Over the years our good friend Bruce has had some absolutely amazing trips with us on the Outer Limits, and when it comes to billfish he is no stranger. I would bet its safe to say that in the last 5 years alone we have tussled with no less than 50 different billfish, having had some awesome shots at some of the best Sportfishing that the Florida Keys can offer. He has released countless Sailfish, a handful of Blue Marlin, and lets not forget Swordfish as well, yet a White Marlin was still the allusive one. Unfortonately we have had numerous Whites on at different times, and pulled the hook on every one. However, with billfish fishing, sooner or later persistence will prevail, which was the case a few days ago.
We set off the day in hopes of getting a bite from a billfish, preferably a Marlin or Swordfish. The seas were a little choppy on the ride out, with the wind blowing around 15 knots. The temperatures have been a decently warm 92, but no hotter than any other summer day I can remember in Key West, (we are in the tropics, right?) Warm air also transfers to warmer water and the Gulfstream current is pushing 86 degrees as well.
The action began fairly early with a few Mahi bites, but this was far from the targeted species. Little did we know, the bite we were looking for was soon to be had. About mid day, we were working an area that was loaded with bait just a mile or so south of Woods Wall which is the drop off of the continental shelf. In roughly 2000 feet of water our bite came. Popping up behind the Moldcraft Super Chugger was a very spunky White Marlin, which took very little time in deciding whether or not to eat the lure. A second later, with hook in mouth and lure hanging out the side the Marlin was airborne and pealing off drag. While happy and excited to get the bite we were not over zealous knowing how Bruce’s luck was when dealing with White Marlin. However as luck would have it, after a 15 minute battle and many darting jumps the gorgeous billfish was boatside and released healthy. We had done it, he had done it! The checklist had been accomplished. Now he could add the White Marlin to it. Although Bruce was obviously ecstatic, I am pretty sure no one was happier for him than me, considering I had been through every one of his billfish experiences, through the heartbreaks and the losses, and the joys and the releases, I was ecstatic for him. What a great day! It’s days like this one that make me so very thankful that I get to offer our clients such amazing opportunities as this! I can’t wait to get back out again tomorrow and do it all over again!
