Hi All
The Two Oceans Marlin Tournament has come and gone, and as usual, it did not disappoint. In the week preceding the tournament the SE winds were really puffing away and this resulted in some green and very un-marlin like water in the usual marlin areas. Nonetheless, two days before competition a gentle westerly wind turned the water a better colour and on the Tuesday before the comp a 112kg Striped Marlin was caught by the boat Aqua Tess. The opening function brought all the anglers together and with Wednesday being the first fishing day, expectations were high. Unfortunately the SE wind made a strong comeback and fishing was called off on the first two days. Friday saw the wind turn into the west the although conditions were bumpy, the organisers called the comp on. The water was mostly green and cold, but one the boats got out as far as the 100meter contour, (about 15 to 20 miles out0 the water got better. Not great, but better. The result for the day was one marlin released and a couple of others lost. But the westerly wind promised to produce better water for Saturday and the weather forecast was for calm conditions. Most of the boats headed for the 12 Mile bank, us included and a few went to an area called halfway house. This is and area so called because it is halfway to the Alphard banks. A few found their way further still and actually went as far as the Alphards.
What transpired at the Alphards during Saturday, (and Sunday after the tournament) is the stuff that very few anglers have been privileged to see or experience. From around 9am reports started coming in of fish being hooked, lost, released and, unfortunately, a couple died as well. As fate would have it, I was not there to experience it myself, but at the end of the day, when chatting to some of the anglers, it was clear that there were more marlin in the water that day than one could shake a stick at. Eventually the statistics were 13 marlin and one sailfish released, and three marlin died. A few of the marlin were caught at places other than the Alphards, but by far most of the action was there. There were a number of multiple hook-ups and strikes and one boat had three fish on simultaneously for a few minutes. Yet another was heard to say that he had just experienced the best day of his life. The anglers lucky enough to be there stated unanimously that it was the best marlin fishing they had ever experienced. There were also a couple of heartbreak stories, but when things get as busy as this, it is only to be expected.
We are still looking for the 45kg boy, but this is one step closer. Maybe next time we go will be the trip. We do know that time is running out as the red steenbras is going to become a protected species and shortly we will not be able to target them at all.
What transpired at the Alphards during Saturday, (and Sunday after the tournament) is the stuff that very few anglers have been privileged to see or experience. From around 9am reports started coming in of fish being hooked, lost, released and, unfortunately, a couple died as well. As fate would have it, I was not there to experience it myself, but at the end of the day, when chatting to some of the anglers, it was clear that there were more marlin in the water that day than one could shake a stick at. Eventually the statistics were 13 marlin and one sailfish released, and three marlin died. A few of the marlin were caught at places other than the Alphards, but by far most of the action was there. There were a number of multiple hook-ups and strikes and one boat had three fish on simultaneously for a few minutes. Yet another was heard to say that he had just experienced the best day of his life. The anglers lucky enough to be there stated unanimously that it was the best marlin fishing they had ever experienced. There were also a couple of heartbreak stories, but when things get as busy as this, it is only to be expected.
Then came Sunday. A few boats went out there again and it happened AGAIN. One boat, who will remain nameless for fear of reprisals against the author, reported about seventeen marlin strikes before 11am. I am not sure of the exact number, but if I fill in the gaps, it was absolute carnage. Of the seventeen hook-ups, they released one striped marlin! One marlin caught is great, but with a strike to landing ratio of 17 to 1, things must have been rather tense on board. I do know the line parted on three fish and what happened to the others is uncertain. Seventeen marlin strikes in three hours is an unbelievable statistic. Other boats had an equally hectic time of it, but their statistics were not as good, or bad, depending on how one looks at 17:1. We are heading out there tomorrow to see if we can get just one marlin to stick. I will update this page asap if we get one.
On the charter scene, things have been a bit quiet, but I can say with absolute certainty, if ever a client wanted to catch a marlin at Cape Agulhas, now is the time that his or her chances are the absolute best. Last week we did a trip to the 45's and the result is the picture of Gareth holding up a 27kg red steenbras.
We are still looking for the 45kg boy, but this is one step closer. Maybe next time we go will be the trip. We do know that time is running out as the red steenbras is going to become a protected species and shortly we will not be able to target them at all. As a matter of interest the picture of Tyler shows two of our friends, both charter operators from Hout Bay fishing with us in Struisbaai at the 45's. See, even the opposition likes fishing with us. Heheh. Thanks guys, we need this kind of marketing exposure.
Last but not least, the most amazing news of all is that of a spearo that shot a 35kg red steenbras in two meters of water in front of the cave at Arniston. I know it is true because I know the diver and saw the pictures. Anyone who knows anything about fishing or diving will know that achieving this would be the equivalent of finding a wild African elephant roaming around in the middle of Cape Town. On that note, till next time, tight lines.
Cheers
Alan
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