Blue Marlin

The blue marlin is the largest Atlantic billfish, cobalt-blue above and silvery below, with a stout rounded bill and a pointed dorsal fin that stands lower than the body is deep. Vivid vertical bars flash when the fish is feeding, and females dwarf males, reaching several hundred pounds.

They live in the deep blue water of the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, ranging far offshore along major currents, drop-offs, and seamounts where pelagic prey is abundant.

As apex open-ocean predators they hunt tuna, mahi, squid, and other pelagics. Anglers target them by trolling large skirted lures and rigged natural baits at speed, often running teasers to raise fish into the spread. Heavy stand-up or chair tackle is needed to withstand their power and endurance. A hooked blue marlin makes long runs and towering jumps, and most are carefully released after the fight.