Adult Black Marlin are referred to as "rhinos of the sea," due to their spear like nose and mammoth size. Fully grown females are the largest, and can weigh as much as 450kg! As the ultimate game fish, the giant Black Marlin is accredited for making Cairns a world-class fishing destination. To hook your own Marlin, you don't need to charter a boat out of Cairns or any of the other Marlin hot spots. You just have to think smaller.
Migration Season Swarms of hungry juvenile Marlin migrate from the north, inshore along the Australian eastern coastline as far south as South West Rocks in New South Wales. They can be caught with light tackle and don't require expensive, high-end game fishing gear or a deep sea boat. Fishing little Black Marlin can be done near shore with gear many anglers already have. Novice and expert fisherman, may not have thought it possible to experience the joy of catching juvenile Marlin Black Marlin spawn in August in north Queensland. Huge numbers of young Black Marlin then migrate south during the summer months, making this game fish highly accessible to all anglers in the region. They can be readily available on the eastern seaboard, just outside of the Moreton Bay Islands from the end of December to early April. The exact timing of the Black Marlin arrival is dependent on:
- currents
- sea surface temperature
- the presence of flood waters
- food sources
Marlin will migrate with strong, blue inshore currents from the north. Flood waters that push out brown waters will halt their migration down the coast. These young fish are seriously hungry and grow very quickly. They need schools of yellowtail, pilchards and slimy mackerel to keep them well fed and present in any location. Another indication of a great run with young migrating Black Marlin is if the major fishing locations further north had a great season. If they did well, you can expect your turn at the reel will be equally exceptional. To get the correct timing, keep a look out for strong inshore currents from the north, lots of Marlin bait, no brown flood water, and reports from anglers further north. The waters east of Stradbroke and Moreton Islands provide iconic sports fishing of light tackle Black Marlin fishing during peak season. The majority of the fish caught here are around 25kg. Some sources say that as many as 20 young Marlin can be tagged in a day. Black Marlin are generally considered catch and release as they are young and make for a poor feed. Juveniles, are not found with adult Marlins. Juvenile Black Marlin are found at a water depth of 10 metres or more and much closer to shore than their adult counterparts. Black Marlin have been caught from shore, but this is very rare. Tackle and Gear A 6-15kg line is sufficient for catching a juvenile Marlin. They can be caught on a spinning rod or overhead gear. Black Marlin are usually trolled with skirted lures or rigged trolling baits such as slimy mackerel and other small bait fish. There are many different personalised techniques and preferences for catching young Black Marlin. Like adult Marlin, young Marlin will still jump and whip when caught. When they migrate down in large numbers, catching them can be done relatively easily and provides a great fight and fun for any fisherman. When the time is right, get out and enjoy exceptional fishing of juvenile Black Marlin just off our shores. To learn more about where to fish and how and get gear for your next fishing expedition, head to The Tackle Warehouse!
