Blue marlin is a large marine fish. The family to which this species belongs has several names: sailfish, marlin or spearfish. They live in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It is worth noting here that researchers believe that blue marlin is the most heat-loving species. They very rarely leave tropical and temperate waters. As in the case of other members of the family, the body of blue marlins is elongated, pursuing and very powerful. Marlins are sometimes confused with swordfish, which are distinguished by their body shape and larger nose “spear”, which has a flattened shape in cross section, in contrast to the round marlins. The body of the blue marlin is covered with elongated small scales, which are completely submerged under the skin. The shape of the body and fins indicates that these fish are very fast swift swimmers. Fish have paired dorsal and anal fins, which are reinforced with bony rays. The first dorsal fin begins at the base of the head. Its front part is the highest, and the fin occupies most of the back. The second fin is much smaller and located closer to the tail zone, similar in shape to the first. The fins located on the lower part of the body have grooves that allow them to be most compactly pressed to the body during swift attacks. The caudal fin is large, sickle-shaped. The main difference from other types of marlin is color. The upper part of the body of this species is dark, dark blue, the sides are silvery. In addition, there are 15 transverse greenish-blue stripes on the sides. In moments of hunting excitement, the color of the fish becomes the brightest. Marlins have a very well developed sensitive organ – the lateral line, with the help of which the fish determines even the slightest fluctuations in the water. Like other types of marlin, blues are active predators. They live in the upper layers of the water. They do not form large groups, they usually live alone. Unlike other spearfish and tuna, they rarely descend to the bottom layers of water; for the most part, they hunt species of animals that live in the near-surface layer of the ocean. It is important to note that females grow the largest, in addition, they live much longer than males. According to unofficial data, blue marlin grow to a size of 5 m and a weight of more than 800 kg. Currently, a record copy of 726 kg has been recorded. Males, as a rule, have a weight of about 100 kg. Marlins feed on various pelargic species: dolphins, various small schooling fish, tuna, their own and juvenile brethren, squid and others. Sometimes deep-sea fish species are also found in the stomachs. Blue marlin actively hunt for a fairly large prey, the weight of which can reach more than 45 kg.
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 hobbyists 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 can sometimes become a dangerous occupation.
Trolling for marlin
Marlin, due to their size and temperament, are considered the most desirable opponent in sea 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 mono-line, up to 4 mm thick or more, is measured, with such fishing, in kilometers. 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 others (sometimes even live bait) are used. Artificial baits are wobblers, various surface imitations of marlin food, including silicone ones.
Places of fishing and habitat
As already mentioned, blue marlin is the most heat-loving species. The main habitat is in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean. In the eastern part lives off the coast of Africa. Seasonal migrations, as a rule, are associated with changes in water temperature in the surface layer and the search for food objects. In cold periods, the range narrows and, conversely, expands in the summer seasons. Fish are in motion almost all the time. The range of transatlantic migrations of marlin is not entirely known, but fish marked in American waters were found later off the coast of West Africa. The main habitat of western populations is located within the Caribbean Sea and the northeastern shores of the South American continent.
Spawning
Sexual maturity is reached at the age of 2-4 years. Spawning continues almost the entire hot period. Marlins are quite prolific, females can spawn up to 4 times a year. Pelargic caviar, like already formed larvae, dies in large numbers or is eaten by the inhabitants of the seas. The larvae are carried away by currents, their largest accumulations are found off the coast and islands of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Surviving individuals grow quite quickly, the researchers claim that at the age of 1.5 months they can reach sizes of more than 20 cm.