Fisherman Loses Tuna to Bold Sea Lion

Remember the schoolyard scenarios where someone might, well, “borrow” another kid’s lunch? That’s pretty much what happened recently, but in a much more aquatic setting.

A video has surfaced online of a fisherman celebrating what seems to be his first catch—a hefty yellowfin tuna. But, just as he was relishing the moment, a large sea lion had other ideas.

As the angler strikes a pose with his catch beside the boat, this clever marine mammal suddenly appears from below and heads straight for the tuna. The fisherman did everything he could to hang onto his prize. Ultimately, though, he had no choice but to let it go.

With a resigned toss, he threw the fish to the sea lion.

It’s quite a sight, really, especially when you’re watching it unfold from the comfort of your couch. It would be a bit less amusing, I think, if you were the one who’d spent hours hoping to land a beautiful fish—only for a giant sea lion to come in and take it away.

Interestingly, this behavior is rather common among these animals.

Wildlife experts refer to this act of theft, when marine mammals snatch fish directly from anglers or their gear, as “predation.” Sea lions are especially ingenious and can quickly learn to associate fishing boats with an easy meal.

In certain spots, they’ve become so adept at snagging fish that fishermen can almost predict their arrivals, anticipating a free lunch.

From the looks of it, this particular sea lion has likely pulled off similar heists before.

On the bright side, the fisherman can still claim he caught his very first yellowfin tuna. The downside? It won’t be making its way to his dinner table.