Sydney Marlin

[MuzzaRB]

Hi Raiders,

First time report and I hope it's not to long winded and the attachments works.

Me and a mate heard during the week that marlin a dolphin fish were getting caught off Sydney at about 70 fathoms (about 140 meters) and as usual we got ourselves all excited and decided to head out on Sunday as we have done many times before. Previously when we have done this we end up having a long day for zero and at the end of it you wonder if you will ever get the chance to hook up on one. This day felt a little different from the start. We headed out of Rose Bay at about 5.30 picked up some livies along the way as we weren't sure what we were going to end up doing and headed out toward the Bait Ground for deeper water whilst keeping an eye on the water temp. Once we hit the 120 meter mark and water temp got to mid 23 degrees we put out the skirts and start trolling at between 6-8 knots. Within 15 minutes of so (water temp about 24 degree and depth of 127m) the reel had a little scream and stopped. We weren't sure if it was just the resistance of the water or if we had a strike. We then saw the marlin out back at the reel started screaming. All those times for a zero result but persistence had final given us something. My mate grabbed to rod and I gunned the motor for a bit and then hit neutral. The reel kept screaming as we held on and waited in hope and anticipation. Then the acrobatic air show began.

We witnessed some extraordinary jumps (at least half a dozen or more). We would get some line back only for the fish to take it back time and time again. What a great fight and my mate was doing a great job but I can assure you was feeling it. The fish had managed to go deep and getting it to the surface was the challenge. We kept on manoeuvred the boat and tried to get the fish to the surface which we eventually managed. After about 20 minutes we were close and the fish was on the surface edging closer to the boat. Ok, time to put on the glove and try and remember everything I had seen on the countless TV shows. Grab the leader, keep tension on the line, don't get stabbed by the bill that is thrashing around in front of you. The fish still had some life left in it as it made one last attempt for freedom but with the help of my mate we managed to keep it under some sort of control and alone side the boat. What the fish must have been thinking as it looked up as us with those big dark eyes? Time to get it in the boat.

I have to say this was harder than I would have anticipated. But with great team work and a lot of will we managed to get it aboard whilst being conscious not to damage the fish as much as possible. I must say a few high five's were exchanged and the boat had been christened. We knew we needed to act quickly and as such we took our photos and then it was time to get this beauty back in the water. We both lifted and managed to get her beside the boat and started to help the fish find it bearing and swimming beside the boat. After a few minutes the fish started to kick. We held her in position for a while longer to be sure and then release the fish and watch as she headed for the bottom, probably thinking who the hell are those guys and what the hell just happened.

A few more high fives and the adrenaline started to ease and it started to sink in that we had done it, a Marlin of Sydney and not a pro on board. My mate said, "we have to have a beer after that". I'm not much for drinking that early in the morning but I couldn't have agreed more so a extra dry it was.

Persistence pays..

Edited January 18, 2016 by MuzzaRB

[gundi4]

Well done mate!!!!

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[sharknett]

Congrats on your first but hopefully not last. Great report too.

[NaClH2OK9]

Congratulations guys. That's a top result.

[MV Sunray]

Awesome stuff and congrats on the capture and healthy release [emoji106][emoji106]

[fisholb]

Congrats mate...well done

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[BGPMPN]

First post and it will more than likely be Report of the Month!

Awesome job mate.

[mypeeps99]

Thanks Muz for the motivation. It's my goal to land a Marlin out of Sydney from my boat so glad to hear your hard work has paid off...

Can you, or anyone tell me, do you just go out to a certain depth/distance and troll around with your fingers crossed or is there a specific area to concentrate on?

[Scratchie]

That's a cracking first report. Congrats to you and your mate! A beer taste good at any time but I'm sure that was a special one! Well done

Cheers scratchie!!!

[stevefish]

[quote name="apeople" post="574335" timestamp=

Can you, or anyone tell me, do you just go out to a certain depth/distance and troll around with your fingers crossed or is there a specific area to concentrate on?

It's about putting the puzzle together,previous info, looking for currents, temp breaks, radio chatter, birds and MOST importantly bait!

Then reacting to the information you can gather to find the best area.

[JohnDory]

Very nice read Muz

Job well done

Your turn next

JD

[chevvyy]

Great read !!! Congrats on a most epic adventure

[finin]

PMSL, typical first marlin report, loaded with adrenalin and lost words, ive actually just slipped off the lounge laughing... beer dont help.

Congrats on your first, and a look at the eye. The eye? did it follow you.. looking into the eye did you feel it? I always said I would take my first marlin, but the eye. Couldnt do it. Have only in 20 odd yrs taken 1 marlin for a feed. Now you know the reason why! Nice fish around 70kg

[MuzzaRB]

Thanks for the kind words Raiders.

Apeople not sure I can add much more than what Stevefish has already mentioned. We did most of what he mentioned and got a tip from a person that has caught a few before to head out on the path toward the Bait Ground looking for mid 23 degrees at about 70 fathoms. The rest to a certain extent was blind luck and good timing.

Cheers and good luck mate I hope your post is next.

PS. The beer was awesome

Edited January 18, 2016 by MuzzaRB

[MuzzaRB]

Thanks Finin and your spot on about the eye.

[australianslug]

Awesome effort and no doubt one of the most memorable days on the water for you guys!

[W4z]

That's awesome mate congratulations! What a feeling it must have been

[barc]

Great job , a day you'll never forget .

[mrsswordfisherman]

Well done - shame you cut your head out of the pic though! Nothing beats the smile on the angler on their first marlin

I remember I was shaking for 10 mins after the adrenalin rush!

Would have been a great entry for Catch of the Month if the required items were somewhere nearby

[zen801]

Well done mate. I know the feeling as much the same happened to us on the 10th in 90 fathoms. Its a great feeling after all the hard work to succeed at a catch and release. We are going back for more on Thursday east of Long Reef.

[MuzzaRB]

Zenman, wish you all the best. We will be out again on the weekend.

Thanks to all others who have commented.

[Scent Blazer Lures]

well done, very nice!