The answer to this question is dependent on the location and season you are visiting, but generally speaking, there are a few hotspots around the world where Marlin fishing is at its best. The whole eastern Atlantic north of the equator sees great Blue Marlin fishing from August to December, while the Canary Islands and the Portuguese island group of Madeira are good places for this species from May to October.

Mauritius in the Indian Ocean is a merlin fishing place to catch Black and Blue Marlin throughout the year, but it really shines from November through February. Hawaii also offers excellent Pacific Marlin fishing, especially Kona on the Big Island where Granders are regularly caught. Similarly, New Zealand is renowned for its Striped Marlin fishing, particularly in Waihau Bay.

Cairns in Australia, located on the Great Barrier Reef, is a Mecca for Black Marlin fishing. Trolling big dead baits such as 25 pound mackerel is the name of the game here, although artificial lures also work well. Black Marlin in excess of 1,000 lbs can be landed from September to November here, with the most spectacular fish being those of the ‘grander’ variety.

The Thrill of the Fight: Unveiling the Top Marlin Fishing Destinations for Anglers

Destin in the Gulf of Mexico is another superb Black and Blue Marlin fishing destination, with the bite peaking from July onwards when water temperatures are high. Cabo San Lucas is another world-renowned destination, with a number of offshore structures and islands such as Corbetana Rock and the Revillagigedos being hotspots.