Innholdsfortegnelse for March/April 2025 i Marlin

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s proposed Amendment 15 aims to assess how effective 20-year closures have been in protecting overfished species such as swordfish, marlin and sailfish by reopening the Charleston Bump and East Florida areas to pelagic longline fishing. However, the recreational angling community largely opposes the plan, raising concerns about potential impacts on fish populations and conservation efforts—specifically with the already struggling Atlantic blue marlin. Despite these objections, NOAA appears set to move forward with the reversal. However, as The Billfish Foundation President Ellen Peel explains, there may still be time to halt this proposal. Amendment 15 now sits with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) and should not be implemented. A Congressional call to the OIRA could halt the proposal’s authorized pelagic longline fishing…

In the current days of big-money tournaments and fierce competition, knowing how to properly care for your boated fish that is headed to the scales can mean the difference in millions of dollars. Ounces matter, even on big blue marlin where you would expect margins to be great with fish of that size. Yet time and again, we witness big-money tournaments won and new world records set by mere pounds or even ounces. With advances in fishing technology and tackle, and more-seasoned crews, even with a monster on deck, you still need to take care of your catch from the time you sink the gaffs in her until the time you get to the tournament scale. I spoke with Brent Gaskill, captain of the 64-foot Jarrett Bay Builder’s Choice, about…

Billfish tournaments have always had a degree of the honor system in their rules. The honor system is a neat thing if everyone is honorable. Unfortunately, there are still folks who push the limits of the rules and even those who are downright dishonest. But all in all, there are very few of those bad seeds, and they tend to be rooted out pretty quickly by fellow participants. A classic case of outright cheating occurred back in the mid-60s at the Atlantic City Marlin Tournament. A boat called Sweet Pea owned by a doctor who was fishing with his kids showed up to the dock at weigh-in with a white marlin that had been frozen. Keen-eyed weighmasters and experienced onlookers noticed the discolored eyes and gills and the overall texture…

Every year, a handful of catches send shock waves through the big-game fishing community. The pictures, videos and stories of these awe-inspiring fish spread like wildfire through the docks and cockpits, fueling the dreams of anglers everywhere. These legendary catches are a source of inspiration, a reminder that greatness is within reach for anyone on the water. And for decades, anglers have sought a definitive way to be recognized, and rewarded, for such an achievement—until now. Brought to you by the authorities on big-game angling at The Marlin Group, the Marlin Global Challenge is a new year-long competition that will recognize the biggest blue marlin caught among the pool of registered teams from billfish tournaments around the world. With global bragging rights, an invitation to the 2026 Offshore World Championship,…

New Year’s confetti is barely swept away before South Florida anglers turn their attention to Atlantic sailfish. Spunky on light tackle and often traveling in packs, sails have been targeted by tournament competitors for decades. The world’s oldest contest, the Silver Sailfish Derby, hosted by the venerable West Palm Beach Fishing Club, featured another exciting chapter during its 88th annual edition in early January. By the time scores were tallied, Fish On, a local 48-foot Viking charter boat run by Capt. Andrew Dotterweich, had earned the coveted Top Boat Trophy. The derby is limited to 50 teams and is a release format only. Up to four anglers using 20-pound test line compete by strict IGFA rules using live or dead baits or lures. Kites and downriggers are allowed, but dredges…

While certainly not as sexy as some of the other bells and whistles to hit the big-game market of late, there are few things more important than your onboard water systems. The newly released Bluelink Technology from Spot Zero represents a significant step forward in onboard water management. Designed to integrate across Spot Zero’s product range and other connected devices, Bluelink delivers an impressive combination of functionality, convenience and connectivity. The real genius behind Bluelink is its modular architecture, composed of three key components. The Bluelink Touch interface stands out for its simplicity and ease of use, providing intuitive control and real-time monitoring of your systems. The Bluelink Core acts as the system’s brain, ensuring reliable performance and efficient device communication. Finally, the Bluelink Cloud enables remote access, live software…

Over the past 60 years, the Viking Yacht Co. has been relentless in expanding its formidable fleet with an unyielding commitment to build a better boat every day. Debuting at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last October, nearly four months ahead of schedule, the new Viking 74 is yet another head-turning fishing machine from the industry leader in production sport-fishing yachts. ALL PHOTOS COURTESY VIKING YACHTS VISIT MARLINMAG.COM FOR THE FULL REVIEW COCKPIT, MEZZANINE AND BRIDGE Thousands of fishing hours define the functionality of this massive 216-square-foot cockpit. Both 12-volt and 24-volt outlets under the coamings make deep-dropping and kite-fishing seamless. Beneath the deck, two full-length fish boxes with stainless-steel gas springs, split lids and pump-out systems offer easy cleaning and ample storage. Additional features include a transom…

Alongside her husband, the late Capt. David Salazar, Kristen Salazar has owned Casa Vieja Lodge since 2013. One of the most iconic operations in sport fishing, Casa Vieja Lodge makes offshore fishing accessible on a scale not often matched. The lodge hosts an average of 3,200 guests per year, and in 2024, its fleet released an incredible 20,168 billfish. When David passed unexpectedly in December, the world lost a great man. While for many David was the face of the lodge, its growth, success and future trajectory are the result of a shared vision and partnership. Kristen graciously shares her perspective freely and honestly. Tell us about your history in Guatemala. We bought the lodge in 2013. This October was our 11th full-time season at the lodge. We’ve expanded the…

Records, unlike promises, are meant to be broken, and no lifetime record can ever be considered unattainable when people are willing and able to pursue it. Case in point: the long-standing record of the most Atlantic blue marlin released in a single day. While not officially kept by the IGFA or any other governing body, these billfish daily-release records are more along the lines of big-game fishing’s “oral tradition,” regulated and safeguarded by those interested in the pursuit. The previous record of 23 blue marlin was set in 2016 by Capt. Miguel Tirado aboard Blue Bird while fishing out of Marina Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic. It was closely contested but not broken—until December 2, 2024, when Trilo Bite caught 25 blues out of the same marina to take…

Sure, there is something special anytime you catch a marlin, tuna or sailfish. When you catch these fish in places that are off the beaten path, however—surrounded not by high-rises and crowds of boats, but by natural beauty and physical isolation—there is an added dimension. That the traveling angler is able to so consistently enjoy incredible fisheries that are located beyond the purview of normal travel is a charm of our modern world. For most anglers lucky enough to experience this type of thing, it is the remote fishing lodge that makes it possible. When you read about Casa Vieja Lodge’s 70 sailfish days, the grand slams caught by Tropic Star’s fleet, or the incredible frequency with which the Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge puts anglers on 200-pound yellowfin, it…

The Pelagic Rockstar Offshore Tournament returned in grand fashion to the newly refurbished Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica, from January 9-12, drawing 107 teams and 606 anglers from around the globe. With over $2.3 million in prize money awarded and the fleet releasing an astounding 2,425 billfish, including a single-day record of 1,354 billfish releases, the tournament delivered incredible excitement and solidified its standing as a premier event in big-game tournament fishing. Game Plan, a 65-foot American Custom Yacht captained by John Brennan, was crowned champion of the tournament with an extraordinary 63 sailfish and five blue marlin releases for 7,800 points. Their performance earned them an unprecedented payout of over $1.1 million—which the tournament is reporting as possibly the largest single-team payout ever awarded in an all-release…

You’ve probably been there—scratching your head, wondering if prop adjustments or a different set of wheels would help you catch more fish. Am I hearing a noise? Am I feeling a vibration? Why is everyone around me catching fish, and I’m not? Or vice versa. Boats are more expensive and bigger than they used to be, and the same applies to their propellers. Consequently, having a spare set, or “fishing set,” is more challenging now. Owners want comfort and speed, which often leaves captains with prop options that cause more white water behind the boat and less maneuverability when fighting a fish. Ideally for fishing you have props that create the cleanest water behind the boat, ideal trolling speed and perfect load ranges at cruising speed, even if top speed…

Renegade, the latest 68 splashed by Jarrett Bay and hull 64 from the iconic builder, illustrates the many incredible charms of the modern sport-fisher. Custom in every way, Renegade was purposebuilt to support long-range Caribbean expeditions. The boat is at once luxury and performance. Her design features and wide-ranging appointments lend themselves to her duality of purpose—serious hospitality and high-end sport-fishing applications. ALL PHOTOS COURTESY JARRETT BAY / LUKE PEARSON VISIT MARLINMAG.COM FOR THE FULL REVIEW COCKPIT, MEZZANINE AND BRIDGE The centerpiece of her cockpit is a Release Marine Trillion Series rocket launcher, which matches chairs on the bridge and in the salon. The transom is equipped with a lighted, glasstopped 160-gallon bait tank, which can also serve as a fish box. The deck features more live-bait capacity and a…

BERT MERRITT TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR PENSACOLA, FLORIDA I once worked for tournament promoter and Marlin magazine cofounder Bill McLellan. Around 1980, Bill and Gordon Linkenhoker started the Oyster Bar Blue Marlin Classic on Perdido Key. We allowed hook-and-hand because much of the field was charter boats, many of the anglers were new to the sport and wouldn’t have the angling skills required, and the prize money wasn’t as large as it is today. Bill wanted his events to be fun and not so technical. When he started the MGCBC with Bobby Carter in 1997, we continued the concept. I do not know of a tournament here on the northern Gulf that does not allow the handoff. CAPT. MARK PAGANO BIG BOOTY JUPITER, FLORIDA There’s a lot of gray area to this…

Few names in the world of sport fishing inspire as much admiration as Capt. Brad Philipps. Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished captains in big-game fishing history, Philipps has elevated the sport to new heights with his unmatched dedication and skill. His relentless pursuit of excellence has taken him to the farthest reaches of the globe, from his native South Africa to Guatemala, where he has built a reputation as a premier captain for anglers seeking world-class fishing adventures. Along the way, he has amassed countless accolades, including numerous Top Tagging Awards from The Billfish Foundation, as well as widespread recognition for his efforts in conservation and education within the sport-fishing community. Now, Philipps has achieved yet another significant milestone in his illustrious career—a feat that further solidifies…

As our spread neared a floating wooden crate, the water suddenly lit up with flashes of electric blue and green. A school of 30-pound-class mahi-mahi darted beneath the surface, curiously inspecting our lures. Just as quickly as they appeared, they vanished, leaving us scanning the water in search of their next move. And then it happened—a violent explosion of white water detonated on the right short lure. The reel’s drag screamed as a massive blue marlin broke the surface, tail-walking with breathtaking power. After a grueling hourlong fight, the seasoned mate Reina grabbed the leader, and an estimated 850-pound blue came boatside. This all happened within the first two hours of fishing the Royal Charlotte Bank. Shawn Wallace, the captain I’d be fishing with for the next week, turned to…

A strategically walled-off corner of Wildcat Propellers’ state-of-the-art facility in Chesapeake, Virginia, houses specialized machinery that could change America’s marine industry. I saw it for myself while touring the shop at the end of last year, and my jaw dropped as Wildcat’s team unveiled tomorrow. Until these pages could reach your hands, they requested that I keep everything secret. Curious and staggered, I asked myself, “Who are these people?” Before my recent visits to two prop shops, Treasure Coast Propellers and Wildcat, I had little understanding of this important segment of our industry and the people involved. Over the years, I’d picked up the basics of how pitch affects a boat’s speed, efficiency and fishability, but I didn’t realize just how many factors the folks at prop shops consider when…

Early this year, recreational anglers scored a significant victory when NOAA officially withdrew a proposed rule aimed at protecting the endangered North Atlantic right whale. That rule would have expanded existing vessel speed restrictions along the eastern seaboard of the United States. Published in the Federal Register on January 16, this decision comes after substantial public pushback and reflects the culmination of years of hard work from the recreational angling community to combat this ill-advised proposal. The withdrawn rule, initially published in the Federal Register on August 1, 2022, sought to address the ongoing threat of vessel collisions to the critically endangered right-whale population. The measures proposed included expanding the size of vessels subject to speed restrictions to include all boats over 35 feet in length, enlarging seasonal speed-zone boundaries,…

LOS SUEÑOS SIGNATURE TRIPLE CROWN—LEG ONE Los Sueños, Costa Rica, January 22-25 TOP TEAMS  FIRST-PLACE TEAM: Billfisher, Capt. Noah McVicker, 64’ Duffie, 10,800 points SECOND-PLACE TEAM: Team Galati, Capt. Tony Carrizosa, 64’ Viking, 9,100 points THIRD-PLACE TEAM: Uno Mas, Capt. Brooks Smith, 70’ Willis, 8,700 points TOP ANGLERS  FIRST-PLACE ANGLER: Danny Gough, Billfisher, 1,500 points TOURNAMENT STATS  TOTAL PARTICIPATION: 46 teams / 236 anglers CATCH INFORMATION: 2,324 sailfish releases / 36 blue marlin releases TOTAL PAYOUT: $184,000 (total payout to top three teams) OPERATION SAILFISH Palm Beach, Florida, January 15-19 TOP TEAMS  FIRST-PLACE TEAM: Jolene, Capt. Drew Rhonehouse, 60’ Viking, 17 releases SECOND-PLACE TEAM: Owe Deere, 36’ Yellowfin, Capt. Chandler Miles, 16 releases THIRD-PLACE TEAM: Old No. 7, Capt. Jamie Ralph, 70’ Spencer, 15 releases TOP ANGLERS  TOP ANGLER: Daniel Enriquez, Fish Tale, 6 releases TOP…

After receiving the Best in Show award for new boats under 60 feet at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show last October, I have been interested to see how the new Mag Bay 38 lives up to the fanfare. I recently had the opportunity to review the impressive new center-console during the Miami International Boat Show, and she did not disappoint. DESIGN AND FISHABILITY With the company being known for producing high-end center-consoles and express sport-fishing boats, the Mag Bay 38 fills the gap between the company’s existing 33- and 43-foot models. Working with renowned architect Steve Matthews, the 38 features a cross-step hull design and a variable deadrise bottom with both transverse and longitudinal steps, delivering a smooth, dry ride in confused sea conditions. This was demonstrated well…

In my decades of experience as a professional captain, earning the respect of my peers has brought me more value than any amount of money made. And as much as I can sympathize with those trying to make a living, I think it’s important that the respect of one’s peers remains of utmost priority. There are two specific situations that come up regularly in the tournament world where captains and crews can make or break their trust in the industry. In tournaments with both kill and release categories, it’s not uncommon for boats to hook up on a kill fish with a light tackle outfit intended for a release fish. In many cases, the crew has seen the fish and knows it could qualify for the scales. They fight the…