Highly prized by big-game anglers, the spectacular hard-fighting marlin and sailfish roam widely through the world's tropical and warm-temperate seas, occasionally venturing into higher latitudes in summer.
FISHING NOTES
Techniques
Trolling at or close to the surface is the usual technique for these species, blue marlin may also be taken by deep still-fishing, using live or dead natural baits. In addition, the sailfish offers exciting sport to the saltwater fly fisherman. They must be handled carefully when it is brought to the boat to be hauled on board or cut free, because the bill can inflict nasty wounds, and it is wise to wear gloves to protect your hands because the bill is rough.
Tackle
For the smaller species, use a 9.1 to 22.7 kg(20 to 50 lb) class boat road with a 20-50 class level drag reel or a 6/-0 or 7-class star drag reel. For larger fish use a 36.3 to 59 kg (80 to 130 lb) class rod with an 80- to 130-class level drag or 12/0 or 14/0 star drag. Use 9.1 to 59 kg (20 to 130 lb) nylon or Dacron line with a heavy wire or nylon trace. Hook should be flat forged, 8/0 to 14/0i.
Baits
Live or dead fish, such as mullet, mackerel, ikan selar, squid, and lures such as Kona Heads, feathered jigs and plastics squids. Here, live bait with balloon techniques is very effective.
Note: Blue Marlin
The blue marlin, the biggest of the billfish, may exceed 4.6 m (15 ft) and 910 kg (2,000 lb). It is rivalled in size by the black marlin, and fish of both species weighing over 455 kg (1,000 lb) have been taken on rod and line. once hooked, a marlin of any size will put up a tremendous fight.
FISHING NOTES
Techniques
Trolling at or close to the surface is the usual technique for these species, blue marlin may also be taken by deep still-fishing, using live or dead natural baits. In addition, the sailfish offers exciting sport to the saltwater fly fisherman. They must be handled carefully when it is brought to the boat to be hauled on board or cut free, because the bill can inflict nasty wounds, and it is wise to wear gloves to protect your hands because the bill is rough.
Tackle
For the smaller species, use a 9.1 to 22.7 kg(20 to 50 lb) class boat road with a 20-50 class level drag reel or a 6/-0 or 7-class star drag reel. For larger fish use a 36.3 to 59 kg (80 to 130 lb) class rod with an 80- to 130-class level drag or 12/0 or 14/0 star drag. Use 9.1 to 59 kg (20 to 130 lb) nylon or Dacron line with a heavy wire or nylon trace. Hook should be flat forged, 8/0 to 14/0i.
Baits
Live or dead fish, such as mullet, mackerel, ikan selar, squid, and lures such as Kona Heads, feathered jigs and plastics squids. Here, live bait with balloon techniques is very effective.
Note: Blue Marlin
The blue marlin, the biggest of the billfish, may exceed 4.6 m (15 ft) and 910 kg (2,000 lb). It is rivalled in size by the black marlin, and fish of both species weighing over 455 kg (1,000 lb) have been taken on rod and line. once hooked, a marlin of any size will put up a tremendous fight.
