Estimated 800lb Blue Marlin throws the hooks
A private charter group on their last of four days with Balancal had high hopes on what was a really nice day 'weatherwise'. Shortly before 12 noon Captain Anibal shouted the welcomed 'FISH!' as an estimated 800lb Marlin attacked the short right bait aggressively.
The fish made a very long initial run which it finished off with a leap out of the water a great distance from the boat. The angler in the chair put up a brave effort as he got his second taste (he had one on two days before for a minute) of how the Madeira 'monsters' pull against 40lb of drag! After 25 minutes the leader was just five metres away from the boat when suddenly the line went slack and despite Capt Anibal's attempt to take up the free line by motoring forward it became obvious that the fish had thrown the hooks.
