I took David and his family from Colorado out yesterday. David hoping to catch his first Marlin. And what a day it was. The weather couldn’t have been better, in fact, it was glassed out nearly all day. After all the rain we’ve had I didn’t know what to expect but I thought I’d try in close to see if there were any Black’s around. The water in close was fairly green not that that matters for the Blacks but more importantly there was very little bait, only small patches and no birds activity. So, it was the wild blue yonder to find a Stripy or maybe even a Blue. Out in eighty fathoms I found some good patches of bait which I worked to no avail so kept on going. It was out in three hundred fathoms where we got our first hit and disappointment, the line screaming off at a rate of knots and young Elliot took the rod. We cleared the gear and I started the chase just then line went slack. I know a lot of people don’t like ‘wind-ons’ but for me in a charter situation they are invaluable. Anyway, we had lost the fish and my ‘Pakula Evil’ because the wind-on let go. I trolled out to six hundred fathoms but though the temperature increased there was neither bait nor birds so it was time to get back near the shelf where there was at least some activity. We got our second hit just outside the shelf. A really good sized Stripy screamed off and David took the rod. It gave him a good work-out but he got it to the boat where photo’s were taken and the fish released. As we continued on our way another boat not far from us hooked up on what looked like a great fish. The temptation to stay and work the area was great but we were a long way from home and it was getting late so the decision was made to head for home. Continuing on down the shelf we raised another Marlin, most definitely a Stripy, playing with the lure yet somehow missing the hooks. A little further on a couple of big Mahi Mahi burst into the spread but were only half-hearted in their attempt to eat. A little later what was either a Wahoo or a Spearfish darted in from the side and yet again missed the hooks. Overall, it was a more than interesting day but not without its frustration but still with happy anglers and a first for David. Tight Lines, Ivan