Black Marlin

The black marlin is one of the most iconic and sought-after game fish, known for its explosive speed, acrobatic jumps, and immense power. Found in tropical and subtropical waters along Australia’s coast, they are most commonly targeted off Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, the waters off Cairns, and the Coral Sea, where some of the world’s largest specimens—exceeding 500kg (1,100 lbs)—are caught.

Black marlin are aggressive predators, best targeted using trolled skirted lures or live bait such as tuna or mackerel, often around reef drop-offs, current lines, and bait schools. They provide an adrenaline-fueled fight, often leaping high out of the water and stripping hundreds of meters of line in seconds. Whether you're chasing juveniles inshore or giant blacks offshore, this species represents the pinnacle of big-game fishing, attracting anglers from around the world.