Where Black Marlin Can Be Found

Posted by on February 11, 2012

Black marlin have a place in Black Marlin fishing folklore all of their own, as do blue marlin, and they have both been immortalized by writers like Ernest Hemmingway and Zane Grey. Almost exclusively existing in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the black marlin is a highly migratory, pelagic species of fish that are most commonly found in deep waters, though they rarely swim deeper than a hundred feet, near bottom structures such as continental shelves and reefs. The black marlin’s immense size and strength make it a favored target among many big-game fishermen.

Comparing Black and Blue Marlins

When a black marlin weighing under a hundred pounds is captured it is very commonly confused with its cousin, the blue marlin. One distinguishing characteristic the black marlin possesses independent of the blue marlin is that its pectoral fin will not fold over when pushed. Also, the bill on a large black also tends to be much shorter and heavier than that of a blue marlin. Finally, in conjunction with having a dorsal fin that is proportionately the lowest of any billfish in existence, the black marlin is the only marlin with non-retractable fins.

Physical Traits

In terms of color, the black marlin possesses a slate hue that turns into a silver belly. When excited, the black marlin has been known to show off light blue stripes as well. Some researchers have noted that a few black marlins obtain a silvery haze over their bodies. This caused some in the pacific to mistakenly label them “silver marlins”. An enormous fish when mature, black marlins can reach lengths of up to 15 feet and weigh in at well over 1000 pounds. Most prize-winning black marlin that are caught a female, however, as it is extremely rare for a male black marlin to weigh more than 300 pounds. A black marlin’s diet consists of dolphin, squid, octopuses, swordfish, and tuna. It has been proven through stomach analysis that these fish use their long, sharp bills to conquer and eat their prey.

Hunting for Black Marlin

If you are trying to catch a black marlin there are a few tips you will need in order to be successful. First, it has been shown that a great way to catch black marlin involves live baitfish, trolling, and rigged bait. If you then are fortunate enough to lure a black marlin onto your hook, you are in for a very serious challenge. Fights with black marlin have been known to go on for several hours before either the angler or the fish give in. Also, if you have gotten a black marlin on your line you might also be lucky enough to see one of them majestically leap from the surface of the water early in your battle. It’s fun to go Blue Marlin fishing.

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