Special Hawaii report
Capt. Steven Markovich
February 3, 2009
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Aloha
Today I have a special report from Maui. What does Captain Steven of On The Mark Charters do while on vacation, simple go fishing. A couple quick phone calls had us booked on the 42' Bertram sportfisherman Start Me Up from www.startmeupsportfishing.com. Our day started at 5:30 am departing beautiful Lahaina harbor heading for the back side of Lanai Island approximately 15 miles.
My wife Jackie, daughter Jessica and son n law Ricky quickly settled in on the bridge for a great view of sunrise. Once the sun was up it was time to get serious. First Mate Rich gathered us all around the fighting chair and conducted a very through orientation. Rich explained high speed "Hawaiian" style trolling which is totally new to Captain Steven. Captain Randy Evans swears by "Eddie Kondo Pusher lures. Rich explained we would deploy 5 lines all at varying lengths in 600-1200 of blue waters. The Eddie Kondo Pusher lures (Capt. Randy's favorites) were attached to 250-350 pound monofilament leaders which were preceded by 18' of double line mono. Penn International reels filled with 800-900 yards of heavy monofilament attached to roller rods with curved butts completed the gear. Rich walked us through the use of the fighting chair along with how to battle the fish. We were now ready for battle. An hour into high speed trolling the right outrigger snapped and line poured from the giant Penn reel.
I immediately jumped into the fighting chair while Rich cleared the deck of the other 4 rods while Captain Randy kept pressure on the fishing with the throttles. Shortly after I settled in the fish slowed and I was able to gain back some line. Fifteen minutes into the battle I got my first look at 7.5' feet of Blue Marlin jumping. I managed to get the Blue near the boat only to have it take off again this time diving deep. Another 10 minutes passes and the Blue was again within 50 yards of Start Me Up. The Blue went wild jumping several times then started greyhounding while attempting to pass us to starboard but Captain Randy hit the throttles forward while I cranked the Penn reel as fast as I could. Another 10 minutes passed and the Blue was done. It was my first Blue Marlin and a memory I will never forget.
Lahaina Maui is home to Maui Jim sunglasses and I had the opportunity to test my Maui Jim sun glasses that I use every day on the flats and near shore waters of Tampa Bay Florida vs. the big blue waters of the Pacific. Conditions varied from low light including sunrise, partly cloudy and brilliant sunshine. They worked flawlessly. No eye strain, glare after 8 hours of scanning the ocean.
Big thanks to Captain Randy and Rich for an incredible day on the water. Make sure if your travel plans include Hawaii you book the Start Me Up team at 800-590-0133
Capt. Steven
Tampa Bay Fishing Forecast:
Capt. Steven will be back fishing Snook, Redfish and trout Sunday. My Captain network reports staedy trout and snapper action.
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