How to catch Striped marlin

Striped marlin feed in 64–78°F water and bite best at 68–74°F. Fish Scouter's season calendar follows them in 2 waters; in October they are at their peak in Southern California Bight.

90 pts · trophy at 90"Feeds 64–78°FBest 68–74°FIn season nowLedge / hard bottomOther

About

The billfish of the Southern California late summer and the Hawaiian winter, tailing on the surface where you can pitch to it. Almost always released.

How to fish it

Run and gun for tailing fish and feeders; pitch a live mackerel. Troll lures on the banks between sightings.

What it eats

live mackerel pitchedtrolled lures

Live bait for it

Sardines (Pacific)Collar- or nose-hooked on a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fly-lined for yellowtail, white seabass and calico bass; a sinker a few feet up to get it under the bait ball.

What to fish it with

the sizes that fish it

Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon

Hook4/0–8/0

Braid50–100 lb

The rule

not confirmed here

Rules differ by state — check CDFW (California) or DAR (Hawaii) before you keep one.

The current rule →

Where it is, month by month

PPeakSSpawningAArriving·AroundLLeaving

Pacific

Southern California Bight

Alaska & Hawaii

The Hawaiian Islands

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