Mate on the boat grabbed the line

[rrenn2wren]

I am new to off shore fishing. My wife and I were in Mazatlan two weeks ago and she had a 300 plus pound blue marlin on the line. My question is the mate on the boat started to help her bring the marlin in by pulling on the line. Is this usual? Thank you

[Robja]

First off welcome aboard. When the mate grabs the leader it is considered a caught fish. Alot of mates still bring fish on board for photo ops.

[FESS]

if it was just a charter situation and not a tournament....to some it's not too unusual.....i think u mean he grabbed line between reel and first guide and or off rod tip to aid her reeling it in if she was having trouble etc....maybe not too bad an infraction...as long as not a tourney etc....

[jkelly]

You see mates do this when the fight is at somewhat of a stalemate to assist the angler in getting some line back. when the angler isn't very experienced or if the fight is prolonged is usually when this happens. Leadering the fish is a different situation. The goal is to get the leader asap to release a healthy fish. Charters want to put you on fish and get you some pullage, I don't particularly think they care to fight a fish for a long period of time unless it's a big tuna or meat fish.

[The Codfather]

When I charter a boat, I make it very clear to the mates that if they touch the line or rod at any time in the fight I will set the rod down and clock them across the jaw.

But if someone on the rod is an inexperience tourist and they ask for help, well thats their job. But the mates should ask first before touching the rod or line.

[kapnd]

When I charter a boat, I make it very clear to the mates that if they touch the line or rod at any time in the fight I will set the rod down and clock them across the jaw.

As a deckhand, if you were to speak to me like that at any time during a charter, I would make damn sure that you had a miserable day and caught no fish at all.
Surely you can find a way to be more eloquent and still make your point without the terroristic threatening.
The original poster spelled out the situation, and I've seen it hundreds of times.
Many, maybe even most charter customers in tourist destinations are horribly incompetent fishermen.
If you show any competence at all on the rod, you have nothing to worry about, so skip the ugly and have a nice day, and let your hardworking crew do the same.

[mozza]

I am new to off shore fishing. My wife and I were in Mazatlan two weeks ago and she had a 300 plus pound blue marlin on the line. My question is the mate on the boat started to help her bring the marlin in by pulling on the line. Is this usual? Thank you

Mexican Jungle rules.

[whalebreath]

The reel question is

"Was the fish released alive"?

[d-a]

As a deckhand, if you were to speak to me like that at any time during a charter, I would make damn sure that you had a miserable day and caught no fish at all.
Surely you can find a way to be more eloquent and still make your point without the terroristic threatening.
The original poster spelled out the situation, and I've seen it hundreds of times.
Many, maybe even most charter customers in tourist destinations are horribly incompetent fishermen.
If you show any competence at all on the rod, you have nothing to worry about, so skip the ugly and have a nice day, and let your hardworking crew do the same.

Now what boat do you work on? I want to make sure i don't ever charter it. A public servant with a poor attitude; that will last long

d-a

[WAHOONBOX]

When I charter a boat, I make it very clear to the mates that if they touch the line or rod at any time in the fight I will set the rod down and clock them across the jaw.

.

BAD IDEA....BAD BAD IDEA .