Species Spotlight: Black Marlin
Name: Black Marlin
Scientific Name: Istiompax indica
Description: Compared to other Billfish, the Black Marlin are more solid than their Blue counterparts. They have a shorter bill and a rounder and lower dorsal fin. They can be distinguished from all other marlin species by their rigid pectoral fins, which are unable to be pressed flat against their sides.
Average Size: The Black Marlin is one of the largest members of the Marlin family. This beautiful fish can reach sizes of up over 15 feet and 1500lbs but the average size you will catch will be around 100lb.
Where to Catch: This species can be caught in both the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Oceans. Some of the best destinations to head to for Black Marlin are Zancudo Lodge Costa Rica, Rodrigues Island Mauritius and Nosy Be Madagascar.
Fishing Methods: When fishing for Black Marlin you will be trolling when fishing, this is done from a moving vessel (boat/kayak). You will cover an area with teasers out the back of the vessel, these can be spreaders or lures which will entice the fish into getting aggressive and then it will into full-blown attack mode. Once spotted, the boats deckhand will watch to see where the Marlin is raising, if the marlin does not hook up on a lure the deckhand will flick out a rod with a dead-bait (normally a Tuna or a Ballyhoo) which nearly always proves to be irresistible your rod will then double over and your reel will start to scream making it fish on.
