Billfish
Blue Marlin
The big blue. Jumps like it pays rent up there.
250–700 lbweight in the game
600+ lbtrophy size
8/10jumps
9/10speed
How it fights
The blue marlin jumps often and high, makes blistering runs. Heavier line lands it more often, but fish see thick line and bite less.
Best lures
Large Live Bait, Large Skirt, Small Live Bait.
Counts at the weigh-in
Coral Key Classic, Kalea Invitational, Bimini Bluewater Open, Marlin Alley Shootout, The Gulf Five-State Shootout, Big Ledge Blue Marlin Classic, North Drop Moonlight Classic, Mano Channel Open, Big Blue Championship.
Tackle
Line: 130 lb test handles a top-end blue marlin of 700 lb. Go lighter for more bites when the fish run small.
Depth: match your depth to the light: shallow when it’s dim, deep at bright midday.
Trophies: fish over 600 lb are rare. They turn up more for anglers with stronger stats and on the bigger lures.
Every lure, ranked
- Large Live Bait — loves it
- Large Skirt — loves it
- Small Live Bait — likes it
- Eyeball Head — will take it
- Fluorescent Head — will take it
- Plug Head — will take it
- Small Skirt — will take it
- Feather Jig — ignores it
Fight tips
- Jumps: the moment it clears the water, drop the rod tip. Keep it tight and it throws the hook.
- Runs: let the early runs go on a light drag; pumping against a fresh, running fish snaps line.
- Sounding: when it dives, lean back and pump steadily. It comes up when it tires.
- Holding: when it sulks, that’s your chance: pump and reel to gain line.
- Face it: keep the fighting chair pointed at the fish. Its stamina is huge — expect a long fight.
