It has been awhile since I've updated. We have had many great days of fishing here in Kona this winter. February and March have had a very good showing of Stripe Marlin with some Blue Marlin and Shortbill Spearfish mixed in. We were able to take full advantage and had the opportunity to get out there with some great clients. We had a highlight day last week, four billfish in 40 minutes. Here's the story.....
I had some guests visiting from Southern California that had been anxious to get on the water all week.
We left the harbor at 6:30am and headed towards the grounds. Within minutes, we had a knockdown on the long rigger. The small Stripe Marlin was able to shake the hook, but still an exciting couple minutes for the group. As we continued on through the morning, weather had picked up and conditions were changing. We turned south and headed for calmer seas in hopes of better current and conditions.
A short run to smoother water proved beneficial. "BANG" the long rigger goes off again. This time getting a good hook set and putting up a decent fight, angler Devin Morris was able to get the lit up 80" Shortbill Spearfish up along the side of the boat for some great photos. Within seconds of getting our lines back out, the long rigger takes off again. This time, angler Brett Crane takes to the fight and makes quick work of the slightly smaller Spearfish. Getting it in the boat for some nice table fare for their two week stay.
Things are looking up! Everybody is excited....
We clean up, get underway and immediately get our lines back in the water. I put our same pattern back out with the exception of our stinger. We changed that out to pink. Just as the rubber band was getting tied off, "Snap" the stinger takes off! Alright! Stripe Marlin!! Just as I climb down the ladder to help clear the lines, the long rigger once again goes screaming away. "DOUBLE!!" We get our other three lines in quickly, and begin the fight. RC Mills takes to the chair with the first Marlin. Brett Crane takes to the second Marlin. We get the second fish to the boat first, get the tag in and un-hook it for a healthy release. RC's fish was putting up a little more fight. As well as putting on quite the acrobatic show. A little bit of boat maneuvering got the fish close for some photos, tag and a release.
All in all, a great day 4-5 on billfish. A memorable day for all.
All five strike came on lures hand crafted by my crewman Joe Thrasher. Thanks Joe!
I have attached some photos of this trip as well with some others from this winter.
Aloha,
Captain Gabe Heflin
53' Merritt "KILA KILA"
www.kilakilasportfishing.com
kilakilasportfishing@gmail.com
808-896-2711
www.youtube.com/user/CaptGabeHeflin?feature=watch
