain Mike was confident: the next day’s booked harvest fish would be Ben Junior’s.

THE HARVEST FISH

We had another early start at 5:15 a.m., and anticipation was thick in the salty air.

The rules were simple: everything on deck was recorded, and the first fish on the line would be the harvest fish, whether it weighed 200- or 1 000 lb.

Just after 10 a.m., the action began. The reel screamed to life, and the battle was on. For 40 relentless minutes, Ben Junior fought with everything he had, hands blistered and forearms burning, until at last, the fish was secured.

The slow two-hour troll back to harbour felt almost ceremonial. When the fish was finally weighed, the scale read 277.5kg (611.78 lb) – a spectacular achievement for the 13-year-old angler.

REDEMPTION AND REWARD

By 5:15 a.m. the next day, we were back on the water, excitement renewed. It turned into a magnificent day.

I landed and released a beautiful 500–550 lb tuna, while Ben Junior’s first fish of the day slipped away after the leader line was shaved clean.

Determined, he tried again, and this time his persistence paid off. His second fight of the day ended in victory: a 650–700 lb tuna tagged and released. Father and son both had fish to their names – the trip was shaping up perfectly.

THE FINAL PUSH

Unfortunately day four was a big blowout and no boats were on the water.

On our fifth day, the morning sea was still restless, delaying our departure until 2 p.m.

Spirits and expectations were high, but the first few hours dragged with no action. As darkness began to fall, we had our first hook-up for the day … only for the hook to pull once again.

At 6:30 p.m., with hope fading fast, the crew pressed on. Then – another strike.

For 45 long minutes, Ben Junior battled fiercely before heartbreak struck again: the leader line shaved clean for the second time that trip.

Time was running out. But fate had one last surprise.

The Tiagra 130 screamed to life a third time, the live mackerel bait taken by what would be the fish of the day.

Knowing this was his final chance, Ben Junior gave it everything. For an hour and ten minutes, he fought, burning hands and more blisters until, at last, an estimated 800 lb tuna was tagged and released.

It was the perfect ending. As the boat made its way back to harbour, the crew was alive with joy and pride.

My thanks again for another memorable experience on the Rough Rider with an exceptional crew. Here’s to chasing dreams and catching giants! Like father, like son.