Snorkel Hawaii - Blue Marlin

Average Weight/Length

Average sizes 90 - 400 lbs in round weight, but can grow upwards of 1800lbs. One of the most sought after gamefish in the ocean.

Other "Popular" Names for this Fish

Aguja Azul, Kajiki, Spikefish, A`u (Hawaiian for all Marlin), Kurokajiki (Japanese), Makaire Bleu (French), Blauer Marlin (German), Marlin Azzurro (Itali

Location Habitat

The Blue marlin is found primarily in the temperate and tropical regions of the Atlantic Ocean. Based on commercial fishing observations, the Blue marlin occurs from about 44° N to 30°S. Occurring offshore in Blue oceanic waters, the Blue marlin prefers to stay in the warm waters near the surface, above the thermocline. They follow the seasonal water temperature changes, being closely tied to these warm waters. They are found in ocean waters great distances from the continents as well as coastal regions near deep waters, such as near the Mississippi River in the Gulf of Mexico. Oceanic species. Water color affects its occurrence, at least in the northern Gulf of Mexico, where the fish show preference for blue water. Rarely gathers in schools and usually found as scattered single individuals. Feeds mainly on fishes but also preys on octopods and squids. Marketed fresh or frozen (Ref. 43). Feeding takes place during daytime. Maturity reached at about 80 cm in males and 50 cm in females (Ref. 36731). Females grow larger

Biology & Physical Description

The Blue marlin is the largest billfish. Blue marlin, or Kajiki in Japanese, is distinguished by its large size, heavy bill and rougher, darker skin compared to its more slender cousin the striped marlin. Marlins are a highly migratory fish living at the top of the food chain in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world’s oceans. The blue marlin is found in the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic. It is a member of a larger family known as billfish, which get their name from their upper jaw that extends to form a spear. Because of its immense size, weighing up to 1,600 pounds, marlin is prized as a sports fish. The upper jaw forms a large bill. The body is cylindrical from anal fin forward. Two dorsal fins are present; the first dorsal fin is high and slopes steeply posteriorly, while the second is small. The caudal peduncle has keels. The lateral line forms a large net-like pattern of hexagons canvasing the sides of the fish. The pelvic fins are slender. The lateral keels on the caudal peduncle assist in making this fish a powerful swimmer of great speed and stamina. Grooves for the pelvic fins improve hydrodynamics. Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 45-50; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 19 - 23. Body blue-black above and silvery white below, with about 15 rows of pale cobalt-colored stripes; 1st dorsal fin plain blackish or dark blue, other fins brown black with a tinge of dark blue in some specimens; anal fin bases with a tinge of silvery white. Lateral line a network of interconnecting canals

Life Cycle & Mating Behavior

Subripe ova are opaque, white to yellow, and 0.3 to 0.5 mm in diameter. Transparent spherical eggs flowing out of a ripe ovary measured 1 mm in diameter.

Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)

Summary of Distribution: Atlantic Ocean: in tropical and temperate waters. We follow Nakamura 1985 (Ref. 43) in recognizing Makaira mazara and Makaira nigricans as two distinct species chiefly because of differences in the pattern of the lateral line system. Many scientists, however, do not recognize this character as specifically diagnostic and consider the latter species as a single pantropical species occurring in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. Highly migratory species, Annex I of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea

Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

Sport Fishing Techniques

Trolling

A trolling boat has multiple outriggers, poles and lines attached that use lures dragged across the ocean surface at speeds of 4 – 10 knots. Large beefy hooks are used with special durable lures allowing the fisherman to easily unhook the gamefish that has been caught and quickly get their lines back into the water. The larger the lures, the larger the potential fish, the larger the hooks. A tuna boat will usually make slow wide circles when trolling. A billfish boat will usually work ledges, fathom lines, zig zag area coordinates or make trolling circles if bait or a porpoise school is located and/or if they are fishing a FAD..

Commercial Fishing Techniques

Pelagic Longline

This fishery uses a longline to catch a variety of pelagic fish on the high seas such as tuna and swordfish. A deep-set longline is used to primarily target tuna and a shallow-set longline is used to target swordfish or mixed species including bigeye, Albacore and yellowfin tuna. Baited hooks are attached to a line that floats in the ocean using buoys and flagpoles.

Tackle & Baits

While many Blues have been caught on lighter outfits, the standard is a good balanced ocean trolling outfit in the 5-pound or even 80-pound line class. Marlin baits fall into three categories: 1. Artificial trolling lures; 2. Live, fairly large baitfish, such as school Dolphin or Bonito; and 3. Rigged natural baits, such as Mullet, Mackerel, Bonito, Barracuda, extra-large Ballyhoo ("Horse Ballyhoo"). Lures are used most often, because they allow more ocean to be covered. In somewhat limited areas, such as along weedlines or around seamounts and other well-established grounds, live bait is usually preferred.

Game Rating

Game Rating : 10/10

Game Description :

Best of all for speed, power and jumping ability. This fish will give you the fight of your life. One of the most sought after gamefish in the world as it can grow to sizes well over 1500lbs.

Food Rating

Game Rating : 9/10

Game Description :

Kajiki has firm flesh with a mild flavor (although somewhat more pronounced than the flavor of ahi). Flesh color in kajiki is amber, although it varies somewhat from fish to fish. Kajiki is the all time classic grilling fish, and the meat cooks to a clean white color and makes an ideal plate presentation. Flesh with high fat content has a naturally lacquered appearance. This fish is best grilled, but other cooking methods (like baking, frying & smoking)) work very well too. The Sashimi qualities offer a smooth tuna like flavor and a candy texture that can be used in poke, tartar, or simply sliced. So, Blue Marlin are highly prized in Japan for sashimi, but in Hawaii, kajiki is quite commonly prepared as a traditional Poke recipe.

Picture (Fish)

Picture Mount

Product Specs

Available Sizes: 24 in. - 185 in. Details: Fired-Enamel Glass Eye Optinal Coating: UV Inhibitive Polyurethane Outdoor Coating