Black Marlin Locations
Black marlin have a place in fishing folklore all of their own, as do blue marlin, and they have both been immortalized by writers like Ernest Hemmingway and Zane Grey. Almost exclusively existing in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the black marlin is a highly migratory, pelagic species of fish that are most commonly found in deep waters, though they rarely swim deeper than a hundred feet, near bottom structures such as continental shelves and reefs. The black marlin’s immense size and strength make it a favored target among many big-game fishermen.
In Comparison with Blue Marlins
Black and blue marlins are commonly mistaken for one another. Usually this happens when a fish is caught weighing less than 100 pounds. There are a few noticeable differences between blue and black marlins, however, that can be easily detected. One of the main differing characteristics of black and blue marlins is that a black marlin has a pectoral fin that, when pressed on, will not fold over. Another character trait difference is that the bill of a black marlin tends to be much shorter and heavier than a blue marlin. The black marlin is also the only marlin that has non-retractable fins on its body.
Physical Characteristics
The black marlin has a back that is slate blue and transitions into a silver underbelly. It may also have display light blue stripes when it becomes excited. Slight variations in color can cause some specimens to possess a silvery haze over their body. In Hawaii this has led to the name “silver marlin”, which was once thought to be a separate species. Female black marlins can grow up to 15 feet long and weigh in excess of 1000 pounds. Male black marlins are, in general, much smaller and rarely exceed 300 pounds. Black marlins feed on dolphin, squid, cuttlefish, octopuses, mackerels, swordfish, and large decapod crustaceans, but prefer small tuna when abundant. Research and stomach analysis show that these fish use their long, sharp bills to slash their prey.
Trolling for Black Marlin
If you are trying to catch a black marlin there are a few tips you will need in order to be successful. First, it has been shown that a great way to catch black marlin involves live baitfish, trolling, and rigged bait. If you then are fortunate enough to lure a black marlin onto your hook, you are in for a very serious challenge. Fights with black marlin have been known to go on for several hours before either the angler or the fish give in. Also, if you have gotten a black marlin on your line you might also be lucky enough to see one of them majestically leap from the surface of the water early in your battle.
The Market for Black Marlin
Due to the nature of large scale commercial Black Marlin fishing, black marlins are in higher demand than ever because of the strain placed on fisheries around the world. In some places, it is now required by law that if you catch a black marlin, you must tag and release it. These laws have been put into place even though there has been no declaration by any governing agency that the species, including the Blue Marlin fishing, has become endangered. In the United States, you can find black marlin in the frozen food section of your local grocery store. In japan, this species is in high demand for their flourishing sushi markets. However, some countries have banned the black marlin from public consumption due to the higher volume of mercury they contain compared to other species.
