Seasons: September, October and November are normally
the best months for Marlin. But…big Blue, Black and Striped Marlin are always around and the boats that target them usually have some success. You may need to go a little farther and fish a little harder, but Marlin fishermen are familiar with that.
Method: Generally caught 20-50 miles out while trolling lures and/or ballyhoo with circle hooks. The “bait and switch” with teasers and pitch baits is the most popular method on the big boats. Live bait is best when you find the fish. Marlin can also be caught on the fly if the Marlin is small and you are really lucky.
My best day: Thanks to Captain Glen and the crew of the Bethina for helping me get my first Marlin the day before this issue went to print. My 300 pound Blue Marlin pounced on a ballyhoo with circle hook and went deep before anyone got a good look at her. We all assumed it was a Sailfish since we had already caught 3 Sails in that same spot. After a 15 minute fight the fish came up right under the boat. As she broke water we all realized it was a nice Marlin. Once she saw the boat she took off and “snowplowed” about 100 meters…almost in slow motion. I was using 30 pound line and 80 pound leader so I offered little resistance as she made her runs. It took another 10 or 15 minutes to get her back to the boat were we got a clean release without harming that beautiful fish.
World Record:
1402 lbs. Vitoria, Brazil (Atlantic blue) - 1376 lbs. Kona, Hawaii (Pacific blue) – 1560 lbs. Cabo Blanco, Peru (Black Marlin)
DOLPHIN / WHALE WATCHING: Dolphins are usually everywhere plus we do see the occasional whale. HORSEBACK RIDING: Available in most places, who hasn’t wanted to ride a horse on a beach. HOT SPRINGS / SPA: Available only in a few places, the best in romantic and relaxing getaways. KAYAKING: Available in several places, white water or ocean kayaks – cheap water fun. LAKE FISHING: Fish for the Guapote (Central American Bass) at Lake Arenal and Lake Nicaragua, great fighters on light tackle. MOTORCYCLE / QUAD RENTAL: Available in several places, great fun, wear your helmet. NATIONAL PARKS: Available in most areas, great tours, see wildlife and beautiful scenery.
PARAGLIDING: Available in a few places…try it if you get a chance…a few moments of panic followed by the best ride of your life. RIVER FISHING: Fly fish for Trout in the high mountain streams, fish the jungle rivers for giant Tarpon and Snook. SHOPPING: Available everywhere, take home some souvenirs and coffee SURF / BOOGIE BOARD: Available in the most popular towns, what the hell…give it a shot.
TURTLE WATCHING: Available only at certain times and certain places but for some the thrill of a lifetime.
VOLCANO TOUR: Available almost everywhere, good family trip. WHITE WATER RAFTING: Scenic and serene beauty followed by wet and wild adrenalin rush. WINDSURFING: Available at a few places, Lake Arenal is famous for its windsurfing
