We've been out a few times for a look since the New Year.
2 December- couldn't believe it when we motored into dark purple 24.5 degree water between 65m and 70m. Dropped the lures in and 10 minutes later saw a marlin cruising on the surface (first time I'd seen one swimming around so that was pretty exciting). Didn't seem bothered by us in the slightest, worked around it for 5 minutes and it didn't appear to be interested until one of the tuna lures went screaming off before the line promptly snapped. We carried on trolling and 5 minutes later came across another marlin lazily swimming along (couldn't believe my eyes haha), unfortunately I think I got a bit close and this one promptly dived and wasn't seen again. We trolled on for an hour and picked up two skippies and two albies (we saw a tonne of tuna work ups but couldn't get much action), unfortunately we haven't got tuna tubes as we came across our third marlin of the day. Although swimming along in the wake wave for a minute it didn't seem interested in the lures and disappeared shortly thereafter. Blue water was all the way in to around 45m.
3 Dec - naturally we headed to the same area but could only find 21.5 degree water (nice and blue still) and picked up a couple of skippies.
Today - headed out to 70m but could only find 21.5 degree water which was very green and despite acres of saury on the surface couldnt find any game fish. Saw what I think was a huge Manta Ray, would that be right? Also saw a reasonable size hammerhead which was cool.
Dolphins were playful and plentiful on all days between 35m and 70m.
Rest of the week is looking good for some missions so we will see how we go.