If you are out there targeting marlin, you should decide beforehand if you are going to release the fish.  If you are, use a circle hook on your bait rig – this will reduce deep or foul hooking of the fish and will facilitate easier release.  On your trolling lures use a single J hook rig or you can try a single circle hook.  A double hook rig is not recommended if you plan on releasing the fish – they are much harder to remove from the fish and cause more damage to the fish.  In addition, these hooks become a potential hazard to you should the fish start thrashing while you are trying to remove the hook.

 If you want to tag your fish – you should leader the fish as quickly as possible and wait until the fish is calm and swimming alongside the boat before tagging.  Insert the tag in the shoulder muscle 1 or 2 inches below the tallest part of the dorsal fin. Avoid the head, gills and stomach areas. Take care not to allow the fish to injure itself on the side of the boat or the transom.
 

 Be sure to completely fill out and return the tagging report card to the Southwest Fishing Science Center.

 Do not remove the fish from the water – you can get great photos of the fish in the water. Hauling the fish out of the water causes stress on its internal organs and removes him from his oxygen supply.  Keeping the fish in the water greatly improves its chances of survival after releasing it.

If the hook is visible, it can be removed with a pair of pliers while someone is holding the fish by its bill. There are a few new dehookers out on the market which look like they will work very well. If the fish is deeply hooked, cut the line as close as possible to the mouth.  I have a safety cutter attached to my tag stick for this purpose.  

Revive the fish by motoring slowly forward while holding the fish by the bill, keeping it underwater – allowing the water to flow over the gills until color returns and the fish begins to swim or “kick” on its own. Be patient and keep trying. I have seen fish revive after more than 15 minutes of towing.
 

 Obtain a copy of the Billfish Newsletter by the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, it is a wealth of information about your billfish fishery and has the results of the tagging efforts.  Tags can be obtained at the Marlin Club of San Diego, or at the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Remember….let them go to fight another day.

 Tight Lines,

Captain Wayne Slahor

The Marlin Club of San Diego