Costa Rica Fishing Species – Striped Marlin
In Costa Rica all billfish (marlin and sailfish) are catch and release only
Sport fishing enthusiasts fishing in Costa Rica in search of billfish e.g. blue, black and striped marlin, are sometimes surprised (especially in the summer months) when they hook up with the smaller yet vibrantly colored striped marlin. Sometimes people initially think the striped beauty is a sailfish until the dorsal fin and color are within closer proximity to the boat. When fully “lit” the deep purple and neon like blue colors are stunning, and they don’t go down without a fight.
Striped MarlinBy perryjames
Posted by Tijerilla Fishing on Wednesday, September 25, 2019
Striped Marlin Facts
Striped marlin (Tetrapturus audax)
– Distribution: Tropical, subtropical and warm temperate waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Pelagic and highly migratory species, migrates towards Equator in cold season and away during warm months. Most abundant of all marlins, often in the upper 200 m above the thermocline. Preferred temperature: 20-25°C. Schools by size, adults often solitary.
– Biology and general description: Maximum length: 420 cm TL, common length: 290 cm TL. All-tackle record: 224 kg. Sexual maturity at 140 cm TL. Larvae most abundant in early summer. Prolonged upper mandible and high pointed first dorsal fin. Anal and pectoral fins pointed and flat. Straight lateral line visible. Steel blue back fading to bluish silver on upper flanks and white below the lateral line. Iridescent blue spots on fins, blue vertical stripes on sides.
– Diet: Pilchards, anchovies, mackerel, flying fish, squid,crustaceans
– Fishing: Recreational methods include trolling whole fish, strip baits, or lures; also live bait fishing. Commercial fishing with longlines. Meat of good quality, marketed fresh or frozen. Highly sought in Japan for sashimi, although highest value in sportfishing.
for more information about Costa Rica fishing visit www.fishcostarica.org
