The blue marlin is the fish that wins most tournaments in Big Fish, Blue Sea™. It ranges from 250 to 700 lb, anything over 600 lb is a trophy, and it jumps often and high, makes blistering runs. Here’s how to get one to the scale.
Where to find one
Blue marlin turn up almost everywhere, but they’re thickest on the deep, hard spots. These are where the most strikes come from:
- The North Drop (North Drop Moonlight Classic) — 45% of strikes, difficulty ★★★★★
- Hurricane Hole (Big Blue Championship) — 42% of strikes, difficulty ★★★★★
- The Abyss (Big Blue Championship) — 40% of strikes, difficulty ★★★★★
- Tongue of the Ocean (Bimini Bluewater Open) — 39% of strikes, difficulty ★★★★☆
- The Point (Big Ledge Blue Marlin Classic) — 38% of strikes, difficulty ★★★★★
Out on the water, look for diving birds and dark bait balls; blue marlin hunt the edges of the bait. Whales are worth following too — big fish often travel with them.
Rig for him
- Line: 80 lb test lands most blues; step up to 130 lb for a trophy. Lighter line gets more bites but parts on a big fish’s run.
- Lure: his favourites, in order: Large Live Bait, Large Skirt, Small Live Bait, Eyeball Head. He has little interest in the Feather Jig.
- Depth: shallow on cloudy mornings and evenings, deeper under a bright midday sun.
Hooking up
Troll past the bait at under a quarter throttle — any faster and it scatters. Keep the sun off your bow; trolling into the glare hides your lure. When the strike comes, set the hook quickly.
The fight
- Turn the chair to face him.
- Let the first runs go on a light drag. Pumping against a fresh, running marlin snaps line.
- When he jumps, drop the rod tip. Blue marlin jump often, and a tight line in the air is the classic way to lose one.
- When he slows or sulks, pump and reel to gain line. When he charges the boat, reel fast.
- A big blue can fight for a long time. Watch his vitality fall, keep the tension in the safe range, and he’ll come to the boat.
Trophies
Blues over 600 lb are rare. They show up more for anglers with stronger Muscle, Body and Skill and on the heavier lures, so the biggest ones come later in your career.