Home > Species Guide > Black MarlinISTIOMPAX INDICA
Black Marlin
The strongest of all billfish. Black marlin are among the largest bony fish on Earth, distinguished by their rigid pectoral fins and raw brute power. Less common than blues or stripers in Cabo, a black marlin hookup is a rare and unforgettable event.
1,560 lbs
IGFA WORLD RECORD
~15 ft (4.6 m)
MAX LENGTH
~50 mph
TOP SPEED
Jul-Sep
PEAK SEASON
SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION
Taxonomy & Biology
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Istiophoriformes
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Istiophoridae
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Istiompax
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I. indica (Cuvier, 1832)
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Black marlin, white marlin (Hawaii), marlín negro (Spanish), silver marlin
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Approximately 10–15 years
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Large pelagic fish, squid, cuttlefish, octopus
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Tropical and subtropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. More coastal than blue marlin, often found near reef systems and continental shelves.
The black marlin is the only billfish with rigid pectoral fins that cannot be folded flat against the body — this is the key identification feature. They are more heavily built than blue marlin and are considered the strongest pound-for-pound of all billfish.
Black marlin prefer slightly warmer water than striped marlin and are more commonly associated with structure — underwater ridges, seamounts, and the edges of continental shelves. In Cabo, they appear during the warmest months when water temperatures peak.
While less abundant in Cabo than striped or blue marlin, black marlin are a prized catch. The IGFA all-tackle world record of 1,560 pounds has stood since 1953 — the longest-standing major billfish record in history.
WHEN TO FISH
Seasonal Patterns in Cabo San Lucas
JAN
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FEB
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MAR
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APR
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MAY
★
JUN
★★
JUL
★★★
AGO
★★★
SEP
★★★
OCT
★★
NOV
★
DEC
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HOW TO CATCH THEM
Fishing Techniques & Tackle
STANDARD METHOD
TROLLING HEAVY TACKLE
Large skirted lures or rigged skip baits trolled at 7–9 knots. Black marlin respond well to large, noisy lures with strong smoke trails. Tackle: 80–130 lb class conventional with heavy-duty fighting harness.
ADVANCED
SWITCH BAIT / TEASER
Teasers are deployed to raise a black marlin, then a pitch bait or fly is presented when the fish approaches the boat. Requires coordination between captain, crew, and angler.
STRUCTURE FISHING
LIVE BAIT DRIFTING
Large live baits drifted near underwater structure where black marlin patrol. This technique is less common in Cabo but effective when fish are located near banks and ridges.
WORLD RECORDS
IGFA Records & Notable Catches
IGFA ALL-TACKLE WORLD RECORD
1560 LB
Caught by Alfred Glassell Jr. on August 4, 1953 off Cabo Blanco, Peru. Fought for 1 hour 45 minutes. The longest-standing major billfish record in IGFA history.
TYPICAL GOOD CATCH
150-400 lb
Black marlin in Cabo typically run 150 to 400 pounds when encountered. They appear less frequently than blues but can exceed 500 pounds.
TOP SPEED
~50 mph
Estimated maximum burst speed. Black Marlin are among the fastest fish in the ocean.
MAXIMUM RECORDED LENGTH
~15 ft (4.6 m)
Approximate maximum total length. Cabo black marlin typically measure smaller.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Conservation & Regulations
Responsible Fishing in Cabo
Black marlin are classified as Data Deficient by the IUCN due to limited population data. Mexican permits allow one billfish per boat per day, but given their low abundance, catch and release is especially important for this species. Top Anglers strongly encourages releasing all black marlin.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Black Marlin FAQ
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Black marlin are most likely to appear in Cabo from July through September when water temperatures are at their warmest. They are less predictable than blue or striped marlin and are considered a bonus catch rather than a targeted species in most Cabo seasons.
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Black marlin are identified by their rigid pectoral fins, which cannot be folded flat against the body. This is unique among marlin species. They also tend to be more heavily built than blue marlin and have a shorter, thicker bill.
EXPLORE MORE
Other Species in Cabo
Kajikia Audax
Striped Marlin
Makaira Nigricans
Blue Marlin
Istiophorus Platypterus
Pacific Sailfish
Full Species Profile →
Acanthocybium Solandri
Wahoo
Full Species Profile →
Which Boat Should You Book for Black Marlin?
Black marlin require a 35'+ sportfisher with heavy tackle. We recommend the 38' Bertram ($1,200 half-day) or the 44' Viking ($1,700) for dedicated black marlin trips. View all boats →
Target Black Marlin in Cabo
Our captains know exactly where and when to find black marlin. Call or email directly — no booking fees, no middlemen.
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