What Speed Do You Troll for Blue Marlin

Fishing for blue marlin is a thrilling experience that requires skill, patience, and a bit of luck. As an angler, you want to maximize your chances of catching this majestic fish. One question that often arises is, what speed should you troll at? This is a critical aspect of blue marlin fishing as it can significantly impact your success rate.

Trolling too fast or too slow can result in missed strikes or even spooking the fish. Finding the right trolling speed can be challenging, as it depends on various factors such as water temperature, current, and lure selection. As an expert researcher and writer in this field, I have delved into the topic to provide you with valuable insights and tips to help you catch more blue marlin. So, if you’re ready to improve your game and reel in some massive marlin, keep reading!

What is the Average Speed for Trolling Blue Marlin?

Blue marlin is a highly prized game fish that is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. When trolling for blue marlin, determining the ideal speed can be a critical factor in your success. While there is no exact speed that will guarantee a catch every time, there are some general guidelines to follow.

The average speed for trolling blue marlin is between 6 and 10 knots. However, this can vary depending on several factors such as lure choice, sea conditions, water temperature, and the size of the blue marlin you are targeting.

Factors That Affect Trolling Speed for Blue Marlin

When deciding on an ideal trolling speed for blue marlin, it is important to consider several factors:

– Lure or bait type: The type of lure or bait you use can affect your trolling speed. Some lures require faster speeds to maintain their action while others perform better at slower speeds.
– Water temperature: Water temperature can have a significant impact on the behavior of blue marlins. During warmer months when waters are above 75°F/24°C, these fish tend to swim faster. In colder waters below 70°F/21°C, slow trolling speeds usually work best.
– Size of Blue Marlin: Larger blue marlins tend to swim faster than smaller ones. As a result, you may need to increase your trolling speed if you’re targeting larger specimens.
– Time of day: Different times of the day may require different trolling speeds when targeting blue marlins based on various environmental factors like sunlight intensity.

The Importance of Boat Speed and Drag Settings for Trolling Blue Marlin

Boat speed can play a vital role in attracting blue marlins to your bait or lure. It’s essential not only to adjust your boat speed based on the factors discussed above but also to maintain a consistent speed. This is important to ensure that the lure or bait maintains a steady action and doesn’t skip or chatter excessively.

To achieve this, you should use your boat’s onboard systems to monitor and control your trolling speed. You can also adjust the drag setting on your reels to help slow down or speed up the boat.

Typical Trolling Speeds for Blue Marlin

Trolling speeds for blue marlins vary depending on different factors as discussed earlier. However, there are some general guidelines that anglers follow when targeting these fish:

– Slow trolling speeds of 4-6 knots work best in colder waters below 70°F/21°C.
– Medium trolling speeds between 6-8 knots used in warmer waters above 75°F/24°C can be more effective.
– Fast trolling speeds of 10 knots or more are reserved for larger lures and baits that require faster retrieval rates.

The Impact of Lure and Bait Type on Trolling Speeds

Different lures and baits may require varying trolling speeds to achieve maximum effectiveness. Here are some examples:

– High-speed trolling lures like jet heads, bullet heads, and plungers typically perform well at faster speeds between 8-14 knots.
– Soft plastic lures such as Moldcraft Squid Daisy Chains or Zuker ZM6s perform best at slower speeds (around 5 knots) as they require more movement through the water column to attract fish.
– Live baitfish like mullet or ballyhoo often require very slow speeds (2–4 knots) since they need time to swim naturally behind the boat.

Adjusting Your Trolling Speed When Targeting Blue Marlin

While there are general guidelines for trolling blue marlin, it’s important to note that these fish are unpredictable and can behave differently depending on various factors. As such, it’s essential to adjust your trolling speed based on what you observe.

For instance, if you notice blue marlin chasing your lure or bait but not striking, try increasing the trolling speed slightly. Conversely, if they seem uninterested in your offering, consider slowing down the boat. Always keep an eye out for signs of blue marlins in the area and adjust accordingly.

In conclusion, trolling speeds for blue marlins vary depending on several factors such as lure type, water temperature, time of day, and size of the blue marlin you are targeting. It’s important to keep these factors in mind when deciding on an ideal trolling speed. However, always be ready to adjust your speed based on what you observe from the behavior of the fish and other environmental conditions around you.

How Water Temperature Affects Trolling Speed for Blue Marlin

What is the Ideal Water Temperature for Trolling Blue Marlin?

The ideal water temperature range for trolling blue marlin is between 75°F to 80°F. However, there are instances where blue marlins can be caught in colder or warmer water temperatures. It is important to note that the trolling speed should be adjusted accordingly based on the water temperature.

How Does Water Temperature Affect Trolling Speed?

Water temperature affects the trolling speed of blue marlin because it impacts their metabolism and feeding patterns. In colder water temperatures, blue marlins tend to have a slower metabolism, which means they will move slower and require a slower trolling speed. On the other hand, in warmer water temperatures, blue marlins tend to have a faster metabolism and move quicker, which means they will require a faster trolling speed.

Tips:

• Use a thermometer to measure the water temperature frequently throughout your fishing trip.
• Adjust your trolling speed accordingly based on the current water temperature.
• If you are not having any luck with your current trolling speed, try adjusting it by small increments until you find success.

The Best Time of Day to Troll for Blue Marlin and How it Affects Speed

When is the Best Time of Day to Troll for Blue Marlin?

The best time of day to troll for blue marlin is during sunrise and sunset. During these times, there tends to be an increase in feeding activity as baitfish become more active. It is also important to consider weather conditions when deciding on the best time of day as calm waters tend to provide better fishing conditions.

How Does Time of Day Affect Trolling Speed?

The time of day affects trolling speed for blue marlin because it impacts their feeding patterns. During sunrise and sunset, blue marlins tend to be more active and aggressive, which means they require a faster trolling speed. However, during midday when the sun is high and temperatures are warmer, blue marlins tend to be less active and require a slower trolling speed.

Tips:

• Plan your fishing trip around sunrise and sunset for the best chance at success.
• Consider weather conditions when deciding on the best time of day to fish.
• Adjust your trolling speed accordingly based on the time of day.

Lures and Baits that Require a Certain Trolling Speed for Blue Marlin

What Lures and Baits are Most Effective for Trolling Blue Marlin?

The most effective lures and baits for trolling blue marlin are those that mimic their natural prey such as squid, flying fish, or ballyhoo. It is important to choose lures or baits that are appropriate for the current water temperature and time of day.

How Do Lures and Baits Affect Trolling Speed?

Different lures and baits require different trolling speeds based on their size, weight, and design. For example, heavier lures or baits will require a faster trolling speed while lighter ones will require a slower trolling speed. It is important to experiment with different lures or baits until you find one that works well with your current trolling speed.

Tips:

• Choose lures or baits that mimic natural prey in the area where you are fishing.
• Experiment with different lures or baits until you find one that works well with your current trolling speed.
• Consider the size and weight of the lure or bait when deciding on the appropriate trolling speed.

How Wind Conditions Impact the Ideal Trolling Speed for Blue Marlin

What are Ideal Wind Conditions for Trolling Blue Marlin?

The ideal wind conditions for trolling blue marlin are calm winds or a light breeze. This is because high winds can create choppy water conditions that can make it difficult to maintain a consistent trolling speed.

How Do Wind Conditions Affect Trolling Speed?

Wind conditions affect trolling speed for blue marlin because they impact boat stability and water conditions. In calm wind conditions, the boat will be more stable and easier to control at higher speeds, allowing for a faster trolling speed. However, in high wind conditions, the boat may become unstable and require a slower trolling speed to maintain control.

Tips:

• Check weather reports before heading out on your fishing trip to ensure calm wind conditions.
• If you encounter high wind conditions, adjust your trolling speed accordingly to maintain control of the boat.
• Consider using sea anchors or drift socks to help stabilize the boat in high wind conditions.

Adjusting Your Trolling Speed When Targeting Blue Marlin

Why is it Important to Adjust Your Trolling Speed?

It is important to adjust your trolling speed when targeting blue marlin because they have specific feeding patterns and prey preferences that require different speeds. By adjusting your trolling speed based on these factors, you can increase your chances of catching a blue marlin.

How Do You Adjust Your Trolling Speed?

To adjust your trolling speed, start by measuring the water temperature and considering the time of day and wind conditions. Based on these factors, choose a lure or bait that is appropriate for the conditions and experiment with different trolling speeds until you find one that works well. It is important to be patient and make small adjustments until you find success.

Tips:

• Measure the water temperature frequently throughout your fishing trip.
• Consider the time of day and wind conditions when deciding on an appropriate trolling speed.
• Experiment with different lures or baits until you find one that works well with your current trolling speed.

In conclusion, the speed at which you troll for blue marlin can greatly impact your chances of success. It is important to consider factors such as water temperature and current when determining the optimal trolling speed for this species.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Speed Do You Troll for Blue Marlin

What speed should I troll at?
When fishing for trout, the usual trolling speeds can range from 2.4 to 4 kph (1.5 to 2.5 mph), while for kokanee, speeds typically range from 1.9 to 2.9 kph (1.2 to 1.8 mph). However, if you are using plugs or bucktail lures, it is possible to increase the speed to as much as 5.6 kph (3.5 mph).

What is a good trolling speed for bluefish?
By increasing the trolling speed from 3-4mph to 5-6mph, the bluefish in the video above was attracted to and bit the Magic Swimmer bait. This technique of speed trolling is effective for catching bluefish using various types of artificial baits such as hootchies or Magic Swimmers.

What pound test for blue marlin?
When fishing for blue marlin, it is recommended to use a pound test line that falls within the range of 80 to 130 pounds. The line should be strong enough to withstand the fight, but not so heavy that it interferes with the action of the lure.

What is the best bait for blue marlin?
Blackfin tuna, bonito, and skipjack are the preferred baits for blue marlin, as they tend to stay close to the rig during the day for safety. Once night falls, however, these baits become more adventurous and venture out to feed on smaller prey that are drawn to the glowing surface of the water, illuminated by the rig’s lights.

What is the secret to catching a blue marlin?
When fishing for Marlin, it is recommended to use live bait instead of artificial baits made of plastic or wood. These natural baits, whether alive or dead, are more effective in attracting the fish. To avoid problems caused by wind, you can secure the fishing line to the boat bollard or tie it to the rod tip, which will make it easier to rig the bait and attract the Marlin.

Is 3 mph too fast for trolling?
Typically, a trolling speed of 1.5 to 2.5 mph, as measured by GPS, is a suitable starting point for catching species such as walleye, trout, and salmon.