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Could not pass up a nice weather window Friday and Saturday so did an overnighter on the Norfolk Canyon. Crewed up with Wally, Mike Kim, Doug, Fletcher. Nice having some buddy boats out there, Day Tripper and White Eagle.
Set the spread out at Waynes World as there were some good bait marks. No hits until we get to the canyon then a couple of bailer mahi. On the south wall, a huge explose as a blue marlin commits suicide on the starboard long. The beast tail walks across the spread to the port side wrapping 3 other lines. I look up and think this is going to be over quick. But the crew unscrews things quickly and Fletcher settles in for an hour long battle. The blue takes almost the whole spool but I chase him down and get some line back. Long battle of give and take and the only way Fletcher can get line is if I chase the fish or back down. Finally get him boat side for a nice release. The guys spend some time reviving him and he swims away strong.
Have no idea on estimating size but I'll guess 300 to 350 lbs. Maybe someone can tell from the pics.
To our amazement, the swivel had straighten out and was hanging on by the end clip. Fletcher is going to save this swivel for a necklace just to so he can tell this story.
Here are the pics from the blue fight.
During the blue fight, a nice gaffer jumps a line and box another mahi. Troll more looking for bait and marks but not a lot of bait anywhere and no tuna marks anywhere. We setup on the NE corner of the canyon to a beautiful sunset.
Brought the sword gear but also wanted to try tuna chunking. Put the swords rigs deep and put them on floats a little away from the boat. Then we chunk butterfish (also hang a chum bag over the side) and have 2 lines with butters on them on 60 lb floro. Labrador current is still running hard and despite no wind and flat seas, we are still drifing south at almost a knot.
Not long and we have a small mako on and he airs out 20 feet in the air and everyone in the cockpit takes a step back hoping the mako does not land in the cockpit. But it's a short battle with 60 lb leaders so we decide to switch them over to wire. Another mako hits and we get him to the boat but he is iffy on size so release him. 3rd mako hits and he is a keeper so I break out my virgin harpoon that I've said I'm going to stick something even if it's a chicken mahi. Get him right in the head and solid stick so we are able to control and finally subdue him before boating him. Measured out to 64 inches....fresh mako for us. dancedance Gut him and stash him in a canyon bag packed with ice. Another mako hits later and release him. Late at night the dog shift looses a mako making this 3 for 5.
No swords hits during the night but 3 for 5 on the makos is not a bad night.
Put the trolling spread back out at sunrise and get some nice gaffers off the flyers.
While we are messing with the mahi another small mako hits the spreader bar making this 4 for 6 on the makos. Amazing number of makos on the NE corner of the canyon.
Do some deep dropping but don't light the world on fire but do manage 5 nice sized bluelines up to 12 lbs and a box of rosies.
I think we grabbed the whitey flag but the boys argure with me that that is the blue flag. What the hell do I know as this was my first blue marlin on my boat. Congrats to Fletcher and my crew for all working together to get that marlin and all those makos to the boat.
Great trip but where the heck are the tuna.
Final tally:
Blue Marlin release
4 for 6 makos (kept 1 at 64 inches)
13 mahi (mix of gaffer and bailers)
5 bluelines
bunch of rosies
1 hake
Mike
Hydrasport 2900VX
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