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Striped marlin

Kajikia audax

Striped marlin© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

Striped marlin (Kajikia audax) are known for their acrobatic fights and striking appearance, making them a sought-after trophy fish among anglers. Found mostly in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, they are celebrated not only for their fighting spirit but also for their culinary appeal.

Fight
Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Istiophoridae

Max Size

420 cm

Max Weight

440 kg

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

0-200m

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

December to March

Best Time

Early morning and late afternoon

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Striped marlin

  • Focus on finding temperature breaks or areas with plentiful baitfish.
  • Use outriggers to increase the spread of lures and cover more area.
  • Watch for birds diving into the water, as this indicates nearby baitfish and possibly marlin.
  • Adjust trolling speed to between 7-9 knots for optimal lure presentation.

Top Fishing Locations for Striped marlin

Cabo San Lucas

Mexico
intermediate70% Very Common

Known as the Marlin Capital of the World, Cabo offers peak marlin fishing with a supportive infrastructure both on land and sea.

Best: October to November

Kona, Hawaii

USA
intermediate60% Common

Kona is famous for its deep waters close to shore, providing ideal conditions for a variety of billfish, including striped marlin.

Best: January to March

East Cape, Baja California

Mexico
intermediate65% Common

The warm waters and nearby underwater canyons make East Cape a prime spot for striped marlin anglers.

Best: April to August

Puerto Vallarta

Mexico
intermediate55% Common

Puerto Vallarta offers a rich diversity of marine life, with striped marlin being a popular target for sport anglers.

Best: November to February

Cairns

Australia
expert30% Occasional

Known more for black marlin, Cairns also has opportunities for anglers to catch striped marlin along the Great Barrier Reef.

Best: September to January

Mazatlán

Mexico
intermediate50% Common

With its accessible location and rich marine environment, Mazatlán offers a great chance for stripeys.

Best: December to March

Bay of Islands

New Zealand
expert40% Occasional

This historic fishing spot offers stunning vistas and excellent conditions for striped marlin fishing.

Best: January to March

San Juan del Sur

Nicaragua
intermediate45% Occasional

An emerging spot for marlin fishing, with growing popularity among avid anglers targeting billfish.

Best: November to April

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Striped marlin

Recommended Equipment

RodHeavy action trolling rod
Line50-80 lb test
Lure TypeSkirted trolling lures
TechniqueTrolling

Best bait: Live mackerel or squid