Damn Good Blue Marlin Fishing Charters

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Top Cities for Blue Marlin Fishing

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Blue Marlin Fishing Charters

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Quepos

Billfish, Wahoo, Mahi & Tuna

100% (1) Managed by Brook
46 ft 1 - 8 People From $2,300
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Moorea-Maiao

Big Game Fishing - Full Or Half Day

NEW Guided by Laurent
9 ft 1 - 2 People From $730
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Port Aransas

10 Hour Deep Sea Adventure

100% (10) Guided by Clay
42 ft 1 - 12 People From $3,500
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 West Palm Beach

1/2 Day Fishing Trip

100% (3) Guided by Richard
48 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,250
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing in Loreto

Loreto Mexico Center Console

100% (3) Managed by Francisco
22 ft 1 - 8 People From $400
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing in Quepos

Big Fish Costa Rica - 33' Proline

100% (4) Managed by Christian
33 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,582
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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:

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

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great morning out on the water with Captain Richard and crew. Weather was great, water was a tad choppy but we still caught 2 Bonita, a couple tuna and a barracuda! Mate Dave said it was perfect eating at that size. Took him at his word and made a ceviche. Excellent! Who knew? And our small catch tuna made great poke bowls! We let the 5 ft shark go on his way! Cap Richard piloted us through the chop, excellent views, a decent catch. Plans to go again soon! Want to be on the ocean catching some dinner, book it with Capt Richard!

    Lisa C. | March 3, 2026

    Trip: 1/2 Day Fishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Adrian and First Mate did an EXCELLENT JOB! MUCH PROP!

    Mike S. | February 21, 2026

    Trip: Caribbean Fishing 42'

  • ★★★★★
    Both of us were experienced fishermen but never deep ocean fishing in PR. We loved everything about Juan. From his extremely brief but prompt texts to his absolutely no nonsense attitude but friendly response to every question. He expressed his confidence halfway through the day because we had no bites and the sun was not out. It was obvious he knew something we didn’t. Then we caught our first ever mahi-mahi. Shortly after that we caught our first ever marlin and we were both in heaven. It was like the greatest ever fishing trip after two fish.

    Bill R. | January 28, 2026

    Trip: Extreme Offshore Trip 26’ Twin Vee

  • ★★★★★
    James and Dave provided an amazing experience for our family. They gave us an opportunity to hunt the big trophies and, when they weren't biting, put us on some delicious tilefish. We pulled up fish consistently for a couple hours and went back to trolling for the big one. We weren't able to bag a big tuna or marlin, but James and Dave worked hard to put us on big fish, told great stories, gave us a beautiful boat ride and made sure we caught plenty of fish for the cooler. I'd definitely do it again. It is a long day out, so be prepared for sun and some motion sickness. Pre-dosing sensitive riders is a good idea.

    Michael C. | July 23, 2025

    Trip: Ocean City Offshore Excitement

  • ★★★★★
    Captain went above and beyond to ensure we caught everything we asked for. Deck hand worked his tail off keeping our lines bated and fish put into the cooler! Limited out on Red Snapper and caught several Mahi Mahi with one big Amber Jack that was unfortunately out of season and had to be released. Great time for my family of 6-people and everyone was pleased with boat, Captain and deck hand. Thanks for the bucket list Clay

    Wade B. | July 23, 2025

    Trip: 10 Hour Deep Sea Adventure

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