Billfish handling tips

by Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW 4 Mar 2023 16:47 PST

Jason O'Brien Photography took this pic of a beautifully lit up Mid North Coast Striped Marlin prior to release © RFA of NSW

With warm nutrient rich water pushing down along the East Coast, offshore anglers are experiencing an incredible run of billfish.

On the inshore grounds anglers have had the opportunity to target juvenile black marlin, while offshore there has been a consistent bite of both striped marlin and blue marlin. With this in mind it is a perfect time to remind anglers about correct handling techniques to ensure maximum survivability if you choose to release your prized catch.

Before heading out ensure you are using the correct gear for the fish you intend to target. Lowering the fight time is integral to fish survival.
When using live or dead baits use non-offset circle hooks. These circle hooks are designed to minimize deep hooking, foul hooking and bleeding.
Once the angler brings the fish within range, the fish should be traced and led alongside the boat. If you are inexperienced avoid wrapping the leader around your hands to avoid entanglement risk. Do not attempt to try and grab the fish until it is calm. If you grab a lively fish you risk injury to both the fish and the crew.
Hold the fish by the bill and keep its head below the water line. Always grip the bill with the palm of your hand facing away from the body (pushing or push up position), if the marlin decides to kick you have maximum strength to handle the fish. Have the boat idling forward to ensure a steady flow of water over the fish's gills. Avoid placing hands anywhere near the gills or gill plate.
Always handle the fish with wet gloves. Many species of fish, including billfish have a protective layer of slime that protects them from bacteria and parasites.
Avoid removing the fish from the water. This causes unnecessary stress on the fish and increases the risk of injury.
If you are intending to tag the fish, the tag should be placed towards the middle of the fish, well above the lateral line towards the dorsal fin.
If possible (and safe to do so) remove the hook or cut the trace as close to the hook as possible. This is a perfect opportunity to take some photos with the fish subdued boat side.
To ensure a healthy release, hold the fish boat side or use a snooter (a specialist tool which has a loop that can be tightened) around the bill. Idle the boat forward at 2-3 knots. Once the fish displays strong signs of recovery such as improved coloration, increased energy or biting down on the hand, get ready to release it. Let go of the fish or leader and push the fish's head down and away from the boat.