Overview
The ultimate trophy of offshore fishing, legendary power and endurance.
Identification
Long front billHigh dorsal finMuscular bodyBlue vertical stripesHydrodynamic shapePointed billSickle-shaped tailProminent opercula
- Body
- Elongated, fusiform body with a long, pointed dorsal fin.
- Colouration
- Dark blue coloring on the back and white on the belly, with light blue vertical stripes on the body.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Not very evident, but females are generally larger than males.
- Growth
- fast - the blue marlin grows quickly in its early years.
Taxonomy
- Family
- Istiophoridae
- Order
- Perciformes
- Class
- Actinopterygii
Related species
Makaira indicaIstiophorus platypterusTetrapturus audaxKajikia albidaTetrapturus georgei
Habitat & distribution
- Environment
- open_sea, pelagic
- Preferred bottom
- reef, open_sea
- Geographic distribution
- Found in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
- Micro-habitat
- Often found near coral reefs and deep waters in search of prey.
Prefers open environments and the freedom of pelagic waters.
Presence by sea area
Eu Azzorre Madeira CanariePeak
Af Atlantico Trop EPeak
Af Sudafrica IndianoPeak
Af Indiano EstPeak
Na Costa Est SudPeak
Na Golfo MessicoPeak
Na CaraibiPeak
Na Baja CaliforniaPeak
Sa Brasile NordPeak
Sa Brasile EstPeak
As Mar Cinese SudPeak
As Giappone SudPeak
Au Gbr NordPeak
Au Coral SeaPeak
Oc FijiPeak
Oc PolinesiaPeak
Oc MicronesiaPeak
Oc PapuaPeak
Open Pacifico TropPeak
Open Atlantico TropPeak
Open Indiano TropPeak
Diet
- Primary prey
- tunas, flying fish, sardines
- Secondary prey
- mackerels, squids, cuttlefish
- Occasional prey
- shrimp, jellyfish
- Feeding behaviour
- Fast and active predator, uses its long bill to stun fish before eating them.
- Natural predators
- sharks, orcas, large predatory fish
Ability to travel long distances to catch moving prey.
Behaviour
- Activity
- diurnal
- Social behaviour
- solitary
- Aggressiveness
- high
- Migration
- Long migration in search of warm waters and prey.
- Seasonal behaviour
- During warm seasons, migrates to more temperate regions, while in cold periods it moves towards the equator.
- Juveniles
- Young marlins often school in small groups.
- Adults
- Adults usually lead a solitary life except during the breeding season.
Reproduction
- Spawning season
- June, July, August
- Spawning depth
- between 20 and 60 meters
- Eggs
- The eggs are pelagic and float near the surface of the sea.
- Larval stage
- Pelagic larvae that develop quickly, characterized by a long, slender bill.
- Sexual maturity
- varies between 2 and 5 years
When to catch Blue marlin
Activity calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
PeakGoodLowInactive
Activity by season
Best times
Dayalba, mattina
Night—
This species shows peak fishing activity in spring, summer and autumn, when the productivity index (FPI) reaches its highest values.
Fishing activity decreases in winter, when conditions are less favourable.
Ideal conditions
Atmospheric pressure
Low
Hunts on surface, feeding frenzy.
Medium
Follows fish schools.
High
Deeper and more scattered.
Barometric trend
Water temperature
10°COptimal zone: 14-24°C27°C
Preferred tide: moving
Where to catch it
Best spots
deep watersnear coral reefswide pelagic areasnear drop-offs
Bottom preference
Spot type
Fishing techniques
Recommended
trollingdriftingfishing with artificial luresdead bait technique
Other applicable
Trolling OceanicoLive BaitingPoppingTraina Costiera
Recommended baits
squidflying fishsmall tunasmackerel
Baits by pressure
Low
Dredge / TeaserSkirted trolling (Pusher/Chugger)High-speed lure (Wahoo bomb)Wire rig con esca vivaCedar plugHoochie / Octopus rig
Medium
Ballyhoo armatoGoggle-eye vivoPesce intero mortoRicciola piccola vivaTonnetto vivoEsca viva (generica)Sgombro intero
High
Ballyhoo armatoDredge / TeaserGoggle-eye vivo
Catch & handling tips
- Fight
- The blue marlin is known for its spectacular jumps out of the water and powerful resistance.
- Handling
- Use gloves to avoid abrasions from the bill and handle with care.
- Release
- Limit time out of the water, handle gently, and let it swim near the boat before release.
Curiosities & culture
- Record catches
- The world IGFA all-tackle record for blue marlin was set in 1982 with a specimen of 636 kg caught off the coast of Brazil. Blue marlins can reach exceptional sizes, exceeding 700 kg and 4 meters in length, making them one of the most sought-after trophies in sport fishing.
- In the kitchen
- Not commonly consumed due to its esteem as a sport fishing species.
- Cultural notes
- Known as a coveted trophy in sport fishing, symbolizing strength and agility.
- Historical notes
- Historically valued by sport anglers for its impressive size and fighting ability.
