Equator, time change and +500lb Black Marlin

Yesterday morning while looking out the back, Cory spotted a big fish strike on a handline and alerted the crew. We all came out and were fixated on the lines and watched a big marlin hit our port handline (with teasers, squid chain, and squid lure). It immediately stretched out the 3 speargun bungees to max. The snap was hard, 1 band broke and now the bird teaser is in the air rocketing back at the boat straight for me. I ducked behind a pole which got nailed by the projectile. 80ft of handline back in the boat and the marlin is now leaping thru waves putting on a spectacular show trying to throw the hook. It powers off jumping into the distance for 30s or so until we can’t see it anymore. The fish will be alright, but a bummer it took some gear. It snapped a 250lb swivel. Unfortunately We are only getting smashed by really big fish out here. 3 big billfish and a school of huge yellowfin have been no match for our setup.. so far. Shortly after, we saw 2 sharks cruise by at the surface on separate occasions. At mid day we changed the clocks and at sunset we crossed the equator! The crew are shellbacks. Isla presses on for Marquesas. Sailing fast again. Almost in the good current. 🤙