Marlin

Marlin

Marlin are among some of the most majestic fish in the ocean. It’s name is believed to have derived from its resemblance to a sailor’s marlinespike, although they are sometimes referred to as billfish. They are large, quick and powerful, and very graceful swimmers, making them one of the most challenging and satisfying catches in the deep blue sea.

Blue Marlin

Blue marlin is especially prominent in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s is perhaps the greatest fish to sport in the entire world. It is an enormous fish capable of incredible speeds and forces. They’re a long and slender fish; built for agility and speed. They can reach lengths of 20 feet, and can reach swim speeds up to 110 kilometers per hour. That’s about 70 miles per hour! The worthy catches are the females, who get several times larger than the males. Males usually max out at about 300 pounds, while females have been known to get larger than 2,000 pounds! Not much is known about their breeding habits, but we know that they make very long migrations and feed on squid, blackfin tuna and frigate mackerel.

The Challenge

If you’re looking for a fishing challenge, marlin is by far the most intense and challenging catch you’ll make in your life. These incredibly powerful fish can get over one thousand pounds, and won’t give up without a fight. Once on the line, it’s merely a battle of stamina. These fish will sometimes make you work for hours before they show any sign of weakness. They will use zig-zag motions and jump powerfully out of the water to fight against you. They don’t wear down easily—they have incredible stamina—and they make great trophies once they’re caught.

To get the best out of your fishing experience, book your marlin charters for the months of May, June and July—the best time of the year for marlin sporting. Make sure to book your charter in advance.

Fishing Strategies

• Top water fishing
• In top water fishing, two kinds of lures may be used. The most common lure are the floating lures, which stay on the surface. The other option is the less buoyant bait, which does not float but rather the user must keep the lure at the surface by reeling and a series of jerks. In top water fishing, the fish are mostly lured in by the noise of the surface bait.
• Jigging
• Jigging is a fishing technique where a bait is used that is similar to but distinct from spinner baits. The bait (a jig) is rigged to sink. You lure the fish with a series of jerks, much like when using a spinner bait. Great for catching fish near the bottom.
• Live lining
• Live lining is just as it suggests. Your pole is baited with live bait, such as anchovy or other fish that tuna might find attractive.
• Chumming
• Chumming is a method used to attract schools of fish by throwing “chum” into the water. Chum usually consists of fish parts that will attract the type of fish that you’re fishing for.
• Bait-and-switch
• The bait-and-switch technique involves throwing live bait into the water (such as sardines) for the fish to eat, and after the fish have become comfortable, you rig your line with the same kind of bait and throw it into the baited area.

Blue Marlin Sporting

• Fast and powerful fish with remarkable stamina presents a memorable challenge
• Enormous fish that makes for a great trophy
• Larger and stronger than any other game fish

Marlin for Cooking

Marlin is not an especially popular dish in regular seafood restaurants. They are more commonly found in classy restaurants as a kind of exotic food. Most fishermen tend to catch-and-release when fishing for marlin, unless the catch is a trophy. Even still, some fishermen will release the fish after they’ve weighed it in.