A day after arriving in the Marquesas we ran into the crew of a big sport fishing boat and have become quick friends. Over the past few weeks we've done many hikes, enjoyed many meals and had the unique chance to go fishing from a world class eighty foot sport fisher twice.
As the old saying goes... If you have to ask about the fuel, then you can't afford the boat. Being a sailboater, this was the first question out of my mouth:) This 125,000 pound sportfisher with twin 2,000 horsepower engines, cruising at 27 knots burns 130 gallons a hour. At an 8 knot fishing speed it's a mere 12-14 gallons per hour.
The sport fishers professional crew is all about giving back to the communities they visit. Whether it be delivering $10,000 worth of school supplies to Tonga, gifting fish to the locals or providing a once in a lifetime opportunity to go fishing for some lucky locals. These are good people.
At 27 knots there is a scary big wake behind this boat.
Bonnie and Terry at the helm
Kathy lounging on the fishing observation deck with a/c vents blowing on her neck.
Paul and Dave landing a yellowfin tuna.
Paul in the fish hold sorting out the days catch.
Paul with a really beautiful looking bottom fish.
Dave with cartoon'ish orange fish.
Bonnie and Paul dialing in the gear as the battle begins with a 400 pound Blue Marlin.
Kathy and Bonnie on the bridge.
The eight footer looking pretty small tied up to the support ship that acts as a base for operations and fuel resupply.
Dave landing a few bottom fish after a slow day of blue marlin fishing.
Kathy battling a big shark that snapped up her fish as she was reeling it in.
