Species
Blue Marlin
Makaira nigricans
Also known as Atlantic blue marlin
Tier 3Eating4/10gamefish tackleVulnerableNSWQLDWANT
8 waypoints200–320 cm (max 500 cm) typicalLast catch 1 mo ago
Overview: about blue marlin
Blue-water billfish of the warmer months, typically caught well off the east and north-west coasts in deep water along current lines. Targeted by trolling large skirted lures at speed. Less common than black marlin in inshore Australian waters but a serious target out wide.
Biology: Blue Marlin size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Offshore, Pelagic
- Typical size
- 200–320 cm (max 500 cm)
- Weight
- 80–250 kg (max 900 kg)
- Depth range
- 0–200 m
- Diet
- tuna, mahi-mahi, squid, mackerel
- Most active
- diurnal
- Global range
- Tropical and subtropical oceans worldwide
How to target: Blue Marlin angling strategies
Generally fished with gamefish tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- trolling large skirted lures (Marlin Magic, Black Bart) in lure spread at 8-9 knots
- switch-baiting teasers along shelf temperature breaks
- live-baiting yellowfin tuna or scaly mackerel from a kite
Best season: when to catch blue marlin in Australia
- NSW
- Dec-May (Port Stephens/Sydney shelf)
- QLD
- Oct-Dec (Cairns)
- WA
- Dec-Apr (Exmouth)
Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.
Safety & handling
Ciguatera risk: moderateAvoid eating large specimens from tropical reefs. Risk varies by region and individual fish — when in doubt, release.
Conservation
IUCN: Vulnerable
IUCN Vulnerable; AU rec norm is tag-and-release.
Recent community catches: anglers who caught blue marlin
Where to catch: blue marlin fishing spots in Australia
Queensland6
More information: blue marlin references & sources
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