Billfish
Striped Marlin
Lit-up stripes and a lazy streak. Fights in bursts.
150–260 lbweight in the game
240+ lbtrophy size
6/10jumps
6/10speed
How it fights
The striped marlin jumps now and then, runs hard. Heavier line lands it more often, but fish see thick line and bite less.
Best lures
Plug Head, Small Skirt, Large Skirt.
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: 80 lb test handles a top-end striped marlin of 260 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 240 lb are rare. They turn up more for anglers with stronger stats and on the bigger lures.
Every lure, ranked
- Plug Head — likes it
- Small Skirt — likes it
- Large Skirt — likes it
- Small Live Bait — will take it
- Eyeball Head — will take it
- Fluorescent Head — will take it
- Large Live Bait — 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.
- 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 solid.
