BLACK MARLIN
Makaira Indica

Black Marlin can be caught here in Mazatlan Mexico in the warmer months from around May thru October. The Black Marlin is one of the largest of the Marlin which average here in Mazatlan from 200 lbs to 400 lbs, but have been caught here up to slightly over 600 lbs. The females are the larger with a world record of 1560 lbs off Peru. The male Black Marlin rarely are more than 300 lbs.

The color on the back is dark blue to black with occasional vertical bars which may not be obvious after death. The belly is silvery white and the first dorsal fin is low and rounded less that 1/2 of body depth and the second dorsal fin begins in front of second anal fin. The pectoral fin are rigid in adults and are more flexible in juveniles but will not lay flat against body without the joints breaking. The pelvic fin is short.

As stated above, the Black Marlin prefer a warmer water temperature from 68 to 86 Fahrenheit which is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.

The Black Marlin can be found along current lines around the continental shelf drop off as well may be found around reefs and shore where the warm current is running. In the open ocean, Black Marlin may be located around bait fish while the juveniles move in schools of similar age along the coast and islands.

The preffered method of fishing for Black Marlin is by trolling Mullet or Mackerel as well with the combination of plastic squid. If we get into a school of Skipjack or Bonito, we may stop to get a few live to troll. We also us a variety of trolling lures, konaheads and plastic squid.