How To

How to Identify a Saltwater Marlin

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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Blue Marlin are one of the most recognizable fish in the ocean. They are also one of the most beautiful and rewarding to catch. Use these steps to learn the distinguishing features of the Blue Marlin and where you can locate them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Look for the signature cobalt blue coloring along the back with barely visible vertical stripes running down slightly into the white on the side.

  2. Step 2

    Notice a grayish belly with spots in the shades of brown and red along where the bright blue of the back and the gray of the belly meet. These spots run from its eye all the way back to its tail.

  3. Step 3

    Note the trademark spear-like nose and wide rounded tail. The tail is dark blue (almost black) and appears to have white ribs running the length of each fin.

  4. Step 4

    There is a very long "beard" that comes down from its chin. The side fin is very long and narrow, also blue in coloring.

  5. Step 5

    Catch Blue Marlins in tropical waters. The three top places in the world (and times of the year) are: St. Thomas in summer and fall around a full moon, Venezuela in winter and spring and Kona, Hawaii during spring and summer. Other great places to catch the Marlin are Portugal, Panama and Costa Rica.

Tips & Warnings
  • Carry a deep sea fishing regulations guide and fish identification cards.
  • Always use a charter boat and make sure to charter more than one day. Take along an experienced sea man if you are not.

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