Damn Good Blue Marlin Fishing Charters

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Blue Marlin Fishing Charters

Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Deep Sea, Nearshore in San José del Cabo

Epic 32ft Sportfishing

50% (2) Managed by Jaime
32 ft 1 - 5 People From $600
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Cabo San Lucas

Battling Pelagics

NEW Managed by Luis
28 ft 1 - 2 People From $380
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Miami Beach

Full Day Off Shore Deep Sea Fishing

100% (4) Guided by Ralph
45 ft 1 - 6 People From $850
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Pompano Beach

Sportfishing Pompano Beach

100% (7) Guided by Ron
47 ft 1 - 6 People From $750
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in San Juan

Deep-Sea In Blue Marlin Alley

100% (1) Managed by Jose
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Cabo San Lucas

Classic Cabo Sportfish Trip

100% (1) Guided by Juan
28 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
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Everything to Know About Booking a blue marlin fishing charter

What are the best blue marlin fishing charters?

The best blue marlin fishing charters are:

Why should I book a blue marlin fishing charter with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 216 blue marlin trips, and the most popular trips are Legendary Fishing in Key West guided by Chuck, "Old Man and the Sea" Handlining guided by Patrick, and Caribbean Fishing Teaser 42' guided by Angel.

Our guides are rated a 4.69 out of 5 based on 3784 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly blue marlin guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly blue marlin guides.

What types of blue marlin fishing charters are common?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for blue marlin as well as nearshore fishing, inshore fishing, and flats fishing.

The most common fishing techniques are trolling, heavy tackle fishing, and bottom fishing but light tackle fishing and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do blue marlin fishing charters cost?

Prices for blue marlin can range anywhere from about $1,090 to $7,500, but the average price for a half day trip for blue marlin is $2,235. The average price for a full day trip for blue marlin is $4,202.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for blue marlin fishing?

The most popular season for blue marlin fishing is summer, and most anglers book their trips 23 days in advance.

Do I need a fishing license for blue marlin and what are the bag limits for blue marlin?

See here for more information on blue marlin fishing licenses, blue marlin bag limits, and fishing season regulations for blue marlin. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right blue marlin rules and regulations.

What is a Blue Marlin?

The blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) is a deep sea game fish, recognized by it’s large bill that’s used to stun, injure, or kill it’s prey. Although they are the national fish of Commonwealth of the Bahamas, they are spread throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.

Considered the king of all fish, they are powerful and acrobatic on the line, making them a high prize for anglers. They are highly migratory, one study even following a tagged marlin for 9,254 miles. They are the largest of the billfish, and have excellent eyesight, stamina, cold water temperature tolerance and hunting skills.

Like other billfish, they can quickly change color thanks to their pigment-containing iridophores and light-reflecting skin cells. However, they typically are blue on top with a silver belly, and around 15 rows of pale, cobalt stripes. Small, file-like teeth fill their jaws, and above that is a long, stout bill.

How big do Blue Marlin get?

For blue marlin, the females can actually grow up to four times the size of the males. Males will rarely grow larger than 350 pounds, whereas females can grow well over 1,000 pounds. These ladies that reach above and beyond that poundage are called “granders” and are highly targeted by anglers. Length wise, females on average are 11 feet long, with about 20% of that being their bill.

What's the biggest Blue Marlin ever caught?

In 1970, a group of anglers out of Oahu, Hawaii boarded Captain Conelius Choy’s charter boat, the Coreene C. They reeled in a 1,805 pound marlin, the largest ever caught on a rod and reel. They even found a yellow fin tuna weighing over 155 pounds had been the “Choy’s Monster’s” last meal.

Commercial fisherman in the Tsukiji market in Tokyo claim to have boated even larger blue marlin, weighing up to 2,438 pounds.

Where is the best place to catch Blue Marlin?

Blue Marlin are highly migrational and can be found in tropical oceanic waters around the world, above the thermocline, following seasonal water temperature changes. In the Gulf of Mexico, there are many great areas to target, however the Florida Keys remain one of the top rated.

Outside of the continental United States, there are many more great places to head towards to hook your trophy. One of the best spots in the world is Kona, Hawaii, known for hosting blue marlin well over 750 pounds. Another popular hotspot is San Juan, Puerto Rico, where the world’s longest running billfish tournament takes place. Finally, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is where there are more marlin caught per hour than anywhere else in the world!

When should I catch Blue Marlin?

Due to the large range that they travel in their migration, the best time to catch a blue marlin depends on the area. Generally, they move to temperate waters of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres during warmer months, and back towards the Equator in the cooler months.

In areas like the western Atlantic, the loop current helps to push Marlin around the Gulf of Mexico and up north of Florida, and depending on the area along it, is best spring through fall. This is a great time to head to places like the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Hawaii. If you’d like to fish in the winter months, you can find blue marlin in areas near Brazil and Australia.

How do you catch Blue Marlin?

The most common way that blue marlin are caught is via trolling with artificial lures or bait. When it comes to artificials, they respond best to bright colors and fast movements. For natural bait, options like mullet, mahi, and Spanish mackerel work best. Flyfishermen also enjoy targeting blue marlin. To do so, they use fly rods that are made specifically for billfish, that have more lifting power than the average.

Keep in mind that no matter what, these fish are known for their incredible fight. Using a fighting chair, bucket harness, shoulder harness, or fighting belt will help, and don’t forget to keep those lines tight!

Are Blue Marlin good to eat? What are the best Blue Marlin recipes?

In many areas around the world, conservation efforts either prohibit or strongly discourage keeping blue marlin, therefore most anglers catch and release. The meat is also tough, and has a high mercury content, making it not that favorable for eating.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    This trip was incredible! I took my wife out with Yoni and his mate while we were in town for a wedding and we had just about the best day of fishing you can ask for. Yoni speaks perfect English and was super accommodating before the trip via WhatsApp. He had drinks on the boat and brought us some delicious mango bread for breakfast from a local bakery (without us asking for a thing). We set off and after we got past the color change in the water had nonstop action. We went 4 for 4 on some of the biggest sailfish I’ve ever caught and ended with a massive hookup on a marlin right by the boat that jumped off after a short fight. The fishing style is awesome: all teaser fishing with no hooks in the water at all, and you (with help from the guys) pitch bait to billfish right at the boat which leads to some absurd hookups. We had lunch with the guys afterwards at one of the beach restaurants near the marina and practiced our Spanish with them. I couldn’t recommend this trip more.

    Attison B. | December 10, 2024

    Trip: Puerto Escondido Deep Sea Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    This was our first ever marlin trip and we had an absolutely insane time! We had a marlin bite within 30 mins of leaving the marina which was so crazy for us being from TX. The views of the Big Island with Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea were breathtaking and provided us with lake flat seas by blocking the wind. We ended up going 2/3 on blue marlin with my brother bringing in a 700 pounder. Thanks Capt. and mate Bo, epic times and we'll be back!

    Jonathan N. | December 9, 2024

    Trip: Kona Legendary Sportfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Our fishing trip was great. Caught a nice marlin. Very exciting.

    Glenn M. | October 30, 2024

    Trip: Cabo All-Inclusive Deep Sea Trip

  • ★★★★★
    We had a blast with Joe and Captain Chuck. Will definitely return!

    Yohannes H. | October 28, 2024

    Trip: Legendary Fishing in Key West

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent guide and first mate. Both were great. Stayed over our time to be sure all the kids caught something. Highly recommend!!!

    Graham S. | September 16, 2024

    Trip: Key West Fishing Slam

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with Captain Ron and first mate Chris! They were really helpful and went out of their way to help us reel in our desired catch! They also offered water and ice which was life saving on a hot day! Assisted us with any questions we had about fishing and the area! We plan on booking with them again!

    Ashley N. | September 14, 2024

    Trip: Sunrise Saltwater Slam

  • ★★★★★
    Chris & Will were great. Knowledgeable, professional, engaging and put us on the fish. Would highly recommend this charter.

    Doug B. | September 11, 2024

    Trip: Key West Sportfish Trip

  • ★★★★★
    I booked this fishing trip for my wife’s birthday. Being workaholics, it’s the first vacation we’ve taken in YEARS. Captain Mike and Cody could not have possibly gave us a better time. Cody is friendly, polite, knowledgeable, and takes the time to explain everything before the boat ever left dock. Mike is also incredible. Mike not only makes sure you’re going to find fish, he wants to make sure you enjoy yourself, and he genuinely cares about your safety. You can tell that these men are genuinely good people. We had a great time and can’t wait to book our next adventure with these guys. If anyone wants a great fishing experience, I would HIGHLY recommend these gentlemen!

    Michael E. | August 26, 2024

    Trip: Yellowfin & Mahi Mahi Combo

  • ★★★★★
    Steve and woody were absolutely a load of fun although the fish were not biting they continued to try !! Very enjoyable time !

    Marcie R. | August 17, 2024

    Trip: Key West Fishing Slam

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time!!!!

    Jon T. | August 16, 2024

    Trip: Riviera Beach Luxury Half Day

  • ★★★★★
    Ron and Chris were incredible hosts. We were in town from Seattle without a clue of what group to book with. Both were super knowledgeable about all things fishing, made it easy for beginners to feel like pros and the boat was a smooth, fun ride. Overall, easily 5-stars. Would highly recommend.

    Jeff J. | August 13, 2024

    Trip: Sportfishing in Style

  • ★★★★★
    We highly recommend this father and son guided trip. Fishing with my husband and I were our 7 and 10 year old granddaughters, daughter and son in law. The boat was older but very clean. The cabin with a small fan and cooler filled with water and cold drinks was nice. We caught 7 mahi mahi and they made sure each one of us had the thrill of reeling in our fish. Back at the dock, our fish were cleaned and bagged to bring home. Our granddaughters were given the skins and shown how to hold them off the side of the boat to feed the huge tarpon while nurse sharks were circling. An exciting end to an awesome trip.

    Denise R. | August 12, 2024

    Trip: Offshore Fishing,Reef & Wreck and Sunset

  • ★★★★★
    Went out fishing with Capt Andrew and his first mate Ace. The boat was clean and everything was set up and ready for us to enjoy the day. Unfortunately our day turned out with not any fish, but Capt Andrew and Ace worked very hard trying to find fish and searching all over. Saw a lot of aquatic life on our trip and enjoy the day out in the Pacific Ocean, zero fish but a 10 rating on effort, a very enjoyable day. We will be back to get that big one.

    Guy D. | August 9, 2024

    Trip: San Diego Offshore Roundup

  • ★★★★★
    Great day on the water, Captain Mark and mate Will were awesome. They put me on fish and stayed out until the last minute. I would definitely recommend.

    Nicholas W. | August 8, 2024

    Trip: Key West Deep Sea Run - 40' Luhrs

  • ★★★★★
    Excellent Trip !! .. Manny and Jordan were fantastic Fun ... and experienced ... Caught some nice fish, had great fun and most of all learned a LOT about deep sea fishing !! .. Of my party of 5 - only I could speak English, but Manny is a master of sign language ... we ALL understood and enjoyed !! .. They both even went one step above and beyoned to get us when the Uber driver dropped us off at the WRONG place ... This tripe will leave a lasting memory for my Eastern European family !! .. Thank You !!

    Zoltan H. | August 1, 2024

    Trip: Miami Nearshore Reefs and Wrecks

  • ★★★★★
    Butch and Roy were very welcoming and personable. They made the trip very exciting and inclusive of all on board (beginner and advanced). Lots of laughs and smiles all around. We cannot stop talking about how amazing of an experience this was today. This is a MUST DO!

    Larry S. | August 1, 2024

    Trip: 3/4 day sport fishing Quepos CR.

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time! They catered to all the fishing levels and interest! As one of my bridesmaid’s said… what a perfect activity we fished, we chilled on the boat, we talked, drank, napped, and sunned at our own liking.

    Madison T. | July 30, 2024

    Trip: Full Day Trip

  • ★★★★★
    I took the family (wife, 2 boys and grandma) for a 6 hour charter and had a great time with Captain Ron and the crew, Chris and Brian. They were friendly, safety conscious and knowledgeable. Listening to other boats on the radio that day, the fishing wasn't great yet we hooked a barracuda and a bonita almost as soon as we dropped lines. This was followed up with a nice size mahi that grandma fought 😂 (they cleaned dockside and we took home to eat), 3 more barracudas and an amberjack. Chris was on the ball with keeping bait fresh and when we had multiple fish on, he had complete control of the cockpit. Pick up and drop off was easy. The boat had A/C and a bathroom that was a must have given the family and on a hot day, this made all the difference. I'd rebook the charter.

    Michael C. | July 27, 2024

    Trip: Sportfishing in Style

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time out in the water!

    Salvador G. | July 19, 2024

    Trip: Offshore Fishing,Reef & Wreck and Sunset

  • ★★★★★
    We had an absolutely amazing time deep sea fishing with Captain Anthony! He is a fun and knowledgeable fisherman with LOTS of experience and great stories (ask him about how he’d dive for lobsters to impress his dates). He does all the work but lets you learn and participate as much or as little as you want. We knew we had an expert when we heard the radio chatter of all the other guides complaining that nothing was biting, while we pulled in six (only four mahi in pic). The other two were a small tuna and a ~32” barracuda). We highly recommend Kilo Whiskey Charter & Captain Anthony!

    Dan W. | July 18, 2024

    Trip: Ultimate Action Fishing in Key West

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