Fun With Flags – Marlin Edition
When offshore boats come back into the marina proudly flying a flag or flags, there’s a significance to their display. They do this to communicate what they’ve caught, and also to brag a little bit. If you caught, for instance, a blue marlin and a sailfish, you could fly those flags in succession – bigger fish usually but not always go on top. If they’re upside down, that means the fish was released. Sometimes there’s also a “T” to signify that the fish was tagged before being released.
Examples of Marlin Release Flags
While many different species are available (not sure I can imagine flying a crappie flag, but to each his own), the flags generally pertain to the offshore big game species. As Hanna still has yet to catch her marlin, I figured I’d give her some encouragement via the following examples:
More Information on the History, Significance and Protocol of Fish Flags
Notes on Fishing Flags
I don’t know if there’s any bad mojo associated with flying the flags as decoration in your home or office. I bought Hanna the sailfish model at Casa Vieja Lodge as a memento of our fourth great trip.
Some of the marlin flags come in a 10-pack. I like their optimism.
While the “generic” models more than get the job done, some marinas, locales and charter boats have their own.
Meanmouth bass are rare hybrid trophies—part spotted bass, part smallmouth. See replica mounts, why they’re unique, and the controversy behind their spread.