Losing My Marlin Virginity

I have been dreaming about catching a marlin for as long as I can remember. I would notice marlin replicas everywhere – peoples’ homes, restaurants, fishing lodges -- and I’d wonder when and where I’d finally catch mine. I had several opportunities on different adventures but while our friends got lucky, I consistently fell short. That left me both envious and irritated.

Prior to our November 2025 trip to Mag Bay I was guaranteed that I was going to catch a marlin. I thought that was certainly a jinx but I remained optimistic. Each portion of the trip was one step closer to that check mark on my list.

I bought clothes, leggings, tank tops, and tried on necklaces just to get the buzz on. I even started to make patches for HPFC marlin hats.

I anticipated that first fight the entire 15 hours it took to get to Magdalena Bay. Once it came, I gripped the rod like my life depended on it. Who pays good money to suffer for this opportunity? I tried to give up a few times but my compadres pushed me and wouldn’t let me hand over the rod.

Be careful what you wish for. I am now obsessed and have three more marlin species to check off: blue, black and white.