Blue Marlin – Offshore Fishing and Lure Rigging

Blue marlin fishing

Few things are as thrilling to a sport fisherman as the challenge of hooking and landing a blue marlin. The Atlantic and Pacific blue marlin are two of the most coveted gamefish in the world, and they can be found in warm waters around the globe. Blue marlin are notorious for their power and speed, making them a formidable opponent for any angler. But, with the right technique and equipment, you can increase your chances of success.

Overview of In The Spread

As a sport fishing educational video company, In The Spread is dedicated to helping fishermen improve their skills and catch more fish. Our team works exclusively with the very best fishermen in the world to produce high-quality instructional videos that cover everything from rigging lures to trolling techniques. We believe that sharing knowledge and experience is the key to becoming a better angler, and we're proud to offer our subscribers access to some of the most valuable fishing information available. To learn more about rigging marlin lures for offshore fishing and kick your fishing up to the next level, visit our Saltwater Fishing Lures video library.

Overview of the different techniques used to catch blue marlin

A. Trolling

Trolling is one of the most popular techniques used to catch blue marlin. It involves dragging a variety of lures or bait behind a moving boat at various depths and speeds. This technique can be used in both deep and shallow waters, and the type of lure and the speed of the boat will vary depending on the conditions and the fish's behavior.

B. Bait and switch

Another popular technique used to catch blue marlin is bait and switch. This involves using a live baitfish, such as a bonito or mackerel, as bait. The baitfish is cast out and left to swim freely while the boat is maneuvered to draw the attention of the blue marlin. Once the marlin is spotted, the baitfish is quickly reeled in and replaced with a lure that mimics the live baitfish's action.

C. Live baiting

Live baiting is a technique that involves using live baitfish to entice blue marlin to strike. The live baitfish is usually rigged with a circle hook and dropped to a desired depth. The boat is then slowly maneuvered to attract the attention of the blue marlin. When the marlin takes the bait, the angler waits for the fish to swallow the bait before setting the hook. Live baiting is an effective technique when the blue marlin are not responding to lures or bait and switch.

Best Fishing Methods for Blue Marlin

The elusive blue marlin is a highly prized game fish that can be found in many different locations around the world. As with any game fish, the best time and place to fish for blue marlin varies depending on the season and the location. However, there are some general tips and tricks that can be used to increase your chances of catching these magnificent creatures.

A. Best Time and Place to Fish for Blue Marlin

Blue marlin can be found in many different locations around the world, including the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. In the Atlantic, they can be found in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, Madeira, Cape Verde, the Azores and off the East Coast of the U.S. In the Pacific, they are commonly found in Hawaii, Mexico, Fiji, and Costa Rica.

The best time to fish for blue marlin is typically during the summer months, when the water is warm and the fish are most active. However, they can be caught year-round in some locations, such as Hawaii.

B. Tips and Tricks for Blue Marlin Fishing

Regardless of the technique you choose, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you be more successful when fishing for blue marlin. These include using high-quality gear, such as sturdy rods and reels, and using a variety of different lures to find what the fish are biting on. It is also important to pay attention to the weather and water conditions, as these can have a big impact on the behavior of the fish.

How to Rig Marlin Trolling Lures

A. Explanation of the process of rigging a blue marlin lure

When it comes to blue marlin fishing, the right rigging can make all the difference. Properly rigged lures are key to enticing these elusive predators to strike. To begin with, you'll need a sturdy leader, strong enough to withstand the power and speed of the blue marlin. From there, you'll want to rig a lure that mimics the movement and appearance of the blue marlin's natural prey.

B. Explanation of stiff rigging

A stiff hook rig is a type of rigging used for trolling lures when targeting large game fish such as blue marlin. This rig allows the hook to remain in a more upright position when trolled through the water, making it easier for the hook to penetrate the fish's mouth when it strikes the lure.

When rigging a stiff hook, it's important to position the hook in the correct orientation on the lure so that it sits upright in the water. This can take some trial and error, as different lures and hooks may require slightly different rigging methods. Some anglers prefer to use wire leader with their stiff hook rigs, while others opt for fluorocarbon or monofilament leader depending on the fishing conditions and the behavior of the fish they are targeting.

C. Single hook vs Double hook rigs

A single hook rig for marlin fishing consists of a single hook attached to a leader that is connected to the main fishing line. The hook is designed to be large and strong enough to hold a large marlin. A double hook rig, on the other hand, has two hooks attached to the leader, one behind the other.

The main benefit of a single hook rig is that it reduces the chances of a marlin throwing the hook during the fight, as there is only one point of contact. Single hooks also cause less damage to the marlin, making it easier to release the fish alive. However, the downside of a single hook rig is that it can be more difficult to hook the marlin in the first place, as the hook has to be precisely positioned in the fish's mouth.

Double hook rigs, on the other hand, increase the chances of hooking a marlin, as there are two hooks to potentially catch in the fish's mouth. This makes it easier to set the hook and keep the fish on the line during the fight. However, double hook rigs can cause more damage to the marlin, which can reduce the chances of successfully releasing the fish alive.

In summary, the choice between a single hook and double hook rig for marlin fishing depends on the angler's preference and fishing style. A single hook rig may be better for catch and release fishing, while a double hook rig may be better for anglers who prioritize hooking and landing the fish.

D. The importance of the marlin lure spread

One of the keys to successful blue marlin fishing is the placement of your lures. By strategically spreading out your lures at varying distances from the boat, you can increase your chances of enticing a blue marlin to strike. In The Spread offers a variety of videos on rigging marlin fishing lures and terminal connections, including "Rigging Lures For Blue Marlin With RJ Boyle”, and "Trolling Lure Basics With Roddy Hays" to help you master the art of rigging your lures for blue marlin.

Trolling for Blue Marlin

Blue marlin are often caught by trolling, which involves dragging a spread of lures or bait behind a moving boat. Trolling for blue marlin can be a thrilling and effective way to catch these majestic fish.

A. Overview of trolling for blue marlin

Trolling for blue marlin involves using a variety of lures and bait to mimic the fish's natural prey. Skirted trolling lures, like those made by Andy Moyes, Black Bart, and Marlin Magic, are some of the most popular types of lures used for blue marlin fishing. These lures come in a variety of colors and sizes, and are designed to imitate various types of baitfish, squid, and other prey. See our popular video with Andy Moyes, where he discusses head shapes and wave placement Blue Marlin Trolling Lures With Andy Moyes.

B. Explanation of the best trolling setup for blue marlin

The best trolling setup for blue marlin typically involves a spread of lures of various shape and size set at different distances from the boat. This creates a "lure spread" that covers a wide area of water and increases the chances of a blue marlin taking the bait.

C. Optimal trolling speed and spread for blue marlin

The optimal trolling speed and spread for blue marlin can vary depending on a number of factors, including sea conditions, where clean water alleys are behind your boat, and the size and type of lures being used. Generally, trolling speeds of 8-10 knots are common for blue marlin fishing, but this can vary depending on the conditions. The lure spread should be varied to cover different distances from the boat, with larger lures placed closer to the boat and smaller lures further back.

D. Tips for trolling blue marlin

When trolling for blue marlin, it's important to keep a close eye on the lures and be ready to quickly reel in any slack in the line if a fish strikes. It's also important to vary the trolling speed and the lure spread until you find what works best for the current conditions. In The Spread offers a number of educational videos that provide detailed instruction on trolling for blue marlin, including "Offshore Fishing For Blue Marlin" and "Rigging Marlin Fishing Lures And Terminal Connections ."

Tackle and Gear for Blue Marlin Fishing

A. Essential gear for blue marlin fishing

When it comes to blue marlin fishing, having the right gear is crucial. Your equipment should be able to handle the power of a blue marlin and withstand the strain of a long fight.

B. Rods, hooks, lures, and other tackle for blue marlin fishing

For blue marlin fishing, it's recommended to use a heavy-duty stand-up rod paired with a high-speed lever drag reel. The rod should have a stiff backbone and be able to handle up to 130-pound test line.

When it comes to hooks, J hooks are the preferred option as they lend for better hook placement in the jaw, reducing the chances of the hook coming loose.

C. Pound test line to use for blue marlin fishing

The pound test line used for blue marlin fishing should be between 80 and 130 pounds. It's important to have a line that is strong enough to withstand the fight, but not so heavy that it hinders the lure's action.

Top Marlin Lures

Blue marlin fishing requires the use of high-quality lures to attract the fish to the bait. When it comes to marlin lures, there are countless options to choose from, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.

One of the most popular types of marlin lures is the skirted trolling lure, which is designed to imitate the movements of a baitfish in the water. These lures come in various sizes and shapes, and are typically rigged with a hook in the back of the skirt to make it look like a natural fish swimming through the water.

When it comes to lure head shapes, there are various options to choose from, including bullet, concave, and cupped. Each shape has its own unique swimming action, and the choice often comes down to personal preference and the specific conditions of the fishing location.

Some of the top marlin lures on the market include the Moldcraft Wide Range, Joe Yee Super Plunger, Black Bart Hot Breakfast, Andy Moyes J Boy and Marlin Magic “The Hibby”. These lures have proven track records of attracting and hooking blue marlin, and are favored by many experienced fishermen.

Overall, choosing the right marlin lure comes down to understanding the fish's behavior and the conditions of the fishing location. By experimenting with different types of lures and techniques, fishermen can increase their chances of success in catching blue marlin.

As we come to the end of this article, we hope that you have gained valuable insights into blue marlin fishing. From understanding the different techniques used to catch blue marlin to rigging the perfect trolling lure and choosing the right tackle, we have covered a lot of ground.

Remember, blue marlin fishing can be challenging, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences for any angler. And if you want to learn more about blue marlin fishing and other types of fishing, be sure to check out In The Spread. Their online courses and videos provide invaluable information for anglers of all levels.

So, gear up, hit the water, and get ready to catch the fish of a lifetime!

Sarah Mendez

Content Creator

In The Spread