Blue Marlin
The ultimate prize for serious anglers. Blue Marlin in Cabo waters regularly exceed 500 pounds: the fish that built Bisbee's and the stuff of fishing legend.
Overview
The Blue Marlin (Makaira nigricans) is the undisputed king of Atlantic and Pacific game fish. In Los Cabos, these magnificent creatures reach world-class sizes, with fish over 500 pounds caught regularly during summer months.
Cabo San Lucas is home to Bisbee's Black & Blue Marlin Tournament, the world's richest fishing competition with a total purse exceeding $11.5 million. Each October, over 170 teams descend on Cabo to compete for multi-million-dollar prizes.
Physical Characteristics
Blue Marlin are the largest of the marlin species. They have a deep, powerful body, a pointed dorsal fin, and a distinctive cobalt-blue coloration that fades to silver-white belly. They can reach lengths of 14+ feet.
In Cabo waters, the average Blue Marlin caught on sportfishing charters ranges from 200-500 pounds. Fish exceeding 600 pounds are caught every season, particularly during summer when the largest specimens move into the area.
Best Seasons for Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin are primarily a summer and fall species in Los Cabos, with peak activity from June through October. They prefer warmer water temperatures above 75°F. August and September are typically the best months for trophy-sized fish, when water temperatures approach 85°F and baitfish concentrations are at their highest.
Hot Spots for Blue Marlin
1150 Bank
25 mi S: Deep-water structure that consistently produces trophy Blue Marlin.
Gordo Banks
5-10 mi SE: The most productive all-around ground, excellent for Blue Marlin in summer.
Cabrillo Seamount
45 mi E: Deep-water seamount that attracts the largest marlin.
Golden Gate Bank
15 mi NW: Productive when water temperatures are warm enough.
Iman Bank
12 mi E: Reliable producer throughout summer months.
Best Techniques
Kite Fishing
The premier technique. A live skipjack is suspended from a kite, keeping the bait skimming on the surface.
Large Lure Trolling
10-14 inch lures trolled at 6-8 knots. Purple/black, green/yellow, blue/white combos.
Dredge Systems
A daisy chain of teaser lures creates the illusion of a feeding school. Called 'teasing' the fish.
Bisbee's Black & Blue Tournament
Founded in 1981 by Bob Bisbee with just six teams and a $10,000 purse. Now featuring 174+ teams, 1,200+ anglers, and a $11.5M+ purse. The 2026 tournament runs October 19-24. Uses strict all-release format for billfish, a conservation-first approach adopted worldwide.
Conservation
All-Release Format
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