Blue Marlin
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
Blue Marlin can be found in the Mid Atlantic region of the US waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including the Gulf Stream. They are typically found in offshore waters and are known to migrate long distances.
STRUCTURE/HABITAT
Blue Marlin prefer deep waters and are often found around natural structures such as underwater canyons, seamounts, and shipwrecks.
They are also known to congregate around man-made structures such as oil rigs, buoys, and floating debris.
Blue Marlin are typically found in deeper waters, often more than 100 feet deep, but they can also be found in shallower waters depending on the season.
PATTERNS
SPRING
During the spring months, blue marlin begin their northward migration along the East Coast, following warming ocean currents and baitfish migrations. Target them in offshore waters along the continental shelf edge and in the vicinity of underwater canyons using trolling techniques with rigged ballyhoo, artificial lures, or skirted baits.
SUMMER
In the summer, blue marlin are abundant in offshore waters off the Mid-Atlantic coast, particularly in the Gulf Stream and along underwater canyons. Target them using trolling techniques with large, colorful lures, natural baits, or live baitfish. Focus on areas with temperature breaks, upwellings, and current rips where blue marlin are likely to congregate and feed on baitfish schools.
FALL
As temperatures begin to cool in the fall, blue marlin may still be present in offshore waters off the Mid-Atlantic coast, especially in the southern reaches of their range. Target them using trolling techniques with large, flashy lures or natural baits. Focus on areas with concentrations of baitfish and other prey species, as blue marlin are opportunistic feeders and will actively pursue food sources.
WINTER
During the winter months, blue marlin migrate southward to warmer waters, such as the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, where they spend the colder months feeding and spawning. While blue marlin may be less abundant in offshore waters off the Mid-Atlantic coast during the winter, anglers can still target other species of billfish, such as white marlin and sailfish, using similar trolling techniques with artificial lures or natural baits.
Bait
Techniques
Trolling
How: Troll offshore with baits or lures at speeds of 6-10 knots. Look for temperature breaks, weed lines, or current edges to find Blue Marlin.
Gear: Rods: Heavy-duty stand-up trolling rods, with a 50-130 lb class rating. Reels: Large offshore trolling reels with a high line capacity. Lures/Baits: Large trolling lures, rigged ballyhoo, mullet or squid.
Live Baiting
How: Locate Blue Marlin using binoculars, look for bird activity, floating debris, or other signs of life. Anchor or drift, and chum the water with live baitfish like small tuna, bonito, or mackerel. Keep the baitfish in a pen or live well until needed. Baits: Live baitfish.
Gear: Stand-up heavy-duty rods with a 50-80 lb class rating, matched with large conventional reels with high line capacity.
Chunking
How: Find deep structure or drop-offs, and anchor or drift. Chum the water with cut bait, like bonito or mackerel, and fish larger chunks of bait on the bottom. Baits: Cut baitfish like bonito, mackerel, or squid.
Gear: Heavy-duty conventional rods, with a 50-130 lb class rating. Large conventional reels with a high line capacity.
Jigging/Casting
How: Locate Blue Marlin near drop-offs or structure, and cast or vertical jig lures to mimic baitfish movement. Fish in depths of 100-200 feet.
Gear: Heavy-duty spinning or conventional rods with a 50-100 lb class rating. Large conventional reels or spinning reels with a high line capacity. Leaders: 100-200 lb test fluorocarbon. Lures: Large metal jigs, butterfly jigs, or poppers.
Fly Fishing
How: Locate Blue Marlin in open water, and cast a variety of large flies into the feeding zone. Use a fast retrieve to mimic fleeing baitfish.
Gear: 12-14 weight fly rods. Large capacity fly reels with a strong drag system. Line: Intermediate or sinking fly line depending on the depth of the water. Leaders: 12-16 ft 80-100 lb test fluorocarbon leaders. Flies: Large, brightly colored flies that mimic baitfish.