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Kayaker Battles Marlin in Epic 4.5 hour Battle

Category: article

 Mar 8th, 2021 by Keith Worrall 

Modified Mar 8th, 2021 at 12:02 PM

Kayaker Battles Marlin in Epic 4.5 hour Battle; a first for Female Kayak Angling!

Jupiter, Florida, March 4th, 2021
Bri Andrassy of Jupiter,

Florida became, unofficially, the first woman ever to safely catch and release a striped marlin from a kayak when she landed a striped marlin estimated to be around 200 lbs from her Hobie kayak out from Magdalena Bay, offshore of San Carlos, Mexico. This incredible feat was captured on GoPro cameras and supported by a safety boat to ensure both angler and fish escaped without injury thanks to the aid of Mag Bay Lodge’s Captains in a panga support boat.

Video link: https://youtu.be/nUy8PmhDd4I

After two years of chasing the elusive marlin by kayak, the opportunity presented itself to Bri to hook up on a striped marlin off the coast of Mexico. The fight took four and a half hours to complete from her Hobie kayak. “I have gone on trips to specifically target marlin and I have trolled (kayak pedaled) day after day on these trips with no success,” claims Bri reflecting on the fight, “I visualized exactly what I would do if I hooked one and how the fight would go and although those mental preparations helped, there was no way to anticipate how it would actually feel to have a fish that strong towing you around the Pacific Ocean. My goal quickly changed from hooking one to billing one so that I could get a good revival and release of the fish. For the rest of my life I will never forget that fish.”

The marlin is one the largest fish accessible to kayakers and is considered a bucket list fish that challenges the angler in all facets of the game. The fight started with an immediate pick up of the live mackerel Bri had out, was highlighted by the screaming of her fishing lines for over a half an hour, and continued with a tug of war that lasted over four and a half hours. Bri battled by turning her Hobie PA sideways to add more drag to the fight and counted on her Shimano Talica to keep strong during the home stretch. “After 4 hours I was 10 feet above the fish” noted Bri, “I knew it was time to finish the fight and revive it safely. I wanted to bill the fish to ensure I got the hook out and was able to help bring water effectively through its gills.” The marlin was revived and released in a strong condition with the aid of the chase boat.

“Catching a Marlin from a kayak is a feat like no other,” States Jim Sammons, legendary kayak angler, TV host and marlin fisherman. “It’s not just that it is a big powerful fish, it also has a three foot spear on the end of their face that adds a whole other element of danger and adrenaline rush. That’s likely why more people have climbed Everest than have caught a marlin from a kayak.”

Additional resources:

Dropbox (teaser videos, photos): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/uxx162iw34ah24f/AACbCE0NOSKizd49-9UyAzLOa?dl=0
BA Fishing Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-q9QufwkzTIu57ums4bYNg
Heliconia – https://www.heliconia.ca/

ABOUT BRI ANDRASSY: A South Florida native, Bri Andrassy has been on the search for adventure from a very young age. She’s a natural born angler, catching her first ‘keeper’ at the age of three on a kid’s Mickey Mouse rod. Her love for the salt life and the adrenaline rush of “catching the big one” means she is always on the lookout for an opportunity to hit the water. When not riding the waves, Bri, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) holding professor of nursing, can be found teaching at a Florida University (or can be found teaching in a local Florida University classroom). In addition to excelling in her academic field, Bri is an avid paddleboarder, kayaker, freediver and paddleboard camper. Keep an eye out for the BA Fishing TV Series, which will broadcast nationally this summer.

ABOUT HELICONIA: Heliconia is an award-winning video production company that helps destinations and brands reach the US adventure travel audience. The company produces seven unique media projects, providing authentic storytelling opportunities for every adventure and every destination. These series include: Epic Trails, Epic Trails: Mountain Biking, Facing Waves, Adventure Cities, Peak Experience, Chad Hoover Fishing, BA Fishing and Kayak Fishing with Jim Sammons. Heliconia has a proven formula that marries inspiring video production with guaranteed television and digital distribution, ensuring that your message is heard by the adventure travel community in a unique and impactful way. For more information, visit www.heliconia.ca.

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