Vengeful marlin catches a boatload of fishermen.

[Big D]

http://now.msn.com/marlin-sinks-fishing ... to-gallery

If you think fishing's boring, take a look at this series of snaps taken the moment a giant marlin takes revenge on every big game fisherman who has ever cast a line and sinks this pristine boat off the coast of Panama. How did it go so wrong? One report explains that the captain was reversing full throttle to chase down the fighting mega-fish when he fell and lost control. Marlin Magazine reports that the awesome creature escaped and all passengers were rescued, but the poor boat sank into oblivion. Facebook fishing enthusiasts are mystified, asking, "Why didn't they cut the line?" But as Marlin Magazine simply puts it, "Marlin Wins!"

[Amx]

[MotoBoat]

Captain backs down on the Marlin, at full throttle (too fast). In the process, somehow falls overboard, loosing control!

Good grief, is charlie brown piloting the boat?

[Steelheadin360]

and thats why i fish for steelhead

[G-Man]

I never could quite understand the concept of backing down on a billfish or any fish for that matter. Its not like you can make up any great distance on them in reverse and when it is choppy, you are just asking for trouble. I'm just hoping that the fish was able to spit the hook, otherwise it will be dragging a rod and reel around until it dies.

[MotoBoat]

I get the concept of backing down. But like G-man said, how effective is it. When compared to staying at a 90 degree angle, while in forward gear!.

Sure, the boat goes much slower in reverse. Also the steering would be more precise, and it is probably the most effective tactic when moving directly at the fish. But dangerous........if the boat is not self draining........most definitely yes!

What I did notice, while watching bill fishing on TV. First is the Diesel Exhaust in your face! Second is the massive amount of water that comes over the stern, and onto the deck. Many times there is a foot of water for the deck hands to wade through. All occupants on deck, at the rear of the boat get wet. Probably no one is complaining when the weather is sunny and warm. With the exception, that dried saltwater on the face, and skin is never that pleasant.

I'm not convinced the backing down tactic became famous as part of the "tourist experience". Big fish on the line, attempting to pull your arms from there sockets and drag you out the back of the boat, line screaming reel smoking runs, spectacular jumps. Why not throw in walls of water pouring into your lap, and shoving Diesel exhaust plumes into your lung's?

[Bodofish]

The picture looks an aweful lot lke he hooked a stabilizer. That fish isn't going to pull any 20k pound boat.

[Augwen]

So what do you think they told the insurance company?

[Bodofish]

So what do you think they told the insurance company?

Who knows.... I doubt it really matters, the number of boats lost in that manner is a pretty small and I'm sure the insurance company worked the statistics and actuaries till their fingers bled. Insurance companies don't lose money. The boat was no doubt recovered and a post mortem done with a fine tooth comb, they hate to pay. One thing I'm sure of, with the world records just on either side of 1400 pounds for Atlantic and Pacific Marlin, that fish on 100 to 200 pound test isn't going to make that boat do anything. Wave over the stern in full reverse even with a self bailing boat I can believe. Banging a rock just under the surface or any combination of.....