Snorkel Hawaii - Black Marlin

Average Weight/Length

Average sizes tend to be in the range of 10 feet (3.4 meters) 180 to 380 pounds (85 to 175 kilograms).

Family, Genus, Class & Etymology

Family	Abyssocottidae
Description	Deep-water sculpins
Environment	Fresh
Etymology	Greek, abyssos = bottomless + Greek, kottos = a kind of fish; derived from Greek, kotta = head
Genus	7
No. of Species	24
Order	Scorpaeniformes
Class	Actinopterygii
Reproductive Guild	Guarders
Distribution	Primarily Lake Baikal, Siberia. Postcleithra reduced or absent; dorsal fin with 3-10 spines and 10-21 soft rays; anal fin with 8-16 soft rays; pelvic fin with one spine and 2-4 soft rays; vertebrae 30-37. Generally occur below 170 m.

Location Habitat

A highly migratory species, black marlins are usually found in shallow waters above the thermocline at 15 to 30° C, near shore close to continents, islands and coral reefs. Their depth ranges from 0 to 915 m, though they rarely swim below 30 m. In the Indo-Pacific, they inhabit both tropical and subtropical waters, occasionally entering temperate waters, but generally staying between 40° N and 45° S. Stray individuals may migrate into the Atlantic Ocean by way of the Cape of Good Hope, but no breeding populations appear to be permanent residents in the Atlantic. The Black Marlin is a species of marlin found in tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific oceans. It will often be found close to the surface. It is one of the largest marlins and bony fish and is one of the fastest fish on earth reaching speeds up to 80 mph (128km/h). The black marlin has a dark blue dorsal side, a silvery white belly, and faint blue vertical stripes running down the sides. The first dorsal fin is blackish to dark blue, while the other fins are dark brown, sporadically with blue tinges. A specimen may have anywhere between 39 and 50 dorsal soft rays. Males may reach a length of 4.65 m and weight of 750 kilograms, females are generally much larger.

Biology & Physical Description

The black marlin is the only marlin with non-retractable fins. Like all billfish, the species has a distinctive stretched out sword-like upper jaw. The black marlin's dorsal fin is proportionately the lowest of any billfish, standing less than 50 percent of the fish's body height. Scientists are yet to determine how long a member of this species lives. Needless to say, this is an impressive species, even if caught and released it can still make an extraordinary fish trophy that will be proudly showcased by the lucky one reeling it in. It makes a memorable centerpiece in any marine store, fishery or restaurant, providing a conversation piece to remember. If space allows it will also be a beautiful decoration in any home or office. All Black Marlin fish mounts from Gray Taxidermy, is made from a mold of a real fish, making our Black Marlin fish mounts, the finest reproductions available.

Life Cycle & Mating Behavior

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Geographic Species Map (Fishbase.org Map)

Summary of Distribution: test

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

Sport Fishing Techniques

	Casting Bait casting is a style of fishing that relies on the weight of the lure to extend the line into the target area. Bait casting involves a revolving - spool reel (or “free spool”) mounted on the topside of the rod. Bait casting is definitely an acquired skill. Once you get the hang of the technique, you will be casting your lures right on target into the places where fish are feeding and hanging out. With bait casting, you can use larger lures (1/2 to 3/4) and cast them for longer distances. Spin casting is an ideal fishing method for beginning anglers, and the same time professional anglers use it for bass fishing. Spin -casting is easier than bait casting. You can use it to cast both light and heavy lures without tangling or breaking your line. You can use an open-face, closed-face or spin-cast reel for spin casting..

	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..

	Drifting Drift fishing allows you to fish over a variety of habitats as your boat drifts with the currents or wind movement. You can drift fish on the bottom or change the depth with a bobber or float. Natural baits work best. But jigs, lures and artificial flies will produce good results, too. You can drift fish on the ocean, as well as ponds, lakes, rivers and streams any time of the day and year..

	Still Fishing The simplest of fishing methods can also be the most effective. Still-fishing is a matter of putting your bait in the water and waiting for a fish to find it. Depending on water depth and what you’re trying to catch, you may want to still-fish near the surface, at a mid-water depth, or right down on the bottom. Using a float, or bobber, makes it easy to fish near the surface, or you can add sinkers to your line to fish deeper. Still fishing is a versatile way to go. You can do it from a pier, a bridge, an anchored boat or from shore. You can still fish on the bottom or off the bottom in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams for a variety of species. And you can still fish during most seasons and during any part of the day. You have to be very patient. You need to wait for the fish to bite. Still fishing is a versatile way to go. You can do it from a pier, a bridge, an anchored boat or from shore. You can still fish on the bottom in ponds, lakes, rivers and streams for a variety of species. .

	Jigging (Bottom) Jig fishing is popular and challenging. Why? Because the person fishing is creating the action that attracts, or doesn’t attract, the particular type of fish he or she is trying to catch. Here’s how it works. Cast out and let your jig hook sink to the bottom. Then use your rod tip to raise the bait about a foot off the bottom. Then let it drop back to the bottom. You can jig up and down, side to side or up and down and sideways. Jig rigs come in all sizes, shapes and colors, and can be used with or without live bait..