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TOPKAYAKER.NET'S FISHING & DIVING SERIES
DVD
Review: Bluewater Jon and the Giant Tuna
Bluewater Jon and the Giant Tuna is a film about Jon Schwartz and his zany adventures kayak fishing off the Kona Coast in Hawaii. Jon Schwartz is a 2nd grade school teacher from California, and it shows in a fun and friendly way that is engaging, entertaining and short enough to fill a classroom period.
Jon’s fishing style in this film is largely what he calls “mother ship” kayak fishing, where a charter fishing boat takes him and his kayak to the deep blue off shore waters where the large fish are. He launches his kayak off the boat and seeks to hook up with a fish like a marlin. Parts of the film also depict inshore kayak fishing without the mother ship.
The Video quality of the DVD is very good, apparently good enough for TV. There are some excellent graphics illustrating the underwater topography of the Hawaiian island chain. Jon’s delivery is “educational” when it comes to fish species and the marine environment, in his schoolteacher voice. He demonstrates an impressive handle of the Hawaiian fish names, and a good understanding of the types of fish. Some of the other fish graphics are not as impressive, but help to instruct the viewer on what they are about to see.
You will not learn any thing about kayaking in this video, except maybe what NOT to do, and he is very clear about that, even warning the viewer not try any thing they have seen him do. (But I know some of you will anyway.) I have to hand it to him that he had the guts to show his dismal failure of deep-water re-entry onto his sit-on-top kayak. A 1st look at the cover may make you think it is a macho hero story, but this humble scene and the general vibe is anything but. You will however learn a little about fishing poles used for large fish, in particular the custom super short fish rods and why they are used.
While this video is geared to an adult audience it will also be entertaining for children. Jon’s schoolteacher delivery and focus on fun will keep them entertained. (Note: there are some bloody scenes, but not really gory, that some sensitive kids may not appreciate.)
Jon keeps the pace going and the excitement up through out the film. Yes, it does seem a bit campy, but the video is all in all very entertaining. He catches lots of big fish, ulua, marlin and others. There are some Nantucket sleigh rides where his kayak is pulled by fish. I would have to say that ‘Bluewater Jon and the Giant Tuna’ is kind of like Red Green meets Dennis Spike. One quote from Jon in the movie that stands out to me is: “I don’t care how weird it is, just film it!”
The first part of the DVD, the Kona adventures, shows a very good tribute to the friendly Hawaii people. Not that this DVD is about the Hawaiian people, but it is about his overall Hawaiian experience, as a visitor with the people he meets, works with on the charter boat, at the docks, at the hotel and the local kayak fishing people.
There are several bonus chapters showing kayak-fishing trips in California and Baja with great segments of jumping mahi mahi, landing California yellow tail tuna and other fun and interesting places and fish.
‘Bluewater Jon and the Giant Tuna’ is overall fun. Yes, it gets a little silly, even pokes fun at itself, but the entertainment value is high, film quality good and you may learn a little bit about the ocean.
You can buy
Jon's DVD in our shop through our Amazon.com
link or direct from Bluewater
Jon.
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