| Marlin
& Sailfish |
| Highly
prized by big-game anglers, the spectacular hard-fighting marlin and
sailfish roam widely through the world's tropical and warm-temperate
seas, occasionally venturing into higher latitudes in summer. |
| FISHING
NOTES |
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|
Techniques |
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Trolling
at or close to the surface is the usual technique for these species,
blue marlin may also be taken by deep still-fishing, using live or dead
natural baits. In addition, the sailfish offers exciting sport to the
saltwater fly fisherman. They must be handled carefully when it is
brought to the boat to be hauled on board or cut free, because the bill
can inflict nasty wounds, and it is wise to wear gloves to protect your
hands because the bill is rough. |
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Tackle |
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For
the smaller species, use a 9.1 to 22.7 kg(20 to 50 lb) class boat road
with a 20-50 class level drag reel or a 6/-0 or 7-class star drag reel.
For larger fish use a 36.3 to 59 kg (80 to 130 lb) class rod with an 80-
to 130-class level drag or 12/0 or 14/0 star drag. Use 9.1 to 59 kg (20
to 130 lb) nylon or Dacron line with a heavy wire or nylon trace. Hook
should be flat forged, 8/0 to 14/0i. |
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Baits |
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Live
or dead fish, such as mullet, mackerel, ikan selar, squid, and lures
such as Kona Heads, feathered jigs and plastics squids. Here, live bait
with balloon techniques is very effective. |
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| Note:
Blue Marlin |
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|
The
blue marlin, the biggest of the billfish, may exceed 4.6 m (15 ft) and
910 kg (2,000 lb). It is rivalled in size by the black marlin, and fish
of both species weighing over 455 kg (1,000 lb) have been taken on rod
and line. once hooked, a marlin of any size will put up a tremendous
fight. |
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