Black marlin is a fish of the marlin family, spearmen, or sailboats. One of the largest species in this family. The fish is characterized by a powerful powerful body, characteristic of all spearmen. On the back there are two fins similar in shape. The anterior, larger, occupies most of the back and begins at the base of the skull. Keels are located on the caudal peduncle. Sometimes marlins, including black ones, are confused with swordfish, which differ in the shape of the body and a larger nasal “spear” that has a flattened shape in cross section, in contrast to the round marlin. The body of black marlins is covered with oblong dense scales, which are completely submerged under the skin. An important feature is the pectoral fins, which are rigidly fixed in one position and unable to retract during maneuvers and high-speed movement. The color of the fish is distinguished by a fairly clear border between the black back and silver-white sides. Juveniles may have indistinct light blue transverse stripes, but these disappear with maturity. The shape of the body and fins indicates that black marlins are very fast, swift swimmers. Dimensions reach more than 4.5 m and weight 750 kg. Black marlin are active, aggressive predators, most often staying close to the surface, but at the same time they can dive to considerable depths. For anglers, it is important that marlin mostly get food in the upper layers of the water (epipelagial). They can prey on fairly large fish, but more often they pursue various medium-sized representatives of the ichthyofauna: from shrimps and squids to tuna. For the most part, black marlin live in small groups, but do not form large clusters. They are typical fish living in the upper layers of the water. Although fish rarely approach the shore, they prefer to stay in relative proximity.
Ways to catch marlin
Marlin fishing is a kind of brand. For many anglers, catching this fish becomes a dream of a lifetime. The main way of amateur fishing is trolling. Various tournaments and festivals are held for catching trophy marlin. An entire industry in sea fishing specializes in this. However, there are amateurs who are eager to catch marlin on spinning and fly fishing. Do not forget that catching large individuals requires not only great experience, but also caution. Fighting large specimens, at times, becomes a dangerous occupation. Industrial fishing is most often carried out with longline types of gear, as well as with the help of powerful rods.
Trolling for marlin
Black marlin, like other related species, due to their size and temperament are considered a very desirable opponent in saltwater fishing. To catch them, you will need the most serious fishing tackle. Sea trolling is a method of fishing using a moving motor vehicle such as a boat or boat. For fishing in the ocean and sea open spaces, specialized vessels equipped with numerous devices are used. In the case of marlin, these are, as a rule, large motor yachts and boats. This is due not only to the size of possible trophies, but also to the conditions of fishing. The main elements of the ship’s equipment are rod holders, in addition, boats are equipped with chairs for playing fish, a table for making baits, powerful echo sounders and more. Specialized rods are also used, made of fiberglass and other polymers with special fittings. Coils are used multiplier, maximum capacity. The device of trolling reels is subject to the main idea of such gear: strength. A monofilament with a thickness of up to 4 mm or more is measured in kilometers during such fishing. There are quite a lot of auxiliary devices that are used depending on the fishing conditions: for deepening the equipment, for placing baits in the fishing area, for attaching bait, and so on, including numerous items of equipment. Trolling, especially when hunting for sea giants, is a group type of fishing. As a rule, several rods are used. In the case of a bite, the coherence of the team is important for a successful capture. Before the trip, it is advisable to find out the rules of fishing in the region. In most cases, fishing is carried out by professional guides who are fully responsible for the event. It should be noted that the search for a trophy at sea or in the ocean may be associated with many hours of waiting for a bite, sometimes unsuccessful.
Baits
For catching marlin, various baits are used: both natural and artificial. If natural lures are used, experienced guides make baits using special rigs. For this, carcasses of flying fish, mackerel, mackerel and so on are used. Sometimes even living creatures. Wobblers, various surface imitations of marlin food, including silicone ones, are artificial baits.
Places of fishing and habitat
Like other marlin, black is a heat-loving fish. The main habitat is located in tropical and equatorial waters. Most often, fish can be found in the coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In addition to the coasts of Mexico and Central America, black marlin are often found in the East China Sea, in the waters near Indonesia and others. Here, black marlin is an object of industrial fishing.
Spawning
Reproduction of black marlins is similar to other marlins. It occurs in the warmest period of the year and the spawning season directly depends on the region. Because the distribution area is quite wide in the meridional and latitudinal directions, spawning lasts almost the entire year. Marlins become sexually mature at the age of 2-4 years, taking into account the fact that they grow very quickly. The fecundity of fish is very high, but the survival rate of eggs and larvae is low. To a large extent, pelargic caviar is eaten by smaller species of marine fauna.