Striped marlin are one of the most beautiful billfish, known for electric blue stripes when lit up. They are found in the Pacific and Indian oceans and are popular targets in places like Baja California, Ecuador, New Zealand, and Australia. They are generally smaller than blue and black marlin, and that changes how you rig and troll.
Where to find striped marlin
Stripers often follow bait schools such as sardines and mackerel, sometimes pushing bait into tight balls near the surface. Cabo San Lucas and the Pacific side of Baja are famous for striped marlin, often in fall and winter. They also hold along offshore banks and current edges.
Lure size
Striped marlin usually respond best to medium lures, roughly 7 to 10 inches. Oversized blue marlin lures can raise stripers but may not convert as many bites.
Colors
- Blue and white, and blue and silver for clear water
- Pink and white
- Purple and black in low light
- Abalone flash for visibility
Trolling speed
Stripers are often trolled around 7 to 8.5 knots with lures. See trolling speed for marlin.
A cleaner spread
Striped marlin often prefer a cleaner, less aggressive spread than blue marlin. Medium lures on the riggers, a controlled short corner, and a straight-running shotgun lure work well. Our best marlin spread patterns include a striped marlin pattern.
Switching to live bait
When stripers are balling bait at the surface, many crews stop trolling and present live bait such as mackerel or sardines. Trolling finds the fish; live bait often seals the deal.
Tackle
30 to 50 lb class tackle is common for striped marlin. Use 100 to 200 lb mono or fluorocarbon leaders.
Release
Most striped marlin are released. Keep fish in the water, use circle hooks with bait, and revive fish before release.
Shop our medium resin lures, sized for striped marlin.
