Best Blue Marlin Fishing Destinations
Blue Marlin are one of the fish on every angler’s list. They are fun and feisty and give a show of dancing and leaping on and out of the water, and some of them, known as Granders, can be over 1000 pounds. Blue Marlin are elusive, but there are spots worldwide where they are found in larger numbers throughout the year. Here is a list of the best locations on the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans and the very best time to plan your vacation to land one of these beasts. This list is in no particular order; they are each the best for their own reasons.
Australia
When people think of Marlin fishing in Australia, everyone thinks of Cairn in Northeastern Queensland right on the Great Barrier Reef. Cairn is probably the best place in the world for Black Marlin and still an excellent place for big Blue Marlin, but Exmouth on the opposite side of Australia is quickly making a name for giant Blue Marlin fishing. So why is Exmouth becoming the new name in Aussie Marlin fishing?
- It is located on the Ningaloo Reef, the largest fringing reef in the world.
- The warm waters of Leeuwin Current draw baitfish in great numbers, which attracts all of the billfish; Blue, Black and Striped Marlin, Sailfish, and Swordfish.
- The largest Blue Marlin to be caught in Australia was caught here in 2018 when a 1089 pound monster was brought in. It is said that 1 out of every 10 Blue Marlin hooked up in Exmouth is usually 500+ pounds.
- This is a small town and has very little traffic. There are only a few charters, so your chances are much better than other areas around the world with massive numbers of boats vying for the fish.
This all places Exmouth as one of the emerging fisheries in the world and one of the top fisheries in Australia. Prime season is October – March, but the Blue Marlin are in numbers year-round.
Kona, Hawaii
Considered by many as the best place in the world for Marlin fishing, Kona on the big island of Hawaii has big Blue Marlin literally right off the coast. Many of the Granders are hooked two to five miles offshore, and big game fishing starts less than 1/2 mile from shore.
So why is Kona the best?
- Kona's waters are calm and sheltered year-round because the strong Pacific tradewinds are diminished thanks to two tall 14,000 ft. volcanic mountains.
- Blue Marlin are found here year-round thanks to high ocean temperatures. Kona is consistently in the top ten bill fisheries in the world.
- Fishing starts almost immediately out of the harbor. The waters run deep, 6000ft deep, 3 miles offshore and while not common, there have even been Granders caught within five minutes from departing the dock.
- Kona is home to some of the largest Granders ever caught and holds many IFGA world records.
- You can hook up with Black and Striped Marlin and the elusive Spearfish along with the Blue Marlin.
In Kona, the Blue Marlin are found year-round, but the best time is summer, from May to October, with July and August as the peak season.
Cape Verde
Looking for some of the best chances with a Blue Marlin, then look no further than Cape Verde. Cape Verde is a small island nation located off the coast of Senegal in Northwestern Africa. It has become one of the best Blue Marlin fishing destinations globally, but why?
- Cape Verde has optimal conditions for large numbers of Marlin. It has ideal water temperatures and is one of the best coral reef hotspots in the world. There are also numerous underwater features like the Northwest Bank, which rises from the seafloor 9,000 feet deep to 120 feet from the surface. All of this attracts large amounts of baitfish, bringing in the Blue Marlin and other big game fish.
- Cape Verde is located along the way towards the Blue Marlin breeding grounds, so during peak season, the big females are migrating through the islands.
- This is the land of the "Giants," with more than 20 Granders on record with many more released to date.
- While over 90% of fishing is for Blue Marlin, there are plenty of other big game fish like; Sailfish, Wahoo, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Swordfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Tiger and Mako Sharks and more.
- The Marlin bite is one of the best in the world. Many charter boats have caught and released at least ten or more fish in one day ranging in size from 250 - to over 1,000 pounds. You might get lucky and have three fish on at one time with others trying to take the bait. In just a three-month season, one captain and his team released more than 400 Blues. So the number of Blue Marlin roaming these waters is huge.
The Blue Marlin season is between March and August, but you can see them patrolling the waters year-round.
Cabo San Lucas
A town with the reputation of “The Marlin Capital of the World” you know has to be a destination for all anglers. Located on the tip of the Baja peninsula, it has many options for fishing. You can go east to the Sea of Cortez; you can go west along the coast towards Magdelena Bay or head out to the Pacific Ocean. No matter where your captain takes you, you will find fish year-round. Cabo San Lucas is consistently ranked in the world’s top ten fisheries. But why?
- It is said that in one hour, more Marlin are caught and released than anywhere else in the world. The Marlin are plentiful here. One boat in a month of fishing released over 2,000 Marlin.
- While most of the Marlin caught in Cabo San Lucas are the smaller Striped Marlin, there are still plenty of Blue and Black Marlin, some huge. In June, they come to the area and stay till late October/early November.
- Right outside of town near the "Arch of Cabo San Lucas," the waters drop deep to 1,200 feet near the mouth of the Sea of Cortez. Or you can go west to the Pacific to San Jaime and Golden Gate Bank or even farther out to sea at Fingers Bank, where many of the big Blues hang out.
- Cabo San Lucas is the home of Bisbee's Black and Blue Tournament. This tournament, held every year, is the largest and richest Blue Marlin tournament in the world. There are also many other tournaments held throughout the year here.
- While Marlin are the main draw, there are much more fish to target like; Sailfish, Dorado(Mahi), Wahoo, Amberjack, Sharks, and the Roosterfish is more abundant here than anywhere else in the world.
All of this makes Cabo San Lucas a must on every angler’s bucket list. For Blue and Black Marlin, the season is June through late October/early November.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is slowly becoming known as a destination for all anglers worldwide. This is because of three areas that are Blue Marlin hotspots; Punta Cana/Cap Cana, Puerto Plata, and Bayahibe. But why are these three areas such great spots for Marlin?
Punta Cana/Cap Cana
- It is the # 1 Billfishery for 2020 with over 4000 catch and releases recorded despite most of the season being canceled and less than half the boats all due to covid-19. With the fishing grounds so close to shore, you do not have to go far, and it is consistently in the top 3 in the world.
- Undisputed Marlin destination in the Dominican Republic. With many IFGA record catches, it is a worldwide big game hotspot.
- Undisputed Marlin destination in the Dominican Republic. With many IFGA record catches, it is a worldwide big game hotspot.
- Mona Passage, a channel connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. When the colder water of the north converges with the warmer water of the south, it produces undercurrents that bring plankton up, attracting small baitfish that bring in the big pelagic fish like the Blue Marlin.
- Numerous FADs make the bite even easier and more plentiful. During the five months of peak season, it is common to have multiple hookups.
- Marina Cap Cana is one of the world's best marinas and has been voted #1 for sport fishing. It hosts many tournaments, including the Cap Cana Classic.
Puerto Plata
- Located just south of the Puerto Rico Trench, one earth's deepest trenches with up currents from the ocean bottom bringing plankton and small baitfish, which brings Blue Marlin in great numbers. With the close proximity to the trench, you will be fishing in minutes.
- Despite having as good a bite as Punta Cana, it is much less crowded, and there are greater chances of hookups.
- FADs are employed offshore, making the chances of landing a big one much better.
Bayahibe
- Located on the southern coast, it is just north of the Caribbean Plate, and while the Blue Marlin fishing may not be as hot as Punta Cana, it is still better than most of the world. Especially during the peak season.
- FADs are in place offshore, making the chances of hookups that much better.
- Just like Puerto Plata, it is a much less crowded area with a very laid back beach feel
The Dominican Republic is a fisherman’s paradise, and during the months of March – October, the chance of your first Marlin is good, and during the peak season June – October, it is greater than most places around the world.
The Puerto Rico Trench
A few islands in the Caribbean Sea/Atlantic Ocean are famous for their Blue Marlin Fishing. All of them fall on or near the Puerto Rico Trench. The deepest place in the Atlantic Ocean at a maximum depth of 28,734 feet. It is the depth of the trench, not all the way down, but the wall that the trench makes on all of these islands that produce some of the best Marlin fishing in the world.
St. Thomas USVI
St. Thomas is one of the U.S. Virgin Island chain islands located just east of Puerto Rico. Situated just north of the trench, it is known throughout the world as one of the premier Blue Marlin fishing spots. The island has two main fishing areas; The North Drop and The South Drop. The North Drop is 20 miles north and east of the island, while the South Drop is much closer, only 8 miles south of the harbor. So why is St. Thomas such a great place to come for Marlin fishing?
The North Drop
The North Drop is a 10-mile stretch where the Puerto Rico Trench takes a 90-degree turn to the north. From the depths of the Ocean floor, cold water circulates, bringing plankton and small baitfish to the surface. The presence of the baitfish attracts the larger pelagic fish like Blue and White Marlin, Mahi, Wahoo and Tuna.
- The North Drop is a breeding ground for the Blue Marlin. During every full-moon cycle from July to September, the big females spawn, and lots of the smaller males looking to mate come too. You have the chance at double and triple hookups and five+ fish caught and released in one day out at sea during this time.
The South Drop
The South Drop is not as deep as the North Drop at only 12,000 ft. It also brings smaller baitfish that the Blue Marlin loves to eat up.
Other Notable Features
- The size of the Marlin here is big with an average size of 350 pounds, but it is not unheard of bringing in 700-900 pounders or, if really lucky, a Grander of 1000 pounds or more.
- FADs, the artificial man-made object used to attract ocean-going pelagic fish like Blue Marlin, are implemented around the island. They are used in many areas worldwide and make the chance for living out your dream of fighting with a Marlin better.
- St. Thomas is home to one of the most prestigious sport fishing tournaments on the planet, The USVI/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament. This tournament attracts some of the best anglers to duke it out for cash and prizes each year. During one of the four-day tournaments, the boats pulled in and released 207 Blue Marlin.
All of this makes the waters around St. Thomas some of the best Blue Marlin grounds in the world. The season for the Blues here is from May to October, with the most active times before and after each full moon.
The British Virgin Islands
The BVI’s are a chain of islands just west of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Because of its location, it is one of the best spots on the planet for Blue Marlin fishing. But there are a few differences between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the BVI’s.
- The BVI's are located on the North Drop. In fact, the North Drop is situated off the BVI's, and the many boats from St. Thomas make their way towards the Drop.
- Unlike the hustle and bustle and numerous boats from St. Thomas looking for their chance at a Marlin, the BVI's are quieter and much less crowded but still have some of the best fishing in the world.
- The BVI's have two beautiful marinas, Scrub Island and Oil Bay Marina. Scrub Island is actually the closest marina to the North Drop, and Oil Bay Marina on Virgin Gorda is just minutes from the Drop at Anegada, the easternmost island in the chain, the first spot for the migrating Marlin and one of the best Marlin spots in the world.
- The BVI's have their own fishing tournament that, while not as big as the ones on St. Thomas, are slowly becoming more popular with the best boats in the Caribbean. The two most popular are The Scrub Island Blue Marlin Invitational and the Virgin Gorda International Tournament.
Like St. Thomas, the Blue Marlin season the British Virgin Islands is from May to October and before and after the full moons are the best time to fish for big Marlin. FADs have not been implemented, but there are plans to add them to the waters, making the BVI’s much more desirable when it comes to landing Blue Marlin.
Puerto Rico
The island of Puerto Rico is large and has many areas besides just the Puerto Rico Trench to fish at. It is voted in the top ten sites in the world for Marlin fishing by many prestigious magazines and websites. Why is that? Why is fishing so good?
- With the close proximity to the Puerto Rico Trench, the deep water is just offshore, minutes from the harbor.
- From San Juan to Puerto del Rey Marina in Fajardo is the area known as "Marlin Alley." This is where the Caribbean current and the northern currents converge, bringing plankton, baitfish and big game fish like Blue Marlin, Tuna, Mahi, Wahoo and more to the surface.
- Some FADs planted around the island attract the Blues, making your chance of landing your Marlin better.
- Even without the FADs, the waters here are teeming with Blue Marlin and catching more than two, sometimes simultaneously, is a natural occurrence during peak season.
- There are many fishing tournaments on the island. The IBF or International Billfishing Tournament in San Juan Harbor, one of the oldest tournaments in the Caribbean, and the Puerto del Rey Billfish Tournament in Fajardo are two of the most popular with anglers.
- While not in "Marlin Alley" and not located on the Puerto Rico Trench, there is excellent Blue Marlin fishing in the south at Parguera and in the west at Rincon. Both areas are located on or near the Mona Passage, another fruitful Marlin fishing spot.
Marlin can be found year-round, but the best time to catch one is from June to November, with your very best chances from August to October.
