Black Marlin, usually confused with the Blue Marlin due to their similarities in look, are members of the billfish family as a result of the lengthy bills on the front of their faces. They’ve lengthy, slender bodies with prominent pectoral fins. These fins don’t fold against their bodies like other pectoral fins, so they stay erect at all instances.
Some Black Marlin are dark blue in color, while others have black upper bodies, but all Black Marlin have a silver/white color on their bellies. They’ve a distinct face with pretty little teeth and upper jaws that flow out into a beak or spear-looking nose.
Black Marlins are members of a group of fish called the “Billfish Family.” This can be a massive group of surface water fish that live and feed around the tropics. The Black Marlin is scientifically referred to as Makaira Indica, and lives around tropical areas within the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They tend to be open water fish and are usually discovered near islands. They are able to be seen on occasion jumping straight out of the water, though many people don’t get close sufficient to witness that.
Most Marlins prefer warm water temperatures in between 21 degrees and 28 degrees Celsius, and are hardly ever found in north Atlantic waters. Most Black Marlin are located in waters about 300 feet deep, though some to travel further. Their location is based on food, as they commonly don’t need to worry about predators.
Females are the largest members of the species and can grow as much as 300 pounds. Males of that size are uncommon, and most are around half that weight. A female black marlin is capable of holding as much as 40 million eggs, and they are fertilized externally in waters around 27 degrees Celsius.
There largest Black Marlin ever identified on record was an exceptional 1500 pounds. They are able to reach a maximum length of 15 feet, but most are about half that size. They use their bills as a hunting tool to stun their prey. They feed on the fish right after they knock them unconscious so they don’t need to chase them down. Their favorite food is tuna, though they eat smaller fish.
Fishing for Black Marlin is just not recommended and shouldn’t be attempted by amateurs. It truly is a harmful process that could result in injury. Their long jaws and violent behavior make them prized, but additionally make them dangerous. By far the most preferred fishing technique is trolling with huge bait. The top bait to use is complete fish or squid. Anglers will really need to have a strong rod and line to withstand the power of the Black Marlin. Several Black Marlin are caught by accident when reeling in other fish, but most aren’t boated on account of the lighter tackle.
Click here for more info on salt water fishing, and a wide variety of Shimano Spinning Reels.