On Sunday 27th November 2011, Phillip Marx and I launched his 21ft Yeld “Stephe” off Sodwana. Phillip had a few friends from Russia visiting him for a few days and so decided to take them for a day’s marlin fishing. The weather could not be more perfect. There was not a swell in the bay and I am sure we could have reversed through! Just passed the backline, Phil and I put out 5 lines with a variety of lures. The flat sea gave them an amazing action and we were sure something was going to happen.
We trolled around for a while and came across a pat
ch of flying fish and skipjack tuna. We worked the area for a bit but only had a big dorado charge the left short before fading away. After the bait went down, we headed deeper and at 600m, the left long lure was eaten. I just saw a splash and silver flank as the fish turned. The fish slowly took line and after the other lines were clear, Phil slowed down. Both of us assumed it was a dorado or wahoo but as it came closer, we saw it was a shortbill spearfish! Classic! I lifted it out of the water for a few quick photos then tagged and released the beautiful fish.
ch of flying fish and skipjack tuna. We worked the area for a bit but only had a big dorado charge the left short before fading away. After the bait went down, we headed deeper and at 600m, the left long lure was eaten. I just saw a splash and silver flank as the fish turned. The fish slowly took line and after the other lines were clear, Phil slowed down. Both of us assumed it was a dorado or wahoo but as it came closer, we saw it was a shortbill spearfish! Classic! I lifted it out of the water for a few quick photos then tagged and released the beautiful fish.Trolling continued and at about 11am, the centre rigger with the Baby Blue lure popped. Immediately Phillip and I started clearing lines and as we looked back, a huge blue marlin stuck its head and shoulders out the water. The reel ran for a few seconds then stopped as the hooks pulled! Unlucky! It was the biggest marlin that Phillip or I had ever seen. One of those that will haunt you for a long long time. We worked the area for an hour or so but only produced a dorado of 10kg or so. The Russians were feeling a bit queasy and so we trolled to the point. In 50m, the centre rigger popped and the reel smoked off. A +-90kg marlin jumped out the back as we frantically cleared the lines. The angler was settled in the chair with the fish still slowly pulling line when for no reason, the hooks fell out! Guess it was just not our lucky day.
Thanks to Phillip for a great day. I will remember it for years to come.
