Are Striped Marlin The Ultimate Light Tackle Billfish?

Striped marlin (Kajikia audax) are the most widespread and most common marlin in the Pacific Ocean. They can thrive in waters from 65 F to 86 F without a problem. This billfish tends to hunt in packs which allows for multiple hookups when they are feeding on balls of bait. Striped marlin tend to follow sardines schools and are often found concentrating over banks and seamounts.

The Galapagos Islands are one of the destinations in the world that attracts more striped marlin annually than anywhere else. While other places can produce exceptional striped marlin fisheries such as Magdalena Bay in Mexico and Wagdanala Seamount off New Zealand, the Galapagos Islands produce year round large striped marlin fishing.

The stripeys as many anglers love to call them, can grow close to 400 pounds. They have larger tails, pectoral and dorsal fin than other billfish. The enlarged fins allow this gamefish to generate a large amount of power and speed while swimming. Striped marlin in the Galapagos will average 120 to 300 pounds.

For beginning and evolving anglers these fish provide a great way to practice. In the Galapagos Islands anglers can expect 5 to 50 shots per day at striped marlin on average. Pitch baits with circle hooks are one of the most popular ways to catch them as well as small lures and plugs that they will readily take.

Stripeys are not shy to follow teasers and even the boat and many times will offer multiple shots at a missed lure or bait. Unlike blue and black marlin that may come in aggressively and disappear after a missed hookup, striped marlin will often give and angler 2, 3 and even 4 shots the hook up is missed.

San Cristobal Island is the perfect fishing and vacation destination to practice and improve your billfishing skills. The multiple fishing areas are 1 to 2 hours away to target striped marlin. Besides striped marlin you can try your luck at tuna, wahoo and bottom fishing.

The island has a population of around 8,500 people and virtually no crime. There are other activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, diving, bird watching, beaches, biking, hiking and more.

The post Are Striped Marlin The Ultimate Light Tackle Billfish? appeared first on Ecuagringo.

By: Ecuagringo
Title: Are Striped Marlin The Ultimate Light Tackle Billfish?
Sourced From: www.ecuagringo.com/blog/are-striped-marlin-the-ultimate-light-tackle-billfish/
Published Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2020 19:22:45 +0000