American Hunting: Starting with Solitary Life in the Wilderness

Chapter 362 Live Broadcast of Sea Fishing Competition
When Lin Yu'an was awakened by his biological clock again, it was still pitch black outside the porthole.

He glanced at the time; it was 5:30 a.m., half an hour before Mike's shift ended.

The cabin was quiet, with only the rhythmic "whoosh" of the hull cutting through the water, like a steady heartbeat.

He didn't linger on that moment of warmth, quickly got up, and changed into some light sportswear.

As he carried two steaming cups of coffee onto the deck, he saw Captain Mack standing alone behind the helm, his figure as resolute as a figurehead.

On the eastern horizon, a barely perceptible pale white had already appeared, intertwining with the countless stars to create a magical hue of dawn.

"Good morning, Captain." Lin Yu'an handed him one of the cups of coffee.

Mike turned around, saw it was him, and gave him a knowing smile. He took the coffee. "I knew you wouldn't sleep long. How was it? First time spending the night at sea, how was it?"

“It’s very quiet, more comfortable than the bed in any five-star hotel on land,” Lin Yu’an replied, his gaze passing over Mike’s shoulder and landing on the ocean that was about to awaken.

"Ha! I hope that when you encounter a three-day, three-night stretch of gale-force winds, with everything in the cabin flying around and you having to strap yourself to your bed to sleep, you'll still remember what you said." Mike took a sip of his scalding coffee and teased him with the air of someone who'd been there.

He put down his coffee cup, picked up the binoculars hanging around his neck, and carefully scanned the distant sea. "But you've woken up at just the right time." There was a hint of hunter's excitement in his voice. "Look, that spot."

Lin Yu'an looked in the direction he pointed and saw a flock of seabirds circling low over the sea in the dim morning light. Occasionally, they would swoop down like fighter jets, stirring up a small splash of water.

“Beneath the flock of birds, there must be a school of baitfish.” Mike lowered his voice, as if afraid of disturbing the prey in the distance. “And where baitfish gather, there are usually big ones hiding. They are having breakfast, and our opportunity has come.”

“I agree.” The same light shone in Lin Yu’an’s eyes. He not only saw the flock of birds, but also deduced from the unusual ripples on the water that a silent hunt was taking place below.

The two looked at each other and smiled, saying nothing.

"I'll go wake Raven up." Mike was about to press the call button.

Just then, Raven's voice came from the cabin door. She was wearing a tight-fitting sports vest and shorts, doing pre-battle stretches, and was full of youthful energy.

Good morning, gentlemen. It seems I've missed some interesting discoveries?

“No, sweetheart, you’ve come at just the right time!” Mike excitedly slapped the steering wheel. “The hunt is on!”

Lin Yu'an then walked to the stern, took out his live streaming equipment, skillfully set it up, and fixed a wide-angle lens in a position that could overlook the entire aft deck.

Then he pressed the start button, and this time he only chose to live stream on Douyin (TikTok) in China.

"Good morning, everyone." His voice came through the microphone.

"It's 5:45 a.m. Florida time, and we're on the eastern edge of the Gulf Stream. As you can see, a dawn fishing trip is about to begin."

The moment the live stream started, fans from all over China flocked to it.

It was dusk in China, and many people had just finished a day's work or study. When they saw the first glimmer of light appearing on the dark sea surface on the screen, and the hunting atmosphere that seemed to be brewing a storm, everyone's attention was instantly drawn.

[Holy crap! A surprise live stream! The timing is perfect, I love it!]

[They started before it even got dark? What big operation are they planning?]

[Who are those two behind the anchor? Oh, they're Captain Mike and Coach Raven! The atmosphere team is ready!]

Captain Mike waved at the camera, seemingly enjoying the attention. "Lin, go show us your arsenal and let everyone have a look!"

Lin Yu'an opened the box full of weapons and took out the three sets of top-of-the-line fishing gear one by one.

When the golden PENN, the silver Accurate, and the monstrous Shimano Tiagra were placed side by side on the pole stand at the stern of the boat, the live stream chat exploded with comments.

Holy crap! Is this the legendary $10,000 fishing rod?! It's so cool!

[That metallic sheen, that mechanical feel! This isn't just a fishing rod, it's a superb weed-cutting tool!]

Oh no, I, someone who doesn't even fish, am actually tempted...

Raven leaned closer, her fingers gently tracing the cold metal of the Tiagra 130A. "Even though I helped you buy it, setting it up now still feels a bit over the top. Lin, are you sure we're going fishing and not whaling?"

Captain Mike stood to the side with his arms crossed, a complex smile on his face that was both proud and a little "sour".

He looked at the three sets of top-of-the-line gear gleaming in the morning light and said in an exaggerated tone, "Ha! Raven, my sweetheart, you'd better learn from this! Look at Captain Lin's boldness!"

"That old fox Frank has been selling fishing rods for twenty years, and he's never seen such a decisive buyer. Tiagra 130, Accurate's top-of-the-line high-speed reel, Penn's most reliable winch... he's taken all of Frank's prized possessions!"

“Dad, don’t just make sarcastic remarks,” Raven said with a smile as she helped Lin Yu’an adjust the fishing line. “Lin, you’re planning to challenge the Bahamian King Fish. Are you just going to watch from the sidelines? Why don’t you bring out your treasure to compete?”

"A contest? Ha!" Mike exclaimed arrogantly, like a bull whose fighting spirit had been ignited. "I just feel that it's a bit unfair to use my equipment, which is full of soul and stories, to compete against these brand-new 'golden weapons'."

That being said, his actions betrayed him. He turned and went into the cabin, soon emerging with a well-worn-looking canvas carrying bag.

He carefully pulled a fishing rod from his rod bag—a custom-made, somewhat old-fashioned rod with a dark blue body wrapped with hand-tied gold guide lines, and the cork in the handle had developed a warm luster from years of use.

It was paired with a classic silver Penn International 30TW fishing reel, its hull covered with fine scratches left by time, like the medals on a veteran's body.

“See this?” Mike wiped his precious fishing reel with a gesture almost like caressing a lover. “This is real legendary equipment. This rod was handmade by a master craftsman who was about to retire in the Outer Beaches of North Carolina.”

"It was with me when I caught my first bluefin tuna, and it also broke the rod tip during a storm when a huge wave broke it, but it was later repaired."

“It has a soul, unlike these cold, lifeless machines.” He glanced at Lin Yu’an’s three “brand new” sets of weapons, his eyes filled with the pride of an old-school angler.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yu'an not only did not feel offended, but instead showed an appreciative look: "A pole with a story is worthy of respect."

"Yes, the story is respectable! The result isn't that important. But we can add a little prize."

He pointed to the distant sea: "Before we reach Nassau, each person gets a rod, and whoever catches the most fish is today's champion! The loser is responsible for cleaning the deck and handling all the fish tonight! How about it?"

[A competition! Wow, is it this exciting first thing in the morning?]

[The bet is on washing the deck! I bet Captain Mike will win; experience is king!]

I'm betting 50 cents on Lin Shen! I believe in the power of money!

"I'm in! And I'll be the referee too!" Raven responded excitedly immediately.

"It's a deal," Lin Yu'an agreed with a smile.

"Alright, both players, please choose your weapons!" Raven announced.

Mike patted his old buddy without hesitation: "Of course I'll use it. It knows me best."

Lin Yu'an pondered briefly in front of the three brand-new top-tier sets of equipment.

The Tiagra 130 is too overpowered; it's designed for legendary behemoths and might not even be viable in coastal waters. PENN International is powerful, but a bit cumbersome.

Ultimately, he chose the fastest silver Accurate Valiant, saying, "I'll use it; I believe in speed."

“A wise choice.” Mike nodded.

Wow! Captain Mike's gear looks amazing! These are the weapons of a pro!

[A clash between the old and the new! Pay-to-win players versus veteran experts! I love this kind of drama!]

[By the way, did you guys see that? Someone caught a fish using a lollipop?]

[Lollipop fishing? Are they trying to make me laugh to death and then inherit my Alipay Huabei account? Haha! I searched and saw...woc?]

So, Lin Yu'an began setting up his Accurate rod. Opening the jewelry box-like lure box, the dazzling array of "ammunition" drew another gasp of amazement from the viewers in the live stream.

Ultimately, I chose a silver high-speed lure that mimics the flying fish.

Mike, on the other hand, took out a plain-looking, even slightly chipped pink octopus soft bait from his small first-aid kit.

He hooked it on the hook and said with a confident tone, "Sometimes, the simplest is the most deadly. This bait is my lucky bait."

Raven, standing to the side, skillfully prepared a grappling hook, a hook remover, and a sharp knife for bleeding. Like a proper referee, she announced to the camera, "Alright! Both contestants, weapons chosen! The match begins!"

When the first rays of sunlight pierce the sea surface, turning the entire ocean into a magnificent gold.

Two lures, each carrying the weight of victory or defeat, were placed into the water one after the other, leaving two white trails at different distances behind the North Star, like dancing waves on the water's surface.

Sea fishing, officially begins.

The sea at dawn is full of vitality.

They didn't have to wait long. About twenty minutes later, just as Raven was preparing simple breakfast sandwiches for the three of them, the silver fishing rod that Lin Yu'an had chosen suddenly jerked downwards as if it had been struck by an electric current!
Immediately afterward, before anyone could react, the exhaust system inside the fishing vessel emitted a shrill sound like a fighter jet engine accelerating!

“Zzzzzzzzz——!!!” “It’s a fish! It’s Lin! Lin caught it first!” Raven was the first to scream, more excited than anyone else, and almost dropped the sandwich in her hand!
Mike whirled around and saw the fishing reel darting out of the line. He immediately yelled, "It's a Wahoo! Only these fish have that kind of reckless speed!"

"Lin! Hold on! Use your body to feel its every shake, don't let the spool explode!"

[It's here! It's hooked a fish! That sound is so exciting!]

My goodness! That fishing rod is bent so much! It looks like it's going to break!

[I can't take it anymore, it's that "Zzzzzz" sound! That's the sound a man should hear!]

[I think one of the guys in the comments section suddenly went home to check on things while he was fishing.]

Lin Yu'an rushed forward and grabbed the fishing rod that had bent into an unbelievable C-shape!
Almost the instant he gripped the fishing rod, a violent and swift force came from the deep sea, trying to drag him into the water!
He let out a low roar, unleashing the power of his core muscles, his legs firmly planted on the deck like tree roots, while simultaneously pressing the end of the rod handle tightly into the groove of the fish-fighting waist guard around his waist!
"Raven! Slow down! Reduce the speed to 3 knots! At the same time, turn to starboard and keep the boat and the fish at a 45-degree angle!" Mike immediately issued the auxiliary command.

"Roger that!" Raven immediately rushed back to the wheel, furled up part of the foresail, and precisely turned the wheel.

Lin Yu'an was now fully engaged in combat! He could clearly sense that the underwater beast was fleeing at a speed exceeding 40 miles per hour.

The spool of the Accurate fishing reel spun rapidly, the scalding temperature almost evaporating the seawater on it!

Instead of confronting the force head-on, he maintained a lunge stance, using the powerful elasticity of the pole and the flexibility of his own body to continuously absorb the violent impact.

Just like a Tai Chi master, guiding that enormous force capable of snapping a steel cable, he wears down his opponent's stamina through repeated releases and tensions.

"It's turning!" Lin Yu'an shouted loudly, relying on his intuition.

Before the words were even finished, the taut fishing line on the distant sea suddenly drew a sharp arc to the left!

"Five degrees to the left! Follow it!" Mike yelled from the side, his eyes fixed on the fishing line like a seasoned battlefield commander.

Raven executed the instructions precisely, and the North Star, like an elegant bullfighter, always maintained a deadly distance from the unseen "bull."

"It's stopped! It's shaking its head!" Lin Yu'an felt a series of violent vibrations, like an electric drill, coming from all around. "Now!"

Taking advantage of the brief respite after the beast's charge, Lin Yu'an began frantically cranking the fishing reel!
The Accurate fishing reel's high speed ratio of 6:1 was put to full use at this moment, and with each turn, it could retrieve more than a meter of fishing line into the spool!

The silver fishing line shimmered in the morning light, like a lifeline being pulled back.

But the trapped beast underwater was clearly unwilling to surrender. After being pulled within a few dozen meters, it unleashed a second round of frantic charging!

The tug-of-war has begun!

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Lin Yu'an's forehead, but his eyes remained sharp as knives, and his breathing was steady and rhythmic.

Raven watched from the side, and for the first time she saw a different kind of focus in Lin Yu'an—a powerful focus.

He's not the elegant man who discusses life in the dead of night, but a top hunter engaged in a life-or-death struggle with a giant deep-sea creature!
The powerful masculine aura emanating from him made her heart race involuntarily.

So handsome! Look at those muscles! That's what a man should be like!

[Coach Raven's gaze... something feels off to me? (doge)]

[Enough said, just look at that waist strength! Your wife will definitely be satisfied.]

[Soiderr: Husband! Husband! Damn it!]

【? ? ? 】

[What the heck? You just brushed past it and got away with it?]

[No, buddy upstairs, you said your wife would be satisfied with this waist strength, but you meant your older wife?]

[Please call me Lei Feng: I checked the comments and it's been verified, he's a pure bottom.]

After a fierce and protracted struggle lasting more than ten minutes, the giant creature's strength finally began to wane.

"I see it!" Mike shouted excitedly, pointing to the sea not far from the side of the boat. "Get ready to hook it!"

Beneath the clear seawater, a huge, streamlined figure was making its final struggle.

Its body is covered with dark blue tiger stripes, which reflect a metallic luster under the sunlight, like a deep-sea torpedo ready to be launched again at any time.

Lin Yu'an used his last bit of strength, roared, and forcibly pulled the big fish out of the water!

It's now!

Mike timed it perfectly, and his huge grappling hook, like lightning, precisely hooked the mackerel's jaw. Then, with a standard lifting motion, he pulled it onto the swimming platform at the stern of the boat!
"boom!"

With a heavy thud, the "Deep Sea Blue Lightning," which was over 1.5 meters long and weighed well over 50 pounds, twisted and thrashed wildly on the teak deck, generating enough force to break a person's bones.

"We did it!" Raven jumped up excitedly, rushed forward, and gave Lin Yu'an, who was covered in sweat, a big hug. "You won! Lin! You won!"

Mike rushed back to the cabin immediately, retrieved a large, professional electronic handheld scale, and secured the scale hook firmly to the fish's lower jaw. Together with Lin Yu'an, they lifted the still frantically struggling fish off the deck.

The red numbers on the scale jumped wildly before finally stabilizing at an astonishing number!
"Sixty-eight and a half pounds!" Mike shouted the number, his voice filled with disbelief.

"My God! You caught a giant mackerel that weighs almost 70 pounds! Most anglers never encounter a mackerel that big in their entire lives!"

Raven was so excited that her face turned red. She looked at Lin Yu'an with eyes full of admiration: "Lin, you broke our family's 'Polaris' mackerel record! The biggest one my dad caught was only 42 pounds!"

[We won! We won! Lin Shen is awesome! I knew money could make you awesome!]

My goodness! This fish is so beautiful! Its stripes are like a tiger's, shimmering with a metallic sheen in the sunlight!

[This size! I told you it was definitely over 50 pounds! It's about the same size as the 40-pound silver carp and bighead carp I've caught!]

[68.5 pounds? How much does that translate to? Let me do the math... My goodness! That's over 30 kilograms!]

[Damn it! Why isn't there a tangent line?!]

[Exactly! Shouldn't something this huge be detached from the hook and break free?! That's not how the script was written!]

Lin Yu'an was panting heavily; his arms were still sore from fighting the fish.

But looking at the nearly 70-pound mackerel on the deck, full of vitality, I felt an unparalleled sense of satisfaction.

This is the sea he longed for, full of challenges and the most direct rewards!
"Stop staring, hurry!" Lin Yu'an quickly regained her composure and turned to Raven, "Go get the camera! The mackerel's colors fade very quickly, we need to capture it at its most beautiful moment!"

"Roger that!" Raven immediately ran back to the cabin and took out her professional SLR camera.

Lin Yu-an knelt on the deck, carefully controlling the struggling fish while pointing the camera at it.

"Ladies and gentlemen, let me show you up close." He adjusted the angle of the fish so that the morning light shone perfectly on it.

"This is a Spanish mackerel. Do you see its deep blue tiger stripes? When it's alive, these stripes will shimmer with a metallic sheen like neon lights when it's excited. It's very beautiful."

"Once dead, these colors will fade rapidly within minutes, turning back into a dull gray."

Absolutely stunning! This is a masterpiece of nature!

[Hey streamer, take a picture with it! This is definitely a milestone in your fishing career!]

If you say it looks like neon lights, then you've triggered my fury! I'm going to open my browser.

[Da Hua Tian Black Lotus: Husband! You tricked me!]

[Host, what you need right now isn't a photo opportunity, but a moderator position. I am unworthy, but if you, Lord An, would not deign to take me in, I would gladly become your godfather!]

Lin Yu'an happened to see this comment and casually added a moderator to the chat.

【? ? ? 】

[If that's the case, Godfather! Godfather! Godfather! I want one too!]

[The Night Owl: A loyal fan for ten years went unnoticed, but one day his godfather became known to the world.]

Okay, you all-nighter, I'll call you the number one internet celebrity to claim a father figure.

Lin Yu'an didn't continue watching the comments. With Mike's help, Lin Yu'an and Raven took turns holding the heavy fish. When taking photos, Raven subconsciously leaned close to Lin Yu'an, and they took several photos that made them feel very accomplished.

In the photo, Raven's smile is brighter than the Caribbean sun.

(End of this chapter)