Striped Marlin

Oceans & Range: Indo-Pacific and Eastern Pacific Oceans. In the Eastern Pacific, found from Southern California (rare) south through Baja California, Mexico, and Central America to Chile. Also found throughout the Central and Western Pacific to Hawaii, Japan, and Australia. A highly migratory species with seasonal concentrations off Baja California (October–February) and New Zealand (April–July).

Preferred Water Temperature: 65°F–75°F. One of the more temperature-tolerant marlins — they venture into cooler water than Blue or Black Marlin. Concentrate near bait schools, current edges, and temperature breaks in 100–600 feet of water.

Size & Weight: Typically 80–200 lbs. Trophy fish reach 400+ lbs. World record: 494 lbs from New Zealand. Baja California fish average 100–150 lbs. Striped Marlin are known for spectacular aerial displays — they are considered among the most acrobatic billfish.

Best Lures: Medium skirted trolling lures (7–10 inch) in natural blue, pink-white, and rainbow colors. High-speed trolling at 8–10 knots covers water effectively when fish are scattered. Casting large surface poppers and stick baits into tailing or finning fish produces spectacular visual strikes. Fly fishing with large streamer patterns on 16-weight rods.

Best Baits: Live mackerel are the top bait off Baja California — a live mackerel kite-fished near the surface produces explosive strikes. Live sardines work well when available. Rigged whole ballyhoo and mackerel troll effectively. Live or dead flying fish are excellent in the open Pacific.