WikiCatchGet the App
Atlantic blue marlin

Atlantic blue marlin

Makaira nigricans

Family
Istiophoridae
Max Length
500 cm
Max Weight
636 kg
IUCN Status
VU
Water Type
saltwater
Fishing Spots
79

Overview

The Atlantic blue marlin is a species of marlin endemic to the Atlantic Ocean. It is closely related to, and usually considered conspecific with, the Indo-Pacific blue marlin, then simply called blue marlin. Some authorities consider both species distinct. Blue marlin are distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a bluewater fish that spends the majority of its life in the open sea far from land.

Best Baits & Lures

Live Baits

  • Skipjack Tuna

    A favorite; highly effective for big marlin.

  • Bonito

    Another tuna species, readily available.

  • Little Tunny (False Albacore)

    Durable bait, can withstand aggressive strikes.

  • Frigate Mackerel

    Oily and attractive to marlin.

  • Live Squid

    Excellent choice when available.

Artificial Lures

  • Yamashita Maria Japan Pop Queen 160Popper

    Creates a lot of surface commotion.

    Buy
  • Mold Craft Wide RangeTrolling Lure

    Classic marlin lure, various color combinations.

    Buy
  • Yo-Zuri BonitaTrolling Lure

    Durable and effective at higher trolling speeds.

    Buy
  • Black Bart BreakfastTrolling Lure

    Popular choice for big game fishing.

    Buy
  • Williamson Sailfish CatcherTrolling Lure

    Versatile lure, works well in various conditions.

    Buy

Techniques

When trolling for marlin, vary your speed and direction to trigger strikes; pay close attention to sea surface temperature breaks and current edges.

Where to Find Atlantic blue marlin

Hawaii, United States6 spotsBaja California Sur, Mexico3 spotsMassachusetts, United States2 spotsFlorida, United States2 spotsRarotonga, Cook Islands2 spotsSonora, Mexico2 spotsKwaZulu-Natal, South Africa1 spotsWashington, United States1 spotsConnecticut, United States1 spotsLouisiana, United States1 spots
📍 Find spots near me🗺️ Explore on the full map

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for Atlantic blue marlin?+

Popular baits for Atlantic blue marlin include Skipjack Tuna, Bonito, Little Tunny (False Albacore), Frigate Mackerel, Live Squid. Tip: When trolling for marlin, vary your speed and direction to trigger strikes; pay close attention to sea surface temperature breaks and current edges.

Where can I catch Atlantic blue marlin?+

Atlantic blue marlin can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include Hawaii, United States; Baja California Sur, Mexico; Massachusetts, United States. WikiCatch lists 79 fishing spots where this species is found.

How big do Atlantic blue marlin get?+

Atlantic blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) can reach up to 500 cm in length and 636 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is VU.

Get WikiCatch on iPhone

325,000+ fishing waters, depth maps, AI fish ID, weather & solunar. Free to browse.

Download on the App Store