There is no fish that fires up an angler quite like a marlin. Big, fast and spectacular in the air, they are the pinnacle of Sydney game fishing, and chasing them is what our skipper George Aslanian is best known for, with a 207.5kg blue marlin to his name. Here is how the Sydney marlin season works.
The Marlin You’ll Chase off Sydney
Three marlin turn up in Sydney’s waters: black, blue and striped. Blacks are the classic Sydney billfish, stripes are acrobatic light-tackle targets, and the blue marlin is the true heavyweight and one of the fastest fish in the ocean. You can read more on our black marlin and blue marlin species pages.
When Is Marlin Season in Sydney?
Marlin follow the warm water. As the East Australian Current pushes down the coast, the season runs roughly from November to May, with blue marlin best in the warmest water from January to March. It is a summer and autumn game, and timing your trip to that warm push is everything. Our seasons guide has the calendar.
Where to Find Them
Marlin hold out wide, along the continental shelf and around temperature breaks, canyons and current lines where the bait gathers. Marks like the Peak, Browns Mountain and the 12 Mile are all in play. Have a look at our favourite Sydney fishing spots for the offshore grounds.
Marlin follow the warm water, so the season runs as the East Australian Current pushes down the coast.
How Marlin Are Caught
Most marlin are caught by trolling a spread of skirted lures and swimming baits behind the boat, often with switch-baiting to tease a fish up before pitching it a bait. It is heavy tackle, big drag and, when it all comes together, a fight you will never forget. Our game fishing charters are set up for exactly this.
Tag and Release
Marlin are a precious resource, so the vast majority are tagged and released to swim off and breed again. Watching a billfish light up boatside and then kick away strong is the best part of the whole game. We fish them the right way, so the fishery stays healthy for the next generation.
Ready to chase a billfish? Send us an enquiry or book a game fishing charter, and let George put you on a marlin.
