Lading a marlin is every fisherman’s dream.
I mean, is there a more exciting sport fish?
Nevertheless, even with a boat, a crew, and all the proper equipment, it’s not easy task. These fish are big, powerful, and not to mention, they have that big ol’ spear sticking out of their face that can (and has) impale people when it hops in the boat.
So for Hawaii angler Jason Freitas to reel one in using just a kayak… it was the ride of a lifetime.
Literally…
Here’s what he had to say:
“Just want to say huge mahalo to all that participated in helping me land my first ever marlin and best of all of my kayak!
This fight was nothing but easy for sure. Hooked up on a live opelu in 280 ft of water and dragged MILES straight off shore. I had to play this battle smart as I was only running 40lb fluorocarbon with a 44lb wire leader on a size 5 and 7 Gamakatsu hook.
Thank you to S. Tokunaga Store for always keeping my supplies in stock and ready to go! This bad boy took me for a ride of a life time! At points dragging me up to 7 mph. Can’t thank the boys enough for keeping an eye on me and making sure my 3 1/2 hour journey was as safe as it could be.
Also would like to thank my pops for paddling 3 miles out into the ocean to be there to experience this battle with me. Lastly would like to thank uncle Podo for coming out of his way to not only keep an eye on me, but for also shooting and dragging this beast back in for me. I was definitely not prepared for what I had just experienced.
I had only what I needed to catch at the biggest a 50-80lb fish. But the battle didn’t end there. Bringing this fish home with no cooler big enough was something else. After providing measurements, the estimated weight is 250lbs.
Mahalo again to all and thank you to the lord for watching over me and keeping us all safe!”
Absolutely epic.
Black marlin are primarily found in tropical and subtropical areas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. One of the biggest species of billfish, black marlin can grow up to 15 feet and weigh up to 1,500 pounds.
Now this beast wasn’t 15 feet long, but can you imagine hooking into something like that from a kayak? Lord have mercy…
Check out this beauty.
Here’s more from the catch:
