Black Marlin for Mom-to-Be

My wife and I took a trip to beautiful Costa Rica 20 years ago.  Our 2^nd child was 6 months in the oven.  We did not know if Captain Bill Gannon at Sport Fishing Costa Rica in Quepos would even allow Barbara to fish aboard his 23 ft charter boat.

Eventually we set out.  Bill had brought along a carton of milk for his pregnant passenger.  I pulled in several 100 lb sails and assorted dolphin as she watched.

She decided to take over the chair before we headed back to the dock.  The next strike was entirely hers.  Three and a half hours and 18 magnificent jumps later, she landed an approximately 550 pound black marlin on 30-pound test.  Our half day charter turned into an extended experience, to say the least.  What a great prenatal experience for our son.  I wonder how he felt nestled in the fighting belt.

Hats off and milk cartons raised high to Bill Gannon for his superb boat handling.  My advice is to fish often, and I challenge the women anglers to top this one!

Preston Stone

Mt. Pleasant, SC