Marlin Fishing

Intro | Catch-and-Release | Marlin | Other Species | Tackle | Travel Tips

Striped Marlin are generally present, in varying concentrations, all year long at Cabo San Lucas. The best 'striper' fishing is usually in the winter months. If you time it right, Cabo is one of the best locations in the world to catch the highly coveted striped marlin on a fly.

Black marlin and blue marlin migrate through local waters from mid summer through late fall. Most of these fish are too large to pursue with a fly rod but there are a number of smaller (under 200 pounds) blues that are big enough to set even the most seasoned salt rodder's knees knocking.


An IGFA-legal striped marlin is one of the world's greatest angling accomplishments.

The usual method of billfishing with a fly involves the standard "bait and switch" technique. A hookless teaser is trolled at slow speeds until a billfish is raised and attacks. The person working the teaser keeps the bait always just out of reach, attempting to bring the fish within fly casting distance.

Often a marlin is so excited by this tactic that it radiates colors along it flanks while slashing the water looking for the lost prey. Guides call this "lighting up" and it may be the most exciting moment of your life.


A striped marlin takes to the air after feeling the sting of a hook. These fish can take 300 yards of backing in a single run, and often jump several times along the way.

When the fish is close enough, the boat engines are thrown into neutral, and the fly fisher makes a 20- to 60-foot cast to the billfish. Literally a game of cat and mouse, this exercise requires precise teamwork between the person teasing, the captain, and the angler. If everything is perfect and the fish eats (strikes your fly pattern), prepare yourself for the biggest jolt of adrenaline you will ever experience with a fly rod.

The first leap of the fish may occur as soon as the hook is set, leaving a hole in the water that looks like a Volkswagen bus just fell in from the sky. As the fly line screams off your reel, the fish's next leap may be 300 yards off the stern of the boat. Twenty seconds later, another marlin leaps off the bow. No, it's not another marlin, it's your fish! Your fly line skips across the water propelling a rooster tail of water into the air as the fish porpoises away towards the horizon.

If your hook and leader hold, (and your arms don't wear out before the fish does) you will get to see the beauty of this magnificent fish 'up close and personal'. Once alongside the boat, the skipper or mate "bills" the fish and removes the hook. As the brilliantly colored fish swims away to fight another day, you realize you've just had one of the best experiences of your life. Many fly fishers never recover from that initial experience and remain "hooked" for life.

On-Line Catalogs
A.A. Outfitters Full service, fully stocked flyshop located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Allen Brothers Quality Fishing Flies Quality is more than just a word. We use Daichii hooks and all our beadheads are tied with tungsten. Check out unique variations on a lot of the classics, plus our original patterns! Angler's Pro Shop The finest products the fly fishing industry has to offer. Bighorn Fly and Tackle Shop Montana's premium fly shops, lodging and guide service. We're dedicated to helping you experience the best Montana has to offer. Bob Henley's TIE-A-FLY 19 traditional patterns. TIE-A-FLY kits have all materials needed to tie them, instructions/illustrations, a pre-tied fly to use as a model. Gary LaFontaine's "The Book Mailer" Every angling book & media in print—10% off 3 or more. LaFontaine fly patterns & materials. FREE anti-catalog. Crystal Fly Shop Online Store Quality products at reasonable prices from Winston, Elkhorn, St. Croix, Galvan, Solitude, Idylwilde, Chota, etc. Many items 15-35% off. Custom Fly Rod Crafters Fly rod building components, tools & supplies. Dan Bailey's Online Fly Shop Outfitting fly fishermen since 1938. Equipment & information to make your next fly fishing trip be a memorable one.		Fly Fishing Flies & Gear Shop RiverBum.com for premium FLIES and GEAR from Simms, Sage, Fishpond & more ... Free Shipping on orders over $25! FlyShack.com High quality, hand-tied flies. Assortments from $.60/fly. Great selection and excellent service. Free Shipping. FlyShopCloseouts.com Now—new and expanded—with much more brand name fly fishing tackle and gear at huge savings. Save 30-50% on quality brands you will recognize in an instant. Galloup's Slide Inn Online Fly Shop Full online store offering cutting-edge flies, equipment, and the best streamer selection found anywhere in the U.S. Hills Discount Flies Fly shop quality flies at wholesale prices. Over 1,000 patterns. Check out bargains in "Hot Deals" section. Hooked On Flies 65¢-69¢ a fly. That's 3 flies for less than the retail price of one fly. 450+ Trout Fly Patterns! Madison River Fishing Co. Spring is coming! We have TONS of new gear this year. Cloudveil, Simms, Sage, Under Armour, Vosseler Reels and lots more. Click or call 800-227-7127 for catalog. **Reelflies** - Fly Fishing Flies Offering incredible prices on top-quality Trout Flies: $0.49 - $0.79. Our flies have great fly illustrations . . . what you see is what you get! www.ShopUltimateAngler.com Your steelhead and smallmouth specialists featuring Simms, Sage, Patagonia, Orvis, guide services, local fishing reports and more!