Blue Marlin Fishing Guide

The blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) is the pinnacle of big-game offshore fishing — large fish called 'granders' (exceeding 1,000 pounds) represent the ultimate achievement in marine sport fishing. The Atlantic blue marlin is one of the largest teleost fishes in the world, with females (bulls in marlins) growing vastly larger than males — virtually all fish over 300 pounds are female. Blue marlin are highly migratory, following warm ocean currents across entire ocean basins and are tracked by satellite tags across thousands of miles. The Gulf Stream, the undersea canyon edges of the mid-Atlantic, and the blue water off Bermuda are the most significant US fishing grounds. Conservation concerns are serious — blue marlin are overfished throughout most of their range.

Blue Marlin is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Deep, warm oceanic water worldwide in tropical and subtropical seas; in US waters, the Gulf Stream corridor from Miami to Nova Scotia and the Gulf of Mexico are primary areas. Epipelagic and surface-oriented in warm (75°F+) water, typically found in the top 300 feet over water 400+ feet deep.

Diet

Primarily large pelagic fish — tuna, mackerel, mahi-mahi, squid, and any available schooling prey. Blue marlin are thought to use their bill primarily to stun large, fast prey before consuming them — they are apex predators with few natural predators once adult size is reached.

Fishing Techniques

• Trolling rigged baits and skirted lures
• Live bait with large circle hooks
• Pitch-baiting to raised fish
• Stand-up and heavy tackle

Best Seasons

Summer, Fall

Size & Records

Average weight: 300 lbs. World record: 1402.2 lbs (Vitoria, Brazil (1992)).