Big marlin double in Cape Verde Islands

IGFARein · #1 (**permalink**) 11-20-2008, 06:25 PM

German big game fisherman Heiko Steinmetz caught two huge atlantic blue marlin of 881 lbs and 821 lbs in October/November. HeikoÂ´s 881-pounder is also the biggest marlin weighed in Cape Verde Islands since 2006!

Robert Rein IGFA-RP, Munich in November 2008

cafanter · #2 (**permalink**) 11-21-2008, 07:29 AM

I am starting to see a bad habit developing in the Cape Verdes. Too many fish in the 750 to 1000 range being gaffed. If there is doubt to grander status release it.

oliver · #3 (**permalink**) 11-21-2008, 12:29 PM

Not good Andy. I am not a scientist, and I will not admit to knowing as much as others on the subject, but this can't go on.
Many put the downturn in fishing off Madeira to El Ninio, but I cant get my head round that totaly. What I do know is that during the run up to the events of 97 the area was hammered for maybe 5 years. Loads of fish were caught and hung up and I have seen some very quick and bad releases from this time also. An area cant take having big breading condition fish taken out of the ecosystem without having long term effects. It is known that these fish return along the same routes year after year, so you take them out there gone. How many other 800lb fish were contacted in this period? Whats to say if they were then only 2 and there now out of the ecosystem that next year there may be no 800lb fish in this area at this time. So your now hoping that some big 7's put on some weight over the next year while on there travels!!
Cape Verde sure seems a special place to fish, and places like that sometimes need protecting from there own good fortune. Hope that this is not to much of a growing trend.

cafanter · #4 (**permalink**) 11-21-2008, 10:20 PM

Thanks for the support Oliver. We just need to keep reminding people to release all the healthy fish. From time to time one will die for any number of reasons----and those are the only ones that should be weighed at the market.

I often think the same of Madeira and even Australia. Weighing granders and then dumping them in the ocean for sharks. The only person who needs to believe it is over 1000lbs is you the angler.

MarlinNut · #5 (**permalink**) 11-21-2008, 11:39 PM

Thanks for stepping in here, guys. I hate to jump into conversations where I have no first-hand experience, even when it seems like something wrong is happening. Sounds like my gut feel on this one is right.

oliver · #6 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008, 04:34 AM

Stan, I find it a little strange that a forum that has a strong ethos towards only posting hanging photos of records and tournament wins should end up with a first post hanging photo thread! Maybe the poster is not up to speed with the "thoughts on killing marlin page"!

RavellingTangler · #7 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008, 05:24 AM

I tried to indicate to a well-known captain and mate (in CV, as it happens) that I'd prefer to release no matter how big.

One of them indicated that I'd be lucky to continue to persuade them both if one clearly over 1,000lb were brought to the boat. I got the feeling that though they might not out-and-out refuse before it was hooked to release (and I realise it is their choice more than mine.....unless I am prepared to state before fishing that I can give a very big tip to offset losses presumed from not wighing a whopper) , they wouldn't guarantee in advance.

So how do I get skippers to feel happy comitting themselves to release anything under a guessed 1,800 lb ? Get rich enough to bribe them handsomely; but any other ways ?

I know I'd have no problem with Roddy (so you'll all tell me to only book with plankton, in future grin )

cafanter · #8 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008, 08:42 PM

Roger---you may have noticed I always wear a release knife. I never know when my call to the leader or help a tangled mate may happen. It is also useful in those times arguing with the crew about NOT gaffing a fish. Even catching the double grander will not bring much fortune---maybe some short-lived fame. If one wants fortune go catch a 25lb largemouth bass. With today's photography and filming capabilites the proof can be in the picture.

dustin · #9 (**permalink**) 11-22-2008, 09:52 PM

Er... just a couple of points to clarify things

- Fish landed in Madeira are NOT dumped, there is a foundation that ensures they are donated to hospitals, old folks homes and so on. I know of at least one instance where skipper and crew laboured into the early hours to slab out a big fish into manageable size portions

- Almost no fish are deliberately killed by the area charter fleet nowadays - I think the only fish brought in by the charter boats this year were heavily injured or DOA - although to be fair if the right size fish had come up on 4th July it would have been taken

Not saying they are whiter than white. Most boats carry two large flyers just in case the opportunity arises to take the one they are looking for. But the situation as it stands is that the area skippers try to release every fish they catch.

-------------------------

I was wondering what area those CV fish were taken - were they landed at Mindelo or elsewhere - Sao Nicolau, Sal?

Jon Petterssen · #10 (**permalink**) 11-23-2008, 05:44 AM

Would be good if the CV Charters could all agree on a release policy.Both these fish are prime breeders.I can understand the greenhorn wanting a trophy shot but this guy appears to be a seasoned big game angler.Hard to believe both fish were casualties of the fight if caught on lures.

It is sad to see this as this fishery takes on star status and being in easy reach of Europe I fear the worst unless the charters take this issue on board now.Is there much outside commercial pressure on CV as yet??I hope never but if so how could they stop it?

V/R JP