WORLD MARLIN PREVIEW - 2011
Since the dawn of modern sport fishing, the one fish has captured the pulsating feeling of a man vs. nature battle on the open ocean has been the Marlin. Whether the Giant Black Marlin or Grander Blue Marlin, Marlin are present in all tropical and subtropical waters around the planet. In 2010, one of the hot spots was Kona, Hawaii... producing some very impressive Granders. The land down under has always been active with Giant Blacks that leave captains shaking in their deck shoes. Europes Madeira is slowly letting it's cat out of the bag as a contender for massive Marlin of their own.
For 2011 , the Waterman's Journal will take a look at a few of these places that mystify yet produce countless memories for the most hardcore of big game fishermen...
Location: Madeira, Portugal
Just over 350 miles offshore from the northernmost coast of Africa lies one of the truly world renowned hotspots for Monster Marlin. Some of the largest Blue Marlin in the Atlantic hang off Madeira Island, and is no reason why sportfishermen flock from all around the world to take their chances at landing a Grander .
Anibal Fernandes and the crew of the M.Y. Balancal (madeira-marlin.com )have been no stranger to big game fishing, having landed their share of trophy Marlin and thunderous Tuna over the past 20 years! Starting in the months of May and June, the waters off the island begin boiling with Epic Blue Marlin along with a chance at an elusive White Marlin or Spearfish. Along with their stocks of trophy Billfish, there is also a healthy fishery of Big Eye Tuna for anlgers to enjoy on lighter tackle.
Below : Hooked up on a Grander Blue
What makes the waters off Madeira some of the best in the world???
With over 80 miles of beautiful coastline, Madeira Island is well placed in the Atlantic Ocean, and its mountainous uprising from the deep breaks the surface and rises to over 4000'. The climate and water temp is fairly consistent for as far north as Madeira resides. It is no wonder the island is a geographical magnet for many Pelagic species and the prey they seek.
If you are in the vicinity of Portugal in 2011, you may want to consider getting out and experiencing what could be nothing short than a trip of a lifetime!
Below : The fish of a lifetime breaches for a show...
Location: Kona, Hawaii
Kailua-Kona remains one of the top Pacific destinations for massive Blue Marlin . Thanks in part to the Hawaiian Island's remote location far in the Pacific Ocean, it is an oasis for Pelagic fish and more notably the highly sought after giants of the sea, the Blue Marlin. Kona is a unique destination in which sportfishermen can actively fish any day of the year (weather pending) and have a chance at a possible Grander Marlin.
In 2010, Captain Jason Holtz was on FIRE! Nailing the first mega grander of the season off Hawaii, and nailing multiple big-mass Marlin througout the year. Jason was aboard the Marlin Magic II, working in collaboration with Marlin Parker .
Captain Marlin Parker and the Marlin Magic II
Marlin fishing has been a long tradition in the Parker family on Kona. In 1954, George Parker (Marlin's father) landed the first grander Marlin ever taken in U.S. waters. Over 50 years later Marlin Parker continues the family tradition of big-game fishing off Hawaii. With countless years of experience, the Marlin Magic Sportfishers remain top of the game in Kona.
Why Kona in 2011??
The waters off Kona are full of massive Blue Marlin. Many of the top captains in the world predict that the next world record-breaking Blue Marlin will come off Kona. Many, many anglers dream of the ultimate grander, and for 2011 it may be worth it to journey to America's own Pacific paradise during the peak season for your chance at sportfishing greatness!
Below : 2010's Mega Kona Grander by way of Capt. Jason Holtz ...
Location: Guatemala
Guatemala is a prime location for many species of fish. Warm inshore waters off the coast hit coldwater upwellings producing nutrient rich currents that in return allow for a substantial marine food chain. Within this food chain are everything from tiny anchovies and sardines to the largest predators, the Billfish and Sharks. While Sharks have been fished out over the past few decades, the Marlin take form as the region's apex predator. The largest of Black and Blue Marlin feed on the dorado and tuna, which in return are actively feeding on the smaller more predominant baitfish.
Capt Brad Philipps
Captain Philipps has fished around the globe at some of the top destinations in the world throughout his entire life. His accolades are a result of earned knowledge and hard work. For the past 9 years, Brad has claimed Guatemala as his home stomping grounds. He has reached the uncanny feat of 20,000 billfish , which averages to a mind boggling 15 releases a day!!! In 2008, Marlin Magazine bestowed Philipps with the honor of 'Captain of the Year '. Brad has broken his own World Record several times for the most billfish releases in a single year, and in 2004 had a record shattering 2759 releases .
Capt. Philipps has run the Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures for the past several years with his wife Cindy and they have hand and hand created one of the most successful and sought after billfish operations in the world today. Being regarded as one of the best captains in the world, Philipps presents clients with a chance of a lifetime on the water, and 5 Star accomodations back on land to boot.
'mala in 2011...
Guatemala is known the world over as having one of the best sailfish fisheries in the entire world. However, within the masses of Sails does roam Guatemala's share of Marlin. If numbers is your game and don't mind a mixed bag of billed treats, then consider the waters of Guatemala for your '11 Marlin adventure!
Below : Releasing an massive Apex Predator at the command of Capt. Brad Philipps...
Location: Cairns, Australia
Ask any true Marlin fishermen... Where is perhaps the best Giant Marlin waters that exists anywhere in the world?... and your answer will likely be off Cairns, Australia . Australia is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest reef system in the world so large it can be seen from space. Here, there is a near infinite supply of bait to stabalize large populations of the largest Marlin on the planet. Hands down, Australia is tucked away down under, in their own part of the world protected from many of the world's reckless commercial fisheries.
Every year, many... many mega Marlin, including Grander Black Marlin are taken during the southern hemispher's summer. It is almost a sure bet that if you put in the time on the water for a good week, you'll end up with some very impressive fish... and even a very good chance at hitting 800# or greater. Hooking up with a knowledgable crew is the key. PELAGIC Pro Team Captain Luke Fallon of the KEKOA and Kelly Dalling on the REEL CHASE are world-class Marlin-Masters on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
The land down-under for 2011...
It all comes down to numbers. The fishery off Cairns and it's surrounding waters is simply the most productive in the world for Giant Black Marlin. Year after year granders and landed... with many being released. The waters off the Great Barrier Reef will not disappoint even the most adrenaline thirsty angler in their quest for mega Marlin.
Below : A Black Marlin at the wire on Australia's Great Barrier Reef...
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