Blue Marlin(Makaira nigricans)

Quick Facts

  • Size Range: The blue marlin can grow quite large, reaching weights of over one thousand pounds.
  • Native Species?: Yes
  • Food Value: The blue marlin is fair to eat, but is protected from sale in the U.S. Highly prized as a gamefish, the blue marlin is most often released.

State Record

  • Louisiana State Record: 1018.5lbs
  • State Record Date: 7/1/1977
  • State Record Holder Linda Koerner

The blue marlin is a large pelagic fish with an elongated upper jaw that forms a spear. They have a pointed dorsal fin with no dark spots. They are black to blue on the back and silvery to white below.

These popular gamefish live in open ocean waters in the temperate and tropical parts of the Atlantic and the Gulf. They prefer clean blue waters and feed on fish and squid.

There are many methods used to troll for these pelagic fish. Lures, dead natural baits and live baits are the most common ways. Anglers troll at various speeds, dragging the bait behind the moving boat and enticing the strike while on the move. Teasers and dredges are an important aspect of attracting these fish into your spread. Catching a blue marlin is often considered a pinnacle in one’s fishing experience.

Blue Marlin Rules and Regulations

Size Limit : 99 inches lower jaw to fork length
Seasons : Finfish

Marlin and Sailfish Click to Toggle

All recreational anglers, including those not normally required to have a fishing license, and charter captains must obtain a Recreational Offshore Landing Permit to possess billfish.

General Info:
Related Habitats:
Other Billfish Species: White Marlin Swordfish Sailfish
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Related Fishing Methods

Live bait is a term given to many different types of fish, crustaceans, insects and worms that are popular food items for fish and used by fishermen for bait. There are many benefits to live bait as well as a few cons. The pros normally out weigh the negatives, and live bait is widely used. The biggest benefit for fishermen is that they are using the real thing and often puts a fish's guard down. Small fish, crabs, shrimp, clams, crickets and the good ole earthworm are all used to entice a fish to the hook. The only negatives to live bait is just that, keeping it alive. Sometimes catching it can be a challenge, as only some species can be bought as live bait. No matter how you get it, live bait is a great way to target many types of fish.

Trolling is the presentation of lure and/or baits from a moving boat. Many types of predatory fish are caught this way in both fresh and salt water. Speeds and presentations vary greatly depending on the target species. One may troll a small beetle spin for crappie with trolling motor in the lake, or charge around oil rigs at 15 knots with a high-speed wahoo spread. Trolling ballyhoo offshore is one of the most common, broad spectrum ways to catch all types of gamefish. Again there are many different methods to choose from.