Although not preferred table fare, the Blue Marlin is a popular sporting fish. The best bait for catching blue marlin include artificial lures and Ballyhoo combinations. Saltwater trolling is the preferred technique for catching Blue Marlin. Peak fishing season is March through August.
How to identify Blue Marlin
Female marlins grow to be larger than the males. Interestingly, rigidity is absent in males, even after death. Smaller male marlins can be folded over flat, whereas the larger cannot. The blue marlin’s dorsal fin is tall, pointing forward, with the tallest point being just smaller than the depth of the body.
The anal fin of marlin is large with a pointed profile. The tips of the dorsal, pectoral and anal fins are all pointed. Vents are located directly in front of the anal fin. The upper jaw of the blue marlin is elongated into a spear shape.
The blue marlin’s back is deep blue, while its abdomen and sides are white/silver. Juvenile have the same profiles as adults; however, their lateral line is much more visible. The lateral line on adults is hidden by scales.
It may have pale, vertical striping on its sides that disappears when it dies. These pale stripes are not as prominent as those in striped marlins. The fins on blue marlins don’t have any markings.
Blue marlin grow up to 14 feet and weigh more than 2,000 pounds.
Identifying characteristics:
- Upper jaw elongated into a spear
- High pointed dorsal fin
- Deep blue back
- Pale, vertical stripes on sides
- Wide, pointed caudal fin
- White/silver abdomen
Where to catch Blue Marlin
Although blue marlins are migratory, they can be found abundantly out in the western warm, surface waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They are less abundant in Eastern waters. These fish also thrive in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Kona, Hawaii is known to be one of the best locations for catching blue marlins.
The following are habitats where you can catch Blue Marlin:
How to catch Blue Marlin
The best method to use for catching blue marlin is trolling with either live baits or lures. Blue marlins can leap high and will aggressively fight with the power to run at full speed for extended amounts of time. They have to strength to fight without tiring out. Since they are very powerful fish, anglers should ensure they are using industrial-grade equipment, otherwise, the marlin could break the rod.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Blue Marlin:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Blue Marlin
Blue marlins respond well to large, whole bait. Anglers should opt for bonito, dolphin, mullet, mackerel, bonefish, ballyhoo, flying fish, and squid. Rubber skirted trolling lures also work well for catching these large fish.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Blue Marlin:
