Why it’s a unique sport like no other?
For those who dare to challenge the sea in pursuit of marlin will find how rewarding or frustrating the sport can be. Often long hours of staring at the water followed by more hours of staring at the water is not for everyone.
Marlin fishing is perhaps the ultimate big game fishing an angler can experience in open ocean. Billfish are an apex predator feeding on squid, sardines, bonita, tuna and many other smaller fish. They are found in most warm seas worldwide and vary in size with blue and black marlin reaching over 1000 pounds.
With a handful of exceptions marlin require to be targeted from a boat. There are some great destinations to find marlin and lots of them. To be successful you need to find these places and go during peak times.
Where to find the various types of marlin?
When considering where to go marlin fishing an angler should consider which species to target. While there are many fine destinations that offer chances at targeting striped, blue and black marlin keep in mind that all three species may have a bit different habits and haunts.
Striped marlin while possible in open deep sea do tend to prefer banks, sea mounts, structure and current ledges. Blue marlin are often found more in deep drops and deeper water while black marlin seem to prefer reef structure. Marlin can act similar or different depending on the currents, nutrients, baits, structure and water temperature in the area.
What holds true for black marlin along the Great Barrier Reef in Australia may not necessarily work off the coast Pacific coast of Colombia for example. It’s important to do your research before you go. Recent and past fishing reports are a good start.
Why fish for marlin in the Galapagos Islands?
The Galapagos Islands are very rich with nutrients. The islands sit 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador on the Equatorial line. Various currents converge to mix cold and warm water.
The Humboldt, Panama, Crownwell and Equatorial current all meet making it a feeding and nursery ground for many species like nowhere else in the world. The massing of sardines, squid, bonito, tuna and other species attract apex predators like sharks, dolphins, orcas, sea lions, whales, tuna, marlin and more.
Anglers looking to increase their chances at catching marlin need to go to where the fish are. The amount of marlin and bait found in the Galapagos are unparalleled. Easy access to reach the Galapagos, safe and tourist friendly environment are good points making it a very popular destination.
Blue and black marlin tend to prefer warmer water 75 and higher. You can count on reliable striped marlin fishing all year off of San Cristobal Island. Besides striped marlin anglers can target wahoo, tuna and bottom fish around the island.
Isabela Island is further West with deeper water ranging from 3,000 to over 12,000 feet around the island. The waters and nutrients attract squid, bonito and tuna which set the stage for large blue marlin.
More blue marlin over 1,000 pounds are encountered off Isabela than anywhere else we know of in the Galapagos. Large swordfish are commonly seen tailing on the surface. Locals catch quite a few each year with harpoons or live bait.
