Dec 19-26 09 - Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tunas, Roosterfish

This week we welcomed our guests to Piñas Bay to celebrate a Tropic Star Christmas. Well, Santa came to town and brought many presents. The week was filled with billfish action. I remember on Christmas Eve day, every boat in the fleet released a MARLIN. The bite was furious and many guests also stretched their muscles reeling in the swarms of dorado. I have never seen so many in one area. The deckies couldn’t keep them from the baits. The reef also showed signs of life as bonito and rainbow runner schools broke the surface, feeding on the small sardines and squid. This is the signal we are awaiting. His Majesty the BLACK MARLIN will be arriving soon.

Richard Kearley celebrated his 60^th birthday with us this week. He released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs. This release also completed his Billfish Royal Slam. The coveted award goes to the angler who caught all nine species of billfish in him lifetime; Atlantic and Pacific Sailfish, Atlantic and Pacific Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Striped Marlin, White Marlin, Swordfish and Spearfish. Congratulations! His wife Edie also did well this week. She released her first big BLACK MARLIN estimated at 500 lbs. She also released a BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH for a week’s SLAM. The couple released an amazing 8 MARLIN for the week.

Kyle Vincent returned to Piñas Bay in search for another world record. On the third day out he dropped a live bonito down on the reef and cranked in a massive MULLET SNAPPER which tipped the scales at 24 lbs. This fish will earn him a slot in the IGFA Record Book for the second time. He also had his share of excellent billfishing, releasing a BLACK MARLIN, BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH for a week’s SLAM.

Kurt and Anki Forsberg rejoined us at Piñas Bay this week to celebrate Christmas. Anki released her first BLACK MARLIN, first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN around 400 lbs, and first PACIFIC SAILFISH for a week’s SLAM. Kurt also had a week’s SLAM.

Greg Brandner brought his son Keith down to Piñas Bay for a week of fishing. Keith had a trip of a lifetime. He released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs, another giant BLACK around 750 lbs and his first PACIFIC SAILFISH. He also ended the trip by reeling in a 144 lb YELLOWFIN TUNA. Greg also had a turn and released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 350 lbs. Congrats!

Elias Bentin also did well this week. He released a BLACK MARLIN, PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH for a week’s SLAM. Taylor Macdonald released her first BLACK MARLIN, PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH for a week’s SLAM. Curtis Macdonald released his first BLACK MARLIN and PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN.

Edgar Benes released his first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 450 lbs. Alex Musgociu released his first BLACK MARLIN and first PACIFIC SAILFISH. Lee Pallardy released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH. Jacquline Pallardy released her first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN and PACIFIC SAILFISH.

Michael Freddoso also did well, releasing his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN and first PACIFIC SAILFISH. Garrett Wittels released his first BLACK MARLIN and Stephen Wittels released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN. Mike Shea released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH estimated at 80 lbs.

Milo Kirk caught a monster YELLOWFIN TUNA, weighing in at 188 lbs.

With so many billfish around we have great expectations for 2010. On behalf of all the staff here at the lodge, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Tight Lines,

Albert Battoo

DOCKMASTER