Generally speaking, when a marlin makes the news it’s because of its size; however, most of us probably understand that size refers to large size, to exceptionally big catches. But, Richard Brackett, fishing out of Charleston, South Carolina is making headlines all over the world for what may be the smallest blue marlin ever caught–and released.

Brackett shared his story with The Billfish Foundation, and the story has spread through the media rather quickly. As Brackett explains it:

“My boss, Joey Cagle and I decided to run out to swordfish for a couple hours (off of Charleston, SC), so we left about noon and trolled from 200’ straight out to the deep just to see what we came across on the way. We had a pretty good day and ended going 1-2 pm sails and had a couple other bites. Once the sun started to set we set up for a drift. After an hour or so, I saw what we thought to be a juvenile sailfish in the transom lights. Being such a last minute trip, I forgot the dip net so I had to resort to option two. I filled the bucket with water, opened the transom door and scooped him up with my hands and set him in the bucket. I have to say even at this small size they are crazy aggressive. I got him in my hands in the bucket to snap a quick picture so we could release it as quickly as possible.”

The Billfish Foundation has confirmed by way of Brackett’s photographs that the fish is a blue marlin, not a sailfish, as many apparently assumed because of the predominant dorsal fin, which the Billfish Foundation web pages explain is also a feature of juvenile blue marlin.

Congratulations to  Richard Brackett for such a remarkable catch.

FISH ON!

 

 

blue marlin, fish, Fishing, South Carolina

By Sid

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