Striped Marlin Fishing Guide

The striped marlin (Kajikia audax) is the most abundant and most frequently encountered marlin in Pacific offshore waters, and the premier billfish target for anglers fishing Baja California, Southern California, New Zealand, and Australia. Slender and brilliantly colored, striped marlin are famous for lighting up electric blue when feeding — their neon stripes intensifying in a display visible from the bridge. They typically range from 80–200 pounds, with exceptional fish exceeding 400 pounds, making them challenging enough on heavy tackle and absolutely spectacular on lighter gear. Striped marlin are highly migratory, following warm water currents and bait schools, and are commonly seen tailing on the surface or crashing baits in the spread. Their flesh, called kajiki in Japan, is commercially prized and often sold in premium fish markets.

Striped Marlin is a saltwater species.

Habitat

Striped marlin are a Pacific and Indian Ocean species, rarely found in the Atlantic. In US waters they are most commonly encountered off Southern California and Baja California from late summer through fall as warm water pushes north. They prefer blue, clear water above 65°F and are associated with current breaks, temperature edges, and areas where flying fish and squid concentrations are high.

Diet

Striped marlin feed primarily on flying fish, squid, mackerel, and small schooling pelagic fish. They are active surface feeders and are frequently seen free-jumping and crashing baitballs. Rigged flying fish and squid are the most traditional and productive baits.

Fishing Techniques

Best Seasons

Summer, Fall

Size & Records

Average weight: 100 lbs. World record: 494 lbs (Tutukaka, New Zealand (1986)).