Blue Marlin
Makaira nigricans
Offshore TABLE: Not kept DIFFICULTY
The Gulf's premier billfish - cobalt-blue back, silvery flanks, a spear bill, and a tall sickle dorsal. Galveston blues are commonly 150-400 lb, with much larger 'granders' possible.
⚖ Texas & federal limits
Bag, size and season rules apply — several offshore species run on federal seasons that open and close by the year. Check the current TPWD Outdoor Annual →.
Bag, size and season rules apply — several offshore species run on federal seasons that open and close by the year. Check the current TPWD Outdoor Annual →.
On the water
WhenLate spring through early fall, keyed to warm bluewater pushing near the deepwater rigs; a calm-weather, long-run fishery.WhereThe bluewater beyond the shelf - the deepwater rigs, floaters, temperature breaks, and weedlines 60-100+ nm out.HowTroll big rigged ballyhoo and skirted lures at 7-9 kt along breaks and around floaters; drop back on the bite, then settle in for a long fight on heavy stand-up or chair tackle.BehaviorApex bluewater predator that roams temperature edges and rip lines hunting tuna, mahi, and squid, crashing trolled baits with a spectacular bill-slashing strike.The fightBlistering runs, greyhounding jumps, and a punishing sounding battle that can last hours - the pinnacle Gulf fight.
Baits that work
- Rigged ballyhoo (naked or skirted)
- Large trolling lures (Ilanders, plungers)
- Live/dead bonito and tuna baits
Tackle
Rod & reel50-80 lb-class trolling conventional (bent-butt/stand-up)Line80-130 lb mono or heavy braidLeader200-400 lb mono/fluoroTerminal9/0-11/0RigSkirted lure or rigged ballyhoo in a trolling spread
The bait clock
☀ DawnTroll the spread along breaks
Cover water early on the run to the floaters.
☼ MiddayTroll ballyhoo/lures at floaters and rips
A daytime trolling fishery - cover temperature breaks and structure.
☾ DuskTroll near floaters on the way in
Fish feed on the edges into the evening.
[{'months': [5, 6, 7, 8, 9], 'note': 'Warm bluewater season around the deepwater rigs and floaters.'}]
A trolling game - cover water along breaks and floaters rather than timing a bite window.
Don’t confuse it with
Marlin: low pointed dorsal, heavy body, cobalt back. Sailfish: a huge sail dorsal. Texas sets a minimum for blue marlin that makes it the fish you release — check the limits line.
Not sure? Point the Fish ID camera at it →
Keep or release
Handling & releaseA conservation icon - release nearly all fish. Use circle hooks, leader the fish and keep it in the water, revive alongside under power, and cut the leader close if needed.On the tableReleased, not eaten - billfish are a catch-and-release / conservation fishery (and large fish carry high mercury).As baitNo.
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