The Band of Brothers crew Anthony Raco, Dennis Minuti, Dave Fenech and his son Caige set off for Jervis Bay in search of the Striped Marlin which were reported on during the week.
To maximise their chances, the crew decided to take 2 boats out to the Continental Shelf- the Team Okuma Boat “Domenica III” and Dave’s brand new 5.25m Centre Console “Trippen”. Both crews knew that if a hook up were to happen, their hands would be full with only 2 on the boat!
To add an extra element of difficulty to the equation, Dave and Caige decided to put out their Okuma Salina II eggbeater reel, loaded with 15kg IGFA line.
Well it didn’t take long before the Salina was singing its song as a feisty Striped Marlin peeled off into the horizon. Caige and Dave settled in for the fight as the Striped Marlin put on a spectacular aerial display for them and nearby “Domenica III”.
Dave expertly guided the fish alongside the boat, where he applied the NSW fisheries tag. A short time later, the fish was released to fight another day! What makes this all the more special, is that the fish was the first ever Marlin for the new boat, and to be captured by his 15 year old son on a Salina II was absolutely remarkable. It goes to show what a truly first class reel can help you achieve, even on the smallest of boats with the youngest of crews.
Dave and Caige later tagged another Striped Marlin, to cap off an unbelievable Maiden voyage for their little tinny. Anthony and Dennis rounded out the day with one more Striped Marlin on conventional gear, resulting in three tagged Marlin between the 2 crews. Not bad for a couple of trailer boats fishing with only 2 on each boat! A day for the long term memoirs.
Regards,
Anthony Raco
Band of Brothers Productions
