North Ledge
A rocky ledge with bait stacked up against it.
Most likely: Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna
Round 9 of 10
Mano Channel Open
A windy channel between two big islands. Currents rip, and so do the fish.
3fishing spots
Billfishcounts at the scale
400–560 lbwhat the rivals land
6 AM–4 PMone fishing day
North LedgeThe ChannelWhale RockThe rules
Heaviest single billfish wins. Vance has never lost here. Supposedly.
Warm tropical blue water. Fish the day from six in the morning to four in the afternoon, keep up to 11 fish in the box, and bring your heaviest to the weigh-in. Beat every rival’s best to win the round.
What’s biting
Each spot has its own mix. Deeper, harder spots hold bigger fish.
How to win the Mano Channel Open
What you need: the field’s best fish usually weighs between 400 and 560 lb, so you’ll need a big billfish to take the round. Only billfish — marlin, sailfish and swordfish count at the scale.
Rig for it: 80 lb line lands fish that size; anything lighter gets more bites but risks a break-off on the big one. The blue marlin likes the Large Live Bait and the Large Skirt best.
Where to start: North Ledge is the gentlest spot (★★★☆☆) — a good place to find your rhythm. The Channel holds the heaviest fish, if you can handle them. Birds work hardest over The Channel: follow them to the bait.
Read the forecast: on cloudy mornings and evenings run your lure shallow; under a bright midday sun, go deep. A windy forecast means a rough sea, a rolling boat and more drift, so plan your passes into the wind.
The spots
The Channel
Fast water, big swells, bigger marlin.
Most likely: Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Mako Shark
Whale Rock
Humpbacks pass by here. Marlin tag along for the free ride.
Most likely: Blue Marlin, Yellowfin Tuna, Mako Shark