January 14, 2013
By Christopher Collins
Big South Florida blue marlin are certainly not unheard of, but they don't come around very often either. However, this is the time of the year to be looking out for them, maybe even dragging around a larger bait or two in the spread.
Tom Holder, owner and operator of the Stuart, FL. based Nauti-Girl, recently sent in his story of releasing an estimated 500-pound blue marlin just 7-miles north of the St. Lucie Inlet in 200 feet of water. Dan Markow was behind the reel as the big blue stormed and charged away from the sportfish, Capt. Tom Holder and first mate Tommy Holder doing all they could to put the brakes on the fish and get it boat side for a clean release. The leader was touched six times before they finally made a release and the big blue swam away ready to fight another day.
