After closing the cabin door, I took a quick look at the pattern, checked the baits in the tank, grabbed the ladder to the bridge and two steps up... ZZZZZZ...ZZZZZZZZZZ...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!

The bridge rod goes off with the first jig strike of the trip and with the clicker howling and the fishfuriously jumping off the transom, our designated angler asked me “What should I do?” and I answered in no uncertain terms “Go reel it in!!!”.

I love watching first time marlin anglers trying to get the job done. They’re always so serious, so focused and I can totally empathize; clearly remembering my first one and how desperately I wanted (needed) that fish!!! Matt’s fish was perfect...it ran some, jumped a lot and was cooperative at the boat when Skeet got the leader and grabbed the bill. With the fish right there, Matt was able to put down his rod and lean over to get up close and personal, share a quick moment of contemplation and with a pat on the head a healthy striper took off for the depths. Matt watched it swim down as I watched him experience that nearly religious moment when it totally sinks in you’ve accomplished a task that for so many is a lifetime goal...their first marlin.

We caught Matt’s marlin on our way back to Dana Point after fishing in the Classic/Avalon Billfish combination event. The new format seemed to work well, attendance was good, a bunch of fish were caught and a lot of money was paid out to the winning teams. Although Team Pacific Edge wasn’t in the money for the fishing, we cleaned up at the awards banquet. Our table scored heavily in the basic raffle and Jamie captured the coveted top prize...the Fraser-Volpe gyros. Later that night as we were crashing I jokingly said “You gonna sleep with them tonight?” and he answered “Check this out” and there they were…Classic!!! It was very gratifying to see them go to such a deserving and appreciative guy (and now when he fishes with me...we’ve got another pair!!!).

We were fishing aboard the beautiful brand new Tiara 3900 from the Crows Nest in Newport Beach. Completely equipped with full electronics as well as a long list of custom touches including a state-of-the-art bait system, this rig is the biggest, fastest, most comfortable sport fisherman you could ever fit on a 40’ mooring in Avalon. If you’re in the market be sure to stop by their docks for a tour…this fantastic rig is a proven fish getter and is turn-key ready to go.

Once again, I want to offer special thanks to Anthony Hsieh and John Lee from Crows Nest Yachts for making this special opportunity possible. And to my team mates John Lee, Doug Kern, Skeet Simmons, Jamie Thinnes and Matt Kemmerle...it was good fun and great fishing with you.Thanks for the fantastic effort!!!

Good Luck and Good Fishing

Mark Wisch

www.PacificEdgeTackle.com