Blue marlin are found in warm oceans around the world, but a handful of places have earned legendary reputations for numbers, size, or both. If a blue marlin is on your bucket list, these destinations are a great place to start. Seasons vary year to year, so always check with local captains before booking.
Kona, Hawaii
Kona is one of the most famous blue marlin ports in the world. Deep water comes very close to shore, so crews can be fishing in thousands of feet of water within minutes. Fish are caught year-round, with summer commonly regarded as peak season for big fish. Kona crews are known for lure fishing, which makes it a great place to see a classic lure spread in action.
Madeira and the Azores, Portugal
These Atlantic islands are known for very large blue marlin. The season generally centers on the summer months. Many crews target big fish with large lures and heavy tackle.
Cape Verde
Off West Africa, Cape Verde has a reputation for high numbers of blue marlin, often in spring and early summer. It is a destination many serious billfish anglers travel to for multiple-bite days.
Bermuda
Bermuda's offshore banks hold blue marlin in summer, with July commonly considered a highlight. Fish are often caught relatively close to the island.
Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico
The Caribbean has excellent blue marlin fishing. The Dominican Republic's east coast is well known for high numbers, and San Juan, Puerto Rico has a long tradition of blue marlin tournaments. Seasons often run through spring and summer.
U.S. East Coast canyons
The Outer Banks of North Carolina and the canyons off Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey see blue marlin in summer as warm Gulf Stream water pushes north. These areas are also known for white marlin.
Gulf of Mexico
Deep water off Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle holds blue marlin in summer, especially around rigs and along the loop current edges.
Preparing for a blue marlin trip
- Tackle: 50 to 130 lb class depending on the destination and fish size.
- Lures: large resin heads and plungers in the 10- to 16-inch range are standard. See our blue marlin lure selection guide.
- Speed: typically 7.5 to 9 knots with lures. See trolling speed for marlin.
- Conservation: most blue marlin are released. Learn proper release technique and follow local regulations.
For broader trip planning, see our top offshore fishing destinations, and gear up with our marlin lures.
