Fishing
We troll at a speed of approximately 6 to 8 knots depending on sea conditions using classic lures (Williamson, Zucker's, Mold Craft, Black Bart, Marlin Star Tomahawk) or with locally produced fly lures. We essentially practice the "bait-and-switch" technique which consists of attracting the fish to the boat with unarmed lures. Once the fish is lured, it is presented with an armed bait (dead or live) while gently removing the unarmed lures. This technique requires finesse but also very good team coordination so that in the end the marlin strikes the armed bait. Guaranteed thrills!
The leader is made of 100 to 120/100 lb nylon with a length of approximately 4m. The lines arranged from 10 to 25 m at the rear of the boat are 2 to 5 in number depending on the fishing conditions.
Teasers, squid chains – excite bird – mini bird, are also trolled on the outriggers to imitate the movement of forage fish and attract marlin in the wake of the boat.
We also fly fish with 14-lb silk line and rods using a teasing method with unarmed lures and eel tail, in compliance with IGFA rules.
The way in which marlin approach the boat is extremely visual and constitutes a moment of great intensity in this fishing. Hooking is tricky and quick stalls are quite common. A properly hooked fish very quickly takes a hundred meters of line before beginning its spectacular acrobatics. On thin line, the average duration of a fight is around 25 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of help provided by the skipper through boat maneuvers.
For marlin, we systematically practice proper catch and release after unhooking. Good re-oxygenation guarantees 100% survival.
Only the dolphinfish (mahi mahi) are kept, as they are particularly delicious to eat, as well as the skipjack (bonito).
The average marlin catch weight is about 40 kg; double strikes are quite common.
Departure from the port is at 7:30 a.m.; return at 5:30 p.m. The fishing starts about 9 to 10 miles from the coast.
