Joanna - Blog update Joanna - an unexpected catch

We've had a fishing leadership board going with a few other boats throughout the trip. Each day we send in updates on what we've caught and also get to see what others are catching. Today was our final contribution.It's been a pleasure contributing but we've decided it's time for Joanna to retire.

It's not that our passion for fishing has dwindled or that there's no more fish left in the sea but because we’re reached what we think is the peak in our fishing career. Also, we don't think we'll be able to finish off todays catch before we arrive in St. Lucia and we've run out of fridge space.

After a few days off fishing we thought today was the day to put out the lines again. The lull in the wind made for good fishing conditions and feeling optimistic we went for the biggest hook and a bright pink squid. We’ll be writing to the tackle shop we purchased it from with a five star review as it didn't disappoint.Jokingly before we dropped the lines we said wouldn't it be funny if we caught a whopping great big shark.

After an hour or two, the reel went and we jumped into action. Well practiced, we started reeling the catch in and although it felt heavy, it didn't feel that much bigger than our previous catches.

As it got closer, it dawned on us that something was different about this one. You could see it visually in the water from quite a distance and unlike others it was trying to swim downwards and not near the surface. You could also begin to see the size of it had we bitten off more than we could chew maybe but we were in too deep.

When it was finally at the boat, we initially thought it was a shark and were slightly unnerved about what to do with it. Cutting the line would be a last resort as of the damage left on the fish. Luckily after closer inspection it was an enormous Blue Marlin. It took two (adult) crew members to lift it into the cockpit. And as we measured it it was 220cm long!! It also felt heavier than lifting Ines (7) and Vincent (4) at the same time who have a combined weight of 45kg. So we're estimating that fish at 50kg. What a boy!

Getting it onboard was a struggle and involved the topping lift and a serious workout. We managed to get a rope around its tail and could hoist it upwards while avoiding the sword. All in all a surreal experience which definitely gave some variety to our daily routine.

We’re currently enjoying that absolutely best sushi for lunch so far and are planning for beer battered fish and chips for dinner. If anyone knows any good ways to cook marlin, honestly please let us know!!

(Pictures are available once in St. Lucia due to a snails pace connection)

(Is this an ARC record!?)