Striped Marlin in Cabo San Lucas

Biology

The striped marlin is a pelagic billfish found throughout the tropical and warm-temperate zones of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the most commonly caught billfish species in the Eastern Pacific and the species most closely associated with Cabo San Lucas sport fishing.

Striped marlin are identifiable by their high, pointed dorsal fin — which is typically taller than the body depth — and the prominent vertical stripes along their flanks that remain visible after death (unlike blue marlin, whose stripes fade quickly). Their body color ranges from dark blue on the dorsal surface to silver-white on the ventral surface.

Unlike blue and black marlin, striped marlin are relatively slender and lightweight, which makes them one of the most acrobatic billfish species when hooked. They are known for greyhounding — a behavior where they leap repeatedly across the surface in long, low arcs — and for tail-walking during the fight.

Striped marlin are a highly migratory species. Populations in the Eastern Pacific follow seasonal patterns driven by water temperature and bait availability. In the Cabo San Lucas region, striped marlin concentrate from October through May, a window that includes the cooler months when water temperatures drop to the 68–75°F range these fish prefer.

Taxonomy

How we fish for them

Trolling With Lures

Most Common Method. The standard approach in Cabo. A spread of 4–6 skirted lures in various sizes and colors are trolled at 6–9 knots. Purple and black, blue and white, and green and yellow are proven color combinations. Medium-size lures (7–10 inch heads) work best for stripers. Tackle: 30–50 lb class conventional reels (Penn International, Shimano Tiagra) on stand-up or chair rods.

Fly Fishing

Advanced / Sport. Striped marlin are one of the most accessible billfish species on fly. The technique involves raising a fish on teasers (hookless lures), then switching to a large fly pattern when the fish is close to the boat. This is a specialty technique — not all boats are equipped for it. 12-weight fly rods with large arbor saltwater reels and intermediate sinking lines. Contact us in advance if you want to fly fish for marlin.

Live Bait Fishing

Highest Success Rate. Live caballito (green jack) or sardinas are the deadliest baits for Cabo striped marlin. The boat slow-trolls or drifts the live bait on a circle hook, allowing the marlin to eat the bait before setting the hook. This technique produces the highest hookup-to-catch ratio. Tackle: 30 lb class spinning or conventional gear with fluorocarbon leader.

Records & sizes

Igfa All-Tackle World Record: 494 LB (224 kg). Caught by Bill Boniface on January 16, 1986 off Tutukaka, New Zealand. Fought for one hour on 50-pound-test line using a Penn International reel.

Typical Good Catch: 100-200 lb. Most striped marlin caught in Cabo waters weigh between 100 and 200 pounds, with exceptional fish exceeding 250 pounds.

Top Speed: ~50 mph (80 km/h). Striped marlin are among the fastest fish in the ocean. Their speed, combined with their tendency to leap and tailwalk, makes them one of the most exciting sport fish on light tackle.

Maximum Recorded Length: ~13 ft (4 m). Approximate maximum total length including bill. Cabo striped marlin typically measure 7 to 10 feet.

Record source: IGFA world records.

Conservation & rules

Mexican sportfishing rules (NOM-017-PESC-1994) allow one billfish per angler per day, including striped marlin. In Cabo we follow a local rule of one billfish per boat per day, to protect the species and its biomass. Top Anglers strongly encourages catch and release for all billfish.

Anatomy

Questions