Thanks a lot guys, glad you enjoyed it, and appreciate you all taking the time to comment.
Alan, I had that exact issue last season, scrapping a solid Stripey solo for over 2 hours. Did hundreds of circles.... I did as you said at times, powering away from the fish to keep its head out of my propeller, thing was damn near trying to kiss the prop! It continued the circles each and every time it came back close, but it gives a solo angler a short but needed mental break, and keeps the fish working hard. Patience will eventually pay off if you don't chop your own line off lol. That fish got me under the boat many times, so I just had to freespool the line out so it would come back out the back of the boat and under the engine leg!
Luckily this fish only played those games for the last half an hour or so of the fight. It's good fun but not easy to be honest.
The side console and fold away seat is definitely very handy when maneuvering solo.
Alan, I also replied to your PM re rigging.
Cheers