Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tunas, Wahoo, Roosterfish

As we entered the final week of August the fishing continued to be explosive. Out on the ledge, 20 miles out, giant schools of baitfish gathered in what was perhaps the wildest feeding frenzy we’ve experienced this season. Blue Marlin were everywhere. I recall on one day 3 boats released 9 Blue Marlin. The bite was red hot. Sailfish were also thick in the bait balls and some boats experienced double and triple hookups.

Black Marlin, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tunas, Wahoo, Roosterfish

As we entered the final week of August the fishing continued to be explosive. Out on the ledge, 20 miles out, giant schools of baitfish gathered in what was perhaps the wildest feeding frenzy we’ve experienced this season. Blue Marlin were everywhere. I recall on one day 3 boats released 9 Blue Marlin. The bite was red hot. Sailfish were also thick in the bait balls and some boats experienced double and triple hookups. The Yellowfin Tuna bite continued to be good, however with all the billfish around the crews focused on the racking up the numbers. One boat returned to the dock with 4 released Blue Marlin. They had an incredible 8 hookups for the day. That’s as good as it gets. A couple of guests ventured inshore for a day and also had good luck on Cubera Snappers and Roosterfish.

Tommy Baugh released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs. It was all smiles for Tommy as this Blue earned him the BILLFISH ROYAL SLAM. This award is given who has caught the following nine species within his lifetime; Atlantic and Pacific Sailfish, Atlantic and Pacific Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Striped Marlin, White Marlin, Swordfish, and Spearfish. Congratulations Tommy on this great angling achievement.

Lisa Holliday released her FIRST PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs. Jonathan Kopp released both  his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN that hit the 450 lb mark and PACIFIC SAILFISH, a nice one in the 130 lb range. Brent Roy released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN, 250 lbs and his first PACIFIC SAILFISH around 100 lbs. Chuck Oliver released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs. Chuck, Brent and Vic Roy released an incredible 9 Marlin in 4 days of fishing. Congratulations guys!

Alessandra Enrico-Bena, released her first BLACK MARLIN estimated at 450 lbs. She also scored her first PACIFIC SAILFISH, estimated at 90 lbs and caught a hefty YELLOWFIN TUNA that weighed in at 115 lbs. Massimo Campadese released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 400 lbs. Beth Williams waited 50 years for her moment of glory. She released her first two PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 300 lbs and 250 lbs. Well done Beth. We’re sure to see you back again soon! Roy Smith released both his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN which went 250 lbs and PACIFIC SAILFISH estimated at 90 lbs. Scott Smith released his first PACIFIC SAILFISH around 90 lbs.

George Nedriga had a shot at his first BLACK MARLIN around 350 lbs and PACIFIC SAILFISH and got both releases. Walter Nedriga released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 350 lbs and Charles Nedriga scored his first two PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN around 350 lbs and 280 lbs. 

Luba Zhybaj also released her first double PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 320 lbs and 220 lbs. Mike McCluckey released his first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN estimated at 250 lbs and Ken McKluskey and Chris Villere also released their first PACIFIC BLUE MARLIN.

I am looking forward to September as I’m certain is going to be another WILD month of fishing at Tropic Stat Lodge.

For more Tropic Star Lodge action shots, check out our photo gallery on Facebook and Flickr

Tight Lines,

Albert Battoo
Fishing Director