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How to catch Striped marlin

Kajikia audax (Philippi, 1887)

About Striped marlin fishing

The striped marlin is a magnificent pelagic predator belonging to the Istiophoridae family, easily recognised by its elongated torpedo-shaped body, dark blue upper flanks, silvery belly, and distinctive vibrant blue vertical stripes that can rapidly change intensity. It features a robust upper jaw formed into a medium-sized bill and a tall first dorsal fin that matches or exceeds its body depth. Growing up to 420 centimetres in total length and substantial weights, this oceanic species prefers epipelagic waters above the thermocline in tropical and temperate zones. It typically hunts smaller schooling fish and cephalopods near the surface during daylight hours, often undertaking vertical migrations. Highly regarded by big-game anglers for its acrobatic fights and speed, it is pursued across deep offshore waters.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    290 cm TL

  • Market value

    Very high

  • Habitat

    Saltwater

  • Season

    Spring, Autumn, Winter

  • Also known as

    Beakie, Barred marlin, Beak, High-finned spearfish, Marlin, New Zealand marlin

Striped marlin

Robust upper jaw

Upper jaw produced into a robust and medium-sized beak characteristic of marlins.

Cobalt stripes

Flanks feature vertical cobalt-colored stripes distinguishing this striped marlin.

Falcate pectoral fin

Pectoral fins are falcate and flexible, aiding swift movement.

Striped marlin fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    290 cm TL (max 420 cm TL )

  • Typical weight

    35 kg (max 440 kg )

  • Preferred temperature

    14.6–28.3 °C

  • Depth

    0–200 m

  • Longevity

    9 years

  • Body shape

    Elongated

  • Commercial?

  • Vulnerability score

    43.6

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Peak

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Peak

  • Midday

    High sun

    Low

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Active

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Active

  • Night

    After dark

    Low

When to fish for Striped marlin

01
January
02
February
03
March
04
April
05
May
06
June
07
July
08
August
09
September
10 Now
October
11
November
12
December

How to catch Striped marlin

Tips for catching Striped marlin

To successfully target striped marlin, anglers should focus on deep offshore blue waters near drop-offs and current lines where pelagic forage congregates. Trolling artificial skirts, high-speed plugs, or rigged natural baits like mackerel and sardines at varying depths near the surface yields the highest catch rates. Live baiting with swimming baits rigged on circle hooks during calmer periods can also trigger aggressive strikes from patrolling fish. Since these predators are primarily visual hunters active during daylight, early morning and late afternoon hours offer the most productive fishing windows. Heavy game tackle with smooth, reliable drag systems is essential to withstand blistering initial runs and spectacular aerial leaps.

Other names for Striped marlin

Local and alternate names anglers use for Striped marlin.

  • Striped marlin
  • Spearfish
  • Spikefish
  • New Zealand marlin
  • Pacific striped marlin
  • Marlin
  • High-finned spearfish
  • Beak
  • Barred marlin
  • Striped swordfish
  • Stripey
  • Beakie

Best equipment to catch Striped marlin

Compare fishing methods for Striped marlin — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 35 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Striped marlin

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

How Striped marlin migrates — Oceanodromous

Migrates within the sea between spawning, nursery and feeding grounds, and never enters fresh water. Follow its seasonal shifts along the coast and offshore.

How Striped marlin migrates — Oceanodromous 1. Eggs: Laid on the spawning grounds. 2. Larvae: Drift with the currents to the nursery grounds. 3. Juveniles: Grow up in sheltered nursery waters. 4. Adults: Range widely over the feeding grounds. 5. Spawners: Return to the spawning grounds each season.
Spawning grounds Nursery grounds Feeding grounds

1 Eggs

Spawning grounds

Laid on the spawning grounds.

2 Larvae

→ Nursery grounds

Drift with the currents to the nursery grounds.

3 Juveniles

Nursery grounds

Grow up in sheltered nursery waters.

4 Adults

Feeding grounds

Range widely over the feeding grounds.

5 Spawners

→ Spawning grounds

Return to the spawning grounds each season.

It stays in the sea and never runs up into fresh water.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of Striped marlin

  • Diet

    Top predator

  • Feeds by

    Hunts animals

  • Hunts

    Dawn · Morning

  • Main prey

    Baitfish

Prey and predators of Striped marlin

Prey is what Striped marlin eats. Predators are the animals that eat it.

That is how it feeds, and how it is hunted.

Prey

What it eats

Predators

What hunts it

Where Striped marlin lives

Pelagic in the open ocean beyond the shelf break.

Habitats
Saltwater
Depth zone
Epipelagic, Mesopelagic
0–200 m
Water column
Open water
Does not use the seabed

Where this species lives

Where to fish for Striped marlin

Mapped fishing spots where Striped marlin is recorded — open a pin for access and methods.

Waikareao

TaurangaBay of PlentyNew Zealand

Amphlett Stream

AucklandAucklandNew Zealand

Hobson Bay

AucklandAucklandNew Zealand

Manukau Entrance

AucklandAucklandNew Zealand

Ngunguru River

WhangāreiNorthlandNew Zealand

Maomao Bay

WhangāreiNorthlandNew Zealand

Brewis Shoal

TaurangaBay of PlentyNew Zealand