[Yuseff]

We went out on Jon's boat (Osprey) with Steve-O on a test drive after replacing some fuel filters. Figured IB then the coronados. IB was slow and it was a nice day (Sunday) so we headed to North Island where Steve convincingly tells us to slow troll. Steve put on a fat sardine and we proceeded to slow troll. Minutes later Steve yells that there is something after his bait. I looked and saw a small fin just as Steve yelled he was bit. We both figured mako until the 150 plus marlin launched out of the water. After realizing Steve had 15 lb. test, Jon slammed the Luhrs into reverse and kept the line from melting off the reel. Steve had it on for 20 minutes (thanks to a circle hook) and at least 7 jumps before it made a LLR. Steve was happy just to have pulled on his first marlin. Looks like we are in for an epic billfish year with all the marlin reports lately!