We got a late start today because the port was not re-opened until 7am because of the tsunami yesterday. The damage was minimal, but I suspect there was some “red tape” that needed to be dealt with. Our planned destination was the Santini Bank which is a longer ride than some of the other banks. We arrived after the morning bite had ended. However, Mitch scored his first striped marlin of the trip about an hour into the troll. The fish was huge and after a very quick photo it was released unharmed.
Capt Andy & Mitch Wergiles – Striped Marlin
The bank was loaded with big marlin, but it was very hard to get them interested in the lures today. I lost count of how many “tailers” we saw at around the fifty mark. It seemed as though the tsunami affected them.
Exploding Reel (Video)
Late in the day Steve Palmo hooked a big blue marlin (over 400lbs) and midway through the fight the base of the Shimano TLD 30 failed and the reel exploded off the blank! Fortunately Steve was using Black Magic Fighting Belt and Harness and the clips were attached to the reel. With the reel still attached to Steve’s harness, Pete Santini grabbed and held the line off the tip of the rod and I used a uni-knot to tie the line into another reel. Steve completed the battle using a totally different rod/reel combo than when he started! Unfortunately, we did not get much of the fish on film as the mate pulled the lure out during the wiring process. Damn!!!
More marlin fishing on tap for tomorrow…I suspect they will be hungrier than today…
Learn more about travel and fishing in the Galapagos at Sportfish Galapagos
Frequently Asked Questions
The port reopening was delayed until 7am due to a tsunami that occurred the previous day. While the damage was minimal, administrative delays or safety inspections likely contributed to the late start.
Although the Santini Bank was loaded with big marlin, the fish were not very interested in the lures, making fishing difficult. This decreased activity is suspected to be an effect of the recent tsunami.
When Steve Palmo's Shimano TLD 30 reel exploded off the rod mid-fight, the Black Magic Fighting Belt and Harness kept the reel attached to him. The crew then tied the line to another reel using a uni-knot, allowing Steve to complete the fight with a different rod and reel combo.
No, the large striped marlin caught by Mitch was released unharmed after a quick photo. This practice ensures the sustainability of the fishery and the wellbeing of marlin populations.
Santini Bank is a well-known location for targeting large marlin, attracting anglers who seek trophy fish. However, it is a longer ride compared to other fishing banks, which requires careful planning and timing, especially after events like tsunamis.
The crew attempted to film Steve Palmo's battle with a big blue marlin, but unfortunately, the mate accidentally pulled the lure out during the wiring process, resulting in little footage of the fight.
Steve used a Black Magic Fighting Belt and Harness, which were instrumental in securing the reel to him when the reel's base failed, preventing loss of the reel and allowing continuation of the fight.
