Marlin pics ?

[finding_time]

Just though i would post a thread on the subject and let others add there thoughts as there has been a bit of argy-bargy in some of the offshore reports!


As you would know the run of marlin this year is incredible , most boats that troll for any period over a day will see at least one marlin brought to the boat. Once at the boat the alot can be done for the fishes healthy release if that's your intention. Here's what we do

Once the fish is along side and we have grabbed the bill with gloves and held it firmly enough to stop the fish belting if self against the boat we keep the boat moving forward to allow a constant flow of water over the gills ( dont allow the fish to hit the prop ) Now any photo's we take are with the fish in the water i know it tempting to lift them out , and i have done this in the past aswell but once you have a shot like this of say your first do you really need one of every fish? Marlin are covered in a slimy covering and your really just removing this with your hand, shirt, side of the boat when you do it If you do lift them you will notice that they twist and squirm into every imaginable position, try and support them as much as possible and 2 people lifting is definately better than one Once out of the water get the shot quickly it's to late to get the camera from the cabin,start changing the boats position the get the sun at a better angle or letting every angler on the boat have his/her shot with the fish!And make sure you get the fish back into the water asap and againg swim it till it kicks . Swimming may take 2 mins or 20 min but if it's released properly the sat tagging program tells us the it's chances of living to fight another day are excellent!

Anyway that's just my thoughts on the subject i'm sure other will add there's


Merry Xmas

Ian

[kokomo]

i agree
wake up you lot...

[JustOneMore]

Thanks Ian,

Can you explain the benefits of using a bill rope once you have the marlin beside the boat and fishing solo? Have read about using one, don't know or undersatnd how to use one correctly.