Ha, just saw the beast, you going to mount it?
Na it was catch and release - the Marlin down there is like the sacred cow to the Ticos. Sailfish are far more common, the two mates wouldn't' even get it out of the water until my buddy told them it was my first billfish. I'm having that picture blown up and framed with the hook though.
Congratulations on the catch. It's a wonder you didn't get pulled overboard & swim w/the fish. I've seen videos where people have gone that route.
Na it was catch and release - the Marlin down there is like the sacred cow to the Ticos. Sailfish are far more common, the two mates wouldn't' even get it out of the water until my buddy told them it was my first billfish. I'm having that picture blown up and framed with the hook though.
Thanks - those fish are crazy strong, a lot of American charters would have had a fighting belt or have you strapped to a fighting chair - not here. They gave me a foam ball for the rod butt and called me a fat p****y when it took line off the Tiagra 80 (which is a huge reel).
I'm 205 and reasonably fit and I wanted to lay down and die when that was all over with. The smile in that picture was totally forced, I was in real pain. I drank beer fr the rest of the day though.
Thanks guys.
He finished the first round:
1st event. 1st place
2nd event. 5th place
3rd event 5th place
Not bad. Top 5 finishes
2nd round starts at 3:30.
If he does well the 2nd round he will have enough points to compete in nationals in OKC next summer. It's a week long rodeo. He will be sporting some Vol gear that week!