Gator & Josh did some kind of reverse Marlin Fever. They went to bed early the night before, and took only water in the dory with them. They were trolling quite close to the Mother ship as we where bottom fishing. Sitting at the back of the mother ship, we were treated to the sight of a large Marlin leaping out of the water and going spastic behind their dory.

Forsaken again by the weather gods. Northerlies every second day, so it seemed. The days in between were good but the uncertain outlook ensured we stayed at the Swains. Saumarez was the goal, the Swains aren't a bad consolation prize, some of our best fish have come from there.

I had been looking forward to this trip with a mixture of eagerness and trepidation. Being a new boat and crew, and a mainly new group of guys I hoped there would be no problems and everyone would get along well. Then as the date approached, forecasts of 25-33 knot southeasterlies compounded my concerns.