If that is the case, it was done as a what the heck why not give it a shot and no thought of conservation was given.  There is no way it shrunk two inches on the way in, they knew it was close but erred on the side of $$$$.  I have never had the opportunity and am not sure if I ever will, but I hope that when I get the chance I let it grow a little and bag it later for some real $$$$, or better yet the experience.  I like others dont have a problem with hauling one to the scales when I have a real shot, but when you know it is iffy (a guess on my part) then we are left to wonder what the thought process might be.

Just so you all know, I would love to see all of these be catch and release.  The sponsors of these tourneys need people to drool at the opportunity to catch one of these in order to sell their products.  I assume this is the primary motivation for the "Kill" tourneys.  Personally, when I looked at Hal's old avatar, that was all the motivation I needed.  Putting your hand on one of those is truly APEX meets APEX.  I would much rather look them in the eye, than see them in the box.

 

 Mike

http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/gallery.asp?gallery=1173

Great Post.

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"Just trying to make it"

second....the fish might of died during the fight, its not unheard of

third....the scientist will be all over this fish taking samples that will help us better understand them, not to mention the meat usually goes to the local homeless shelters

I wouldn't have a problem killing the fish, i've never killed one before, but if there was LOTS of money on the line, not to mention helping science and the local homeless population.....i'd stick a flyer or two in it

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Josh

The highest per/capita income in State of Alabama last year was Montrose (Between Daphne and Fairhope) just ahead of Orange Beach and

The Highest per/capita income in the State of Florida for years running is West Palm, just ahead of Gulf Breeze. 

I would have to think that if everyone that had the ability to take a legal Marlin in the Gulf at any time took one, the population would be in trouble, if not desimated.

If everyone that had he way and means in the northern gulf to take a legal Marlin took one, how many would there be left? 

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"Just trying to make it"

Your right the scientist were all over it. We used a cart to carry the blue and after the scales, the scientist wanted a few minutes. The next boat had 6 fish to weigh which we carried individually while the blue was on the cart, cut on and samples taken. 

team 

"problem child" Sailfish 238

"gladiator" 38' Topaz Flybridge

 

http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com/gallery.asp?gallery=852

Harry