How to Rig Blue Marlin Lures and Set a Trolling Spread

Blue Marlin Fishing: Trolling Techniques, Lure Rigging, and Spread Setup

Blue marlin fishing is one of those pursuits that gets into your blood. The combination of raw power, unpredictability, and the sheer scale of the fish makes every hookup feel like an event. Whether you're running lures off the Azores, working the blue water off Kona, or trolling the canyons off the Eastern Seaboard, the fundamentals come down to the same core principles: the right lures, the right rigging, and the right presentation.

This article covers everything you need to know to fish blue marlin effectively, from rigging lures correctly to dialing in your trolling spread, managing the fight safely, and releasing fish properly. If you want to go deeper on any of the techniques here, the In The Spread blue marlin video library has detailed instruction from the captains who fish these fish at the highest level.

Kevin Hibbard holding a vinyl skirted Marlin Magic Ruckus

What Makes Blue Marlin So Hard to Catch?

Blue marlin are apex predators with highly developed senses, tremendous speed, and a tendency to inspect a bait before committing. Success requires correct lure selection, precise rigging, a well-configured spread, and a captain who knows how to read the water. Most failed hookups trace back to one of those four elements being off. When everything comes together, the strike from a big blue is one of the most violent, spectacular things you will ever see on a sportfishing boat.

The good news is that blue marlin trolling is a learnable craft. The captains who consistently put clients on fish have internalized a system and execute it with discipline. Understanding that system, even at a foundational level, changes how you fish.

How to Rig a Blue Marlin Trolling Lure

Knowing how to rig a blue marlin lure correctly is the foundation of everything else. A lure that swims poorly because it is rigged wrong will not draw strikes no matter how well the spread is configured. The goal is a hook in the correct orientation, a leader that handles the load of a large fish at speed, and a presentation that looks alive in the water.

For most blue marlin trolling applications, your leader should be in the 300 to 600 lb range. The choice between monofilament and fluorocarbon at these diameters is worth thinking through carefully. Most heavy-tackle crews favor high-quality monofilament for shock absorption and ease of handling at heavy diameters. Fluorocarbon is used more selectively at these weights because of its stiffness at thick diameters and higher cost. The two materials are not simply interchangeable at the heavier end of the range, so talk to the captain or crew you are fishing with about what they prefer and why.

Hook position is determined by the lure's length and the angle of the head. A hook placed too far forward kills the action. Too far back and you will miss short-striking fish. The hook point should ride at or just beyond the trailing edge of the skirt.

In The Spread's video on offshore trolling lures and rigging techniques is one of the best starting points for getting your fundamentals right before you start building your own rigs.

Blue Marlin Lure Rigging Courses

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Marlin Lure spread setup demonstrated by David Brackmann

Blue Marlin Lures and Spread Setup with David Brackmann

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Offshore Fishing Trolling Lures and Rigging Techniques

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Design Thoughts on Trolling Lures with Peter Bristow

Lure Spread Setup for Marlin Fishing: Kona Style

Blue Marlin Trolling Lure held up by Kevin Hibbard

Blue Marlin Trolling Lures with Kevin Hibbard

Kevin Hibbard displays a blue marlin trolling lure rigged with vinyl skirt

Rigging Blue Marlin Lures with Vinyl Skirts and Sta-Stuk Hooks

Hooks for Blue Marlin

Rigging Blue Marlin Lures with RJ Boyle

Rigging Trolling Lures for Offshore Fishing with Roddy Hays

Kris Ishibashi holding a blue marlin lure rigged with Sta-Stuk hook

Rigging Marlin Lures with Sta-Stuk Hooks

offshore trolling lures for marlin fishing FADs

Stiff Rig vs. Soft Rig: Which One Should You Use?

A stiff hook rig keeps the hook in a fixed, upright position as the lure moves through the water. Because the hook cannot rotate or fold back, it maintains consistent orientation relative to the lure head, which improves hookup ratios when a marlin strikes from the side or below. Stiff rigs are built using heavy monofilament, fluorocarbon, or wire running through the lure body with the hook secured against torque.

Soft rigs allow the hook more movement, which can improve lure action on lighter heads and in the shotgun position. Most experienced captains fishing big skirted lures prefer stiff rigs for their consistency, but some deliberately choose semi-stiff setups on lighter heads or in crossover setups targeting multiple billfish species. The right approach depends on the specific lure, head design, and position in the spread. RJ Boyle's breakdown at Rigging Blue Marlin Lures with RJ Boyle is worth watching before you start making your own rigs.

Single Hook vs. Double Hook Rig for Blue Marlin

This is one of the most debated topics in blue marlin fishing. It is also worth knowing that many high-level billfish tournaments and some regional regulations restrict or discourage double hooks, particularly with natural baits. Always check tournament rules and local regulations before committing to a rig.

A single hook rig uses one large-gauge hook attached to the leader. It reduces contact points, lowers the risk of a marlin leveraging the hook free during a long fight, and causes less damage to the fish's mouth and jaw, making it the preferred choice for catch-and-release focused fishing.

A double hook rig positions a trailing hook behind the primary hook, which increases the probability of the hook finding purchase when a marlin slashes from behind. Double rigs improve initial hookup rates but can cause more structural damage to the fish.

For hook sizes, most experienced crews run 9/0 to 12/0 high-quality forged hooks for larger blue marlin lures. Hook size should be matched to both the lure size and the fish you are targeting. Undersized hooks straighten under load. Oversized hooks on small lure heads alter the action and reduce hookup efficiency.

For hook orientation, the most widely used approach is to position the hook gap facing down so it sweeps upward into the fish's mouth on the strike. That said, some respected captains rig gap up in certain head designs and spread positions. There is no single universally correct answer here. It is a decision made in the context of the specific lure, position, and the captain's approach. Kevin Hibbard covers this in detail in his video on Blue Marlin Trolling Lures. For vinyl skirt rigging, Rigging Blue Marlin Lures with Vinyl Skirts and Sta-Stuk Hooks covers a system increasingly popular among top-level crews.

Frequently Asked Questions: Blue Marlin Lure Rigging

What leader strength should I use for blue marlin?

Most captains use 300 to 600 lb leader for blue marlin trolling. At heavier diameters, high-quality monofilament is the more common choice for shock absorption. Fluorocarbon is used more selectively at those weights due to stiffness and cost.

What hook sizes are used for blue marlin lures?

For large blue marlin trolling lures, 9/0 to 12/0 high-quality forged hooks are standard. Match hook size to the lure head size and the size class of fish you expect to encounter.

How do I know if my hook is positioned correctly?

Pull the lure alongside the boat and watch it swim. A properly rigged lure dives and resurfaces rhythmically without spinning. If it spins or runs erratically, adjust hook placement and check leader alignment through the head.

How to Set Up a Blue Marlin Lure Spread

The lure spread is the single most important variable you control when trolling for blue marlin. A well-built marlin trolling spread replicates the appearance of a scattered bait school, with each lure occupying its own lane and depth zone. Blue marlin feed aggressively on bait schools, and a layered presentation at varying distances triggers that feeding response. Every lure needs clean water to swim in. When lures run in overlapping wakes, the turbulence disrupts their action and reduces how clearly the fish can track them.

deep sea fishing trolling spread for marlin and tuna

A standard five-lure spread for offshore blue marlin fishing is built around these positions:

Shotgun position (50 to 80 feet back): A smaller bullet or flat-faced head in clean water beyond the prop wash. Targets fish following at depth and runs reliably in rougher conditions.
Long rigger positions (left and right, 35 to 50 feet): Medium-sized lures in the secondary wash. Cup faces work well here when conditions allow, standing out in the outer corners of the spread.
Short rigger positions (left and right, 20 to 30 feet): Larger, heavier plunger or aggressive cup-faced heads running close to the boat to create maximum commotion in the first wave.
Flat line positions (inside the short riggers): Used situationally, often with a pitch bait or teaser rigged and ready for the bait-and-switch.

Wave position is a detail experienced crews pay close attention to. Setting lures on specific waves behind the boat, typically the second through fourth wave, affects action and depth. In flat water you can extend the spread. In heavy following seas, pull everything in to maintain effective lure action.

David Brackmann's video on Blue Marlin Lures and Spread Setup is one of the most thorough resources for understanding how to build and adjust a spread in real conditions. The Kona-focused Lure Spread Setup for Marlin Fishing: Kona Style offers a different regional perspective worth studying alongside it.

Teasers are an essential component of any serious marlin spread setup. A daisy chain or bird-and-chain teaser run ahead of your primary lures creates surface commotion, draws marlin up from depth, and sets up the bait-and-switch. The teaser is not there to catch fish. It is there to get a fish fired up and close enough to the boat for a precise pitch.

Frequently Asked Questions: Blue Marlin Lure Spread Setup

How many lures should I run in a blue marlin spread?

Most captains run five to seven lures. A five-lure spread covers the primary strike zones effectively. A sixth or seventh lure at the shotgun or on a flat line adds coverage without creating presentation conflicts.

How far back should I run my blue marlin lures?

Short rigger lures typically run 20 to 30 feet back. Long rigger lures run 35 to 50 feet. The shotgun runs 50 to 80 feet or further. Pull the spread in when seas are rough and extend it in flat, calm water.

How do I match lure head shape to spread position?

Run heavier plunger heads and aggressive cup faces in the short rigger positions where they have the cleanest water. Bullet heads and flat-faced lures are more reliable in the long rigger corners and shotgun where sea conditions are less predictable. Adjust based on conditions and how each lure is actually swimming.

What Is the Best Trolling Speed for Blue Marlin?

The most common answer is 8 to 10 knots, and that range is a solid starting point. But blue marlin trolling speed is not a fixed number. It changes based on sea state, lure selection, and how the fish are behaving on any given day. In flat water, some captains push to 11 or 12 knots with certain head designs. In rough or following seas, slowing down keeps your lures from skipping and losing their action entirely.

Experienced captains pay close attention to clean water alleys, the zones on either side of the prop wash where the water is less disturbed and lures run with the most natural action. The central wake creates turbulence, and lures placed directly in that wash can swim erratically depending on sea state. Your rigger baits should be working in the cleaner water to either side.

Speed adjustments of even half a knot can dramatically affect lure behavior. The mark of a skilled captain is the ability to watch the spread, identify which lures are not performing, and make changes without breaking everything down. Kevin Hibbard's instruction on Blue Marlin Trolling Technique covers reading the spread and adapting to conditions in the kind of detail that translates directly to better results on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions: Blue Marlin Trolling Speed and Technique

What is the best trolling speed for blue marlin?

Standard trolling speed for blue marlin is 8 to 10 knots. Adjust based on sea conditions and how your lures are swimming. Some head designs work well at 11 to 12 knots in flat water. Rough conditions may require slowing to 7 knots or less to maintain proper action.

What should I do when a blue marlin raises in the spread?

Hold speed and let the fish work onto the lure. If it raises but does not commit, a slight throttle variation can trigger a strike. If you have a teaser up, pull it toward the boat and present a pitch bait to the fired-up fish.

What Are the Best Lures for Blue Marlin Trolling?

Skirted trolling lures are the backbone of blue marlin fishing. They have been refined over decades, and the top makers have built lures that perform reliably across a wide range of conditions. The three primary variables are head shape, head size, and skirt color. Bullet heads run well at speed and in choppy water. Cup-faced heads dig and resurface dramatically, creating an erratic bubble trail that triggers aggressive responses. Plunger heads offer consistent action across a broad speed range and are workhorses in the short rigger positions.

Lures that consistently appear on top-level captains' short lists include the Moldcraft Wide Range, Joe Yee Super Plunger, Black Bart Hot Breakfast, Andy Moyes J Boy, and Marlin Magic "The Hibby." Each has a specific action profile suited to particular spread positions and conditions. To hear directly from one of the most respected lure makers in the business, Trolling Lures Basics for Offshore Fishing with Roddy Hays is essential viewing. The In The Spread Saltwater Fishing Lures library covers the full range of options across species and techniques.

David Brackmann rigs Offshore Trolling Lures for blue marlin

Boat Handling and Safety During a Blue Marlin Fight

This section does not appear often enough in blue marlin content, and it matters. A large blue is a dangerous animal on the end of a line, and the captain's boat handling during the fight is often the difference between landing and losing the fish, and sometimes the difference between a routine fight and a dangerous situation in the cockpit.

Before the hookup, the crew needs a clear routine for clearing the spread. Every free lure in the water during a fight is a tangle waiting to happen. Experienced crews clear methodically: short riggers and flat lines first, then long riggers, with the hooked line identified and communicated clearly to everyone in the cockpit.

During the fight, the captain works the boat in relation to the fish to keep the angler's line angle favorable and prevent the fish from getting too much leverage. Backing down in following seas needs to be done carefully to avoid taking water over the transom. This is a genuine safety concern in rough conditions, and a captain who understands the boat's limitations manages it accordingly.

Line angle management is the other critical variable. A steep, vertical line angle toward the end of the fight reduces the fish's leverage and brings it to the boat in a controlled way. A flat angle late in the fight gives the fish more room to run and increases the risk of the hook pulling. The captain and angler need to communicate throughout: drag pressure, reel direction, when to pump and wind. For a detailed look at boat positioning specific to blue marlin, Boat Driving Skills for Blue Marlin with Kevin Hibbard is the most comprehensive resource In The Spread offers on this topic.

Conservation and Release Best Practices for Blue Marlin

Blue marlin are a release fish. That is not just a sentiment among conservation-minded anglers. It reflects the broad consensus of the professional blue marlin fishing community, the policies of major billfish tournaments, and the management position of international bodies including ICCAT. Fishing with the intent and preparation to release blue marlin alive is the standard at the highest levels of the sport.

Effective catch-and-release starts before the fish is ever at the boat. Using sharp, strong single hooks reduces the chance of hook failure during the fight, which reduces fight time, and shorter fights mean less exhaustion and better post-release survival. At the boat, the priorities are keeping the fish in the water as much as possible, removing the hook quickly, and making sure the fish is revived before release. Key practices include:

Using a dehooker on lure hooks to remove the hook without lifting the fish out of the water.
Avoiding handling the gills or restricting the jaw, which limits the fish's ability to breathe during the process.
Tagging the fish while it is alongside the boat if you are participating in a tag-and-release program. The Billfish Foundation Tag and Release Program is the most widely used program in the Atlantic.
Reviving the fish by moving it forward through the water to push oxygenated water through the gills before releasing. Never release a fish that is still on its side or unresponsive.

IGFA rules are worth understanding even outside of tournament fishing because they define broadly accepted norms around leader length, double line limits, and hook restrictions with natural baits. If you are entering a billfish tournament, always verify the specific event rules before you rig up.

Where and When to Fish for Blue Marlin

Atlantic blue marlin are found in warm blue water throughout the Atlantic basin. Prime locations include the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Straits, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Madeira, Cape Verde, the Azores, and the mid-Atlantic ridge. Peak season along the eastern US generally runs June through October. Blue marlin prefer water temperatures broadly in the range of 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and are most consistently found near temperature breaks, current edges, and areas where baitfish concentrate.

Pacific blue marlin are present year-round in Hawaiian waters, with the Kona coast of the Big Island producing the most consistent blue marlin fishing in the world. Peak action in Hawaii typically runs July through September. Other standout Pacific destinations include Costa Rica, Panama, Mexico's Pacific coast, and Fiji.

SST maps and satellite imagery are standard tools for serious blue marlin captains today. Temperature breaks of even one to two degrees Fahrenheit can concentrate both bait and marlin. Chlorophyll fronts visible in satellite data indicate nutrient-rich water that supports bait, and current convergence lines are high-percentage starting points for trolling. These tools have become increasingly accessible and are a meaningful part of pre-trip planning at the highest level.

Blue Marlin Fishing Techniques Beyond Trolling

Trolling covers the majority of blue marlin fishing encounters, but two other techniques are worth understanding for specific destinations and conditions.

Bait and switch uses a live or rigged baitfish to attract a blue marlin and draw it close to the boat. Once the fish commits to the teaser, that bait is pulled away and the angler pitches a rigged bait directly to the excited fish. The pitch bait is typically rigged on a lighter leader than a trolling setup, with circle hooks being the common choice for natural bait presentations. Drag strategy also differs on the pitch: the reel is typically in free spool with thumb pressure controlling tension until the fish has the bait and is moving away.

Live baiting is the preferred technique in some regions, particularly Hawaii, where skipjack tuna and small bonito are the standard choices. A live bait rigged on a circle hook and deployed at depth presents the most realistic possible offering to a marlin. Bridling the bait through the eye socket is the common rigging method, as it keeps the bait swimming naturally and extends its lifespan. The key discipline is patience: allow the fish to fully take the bait before coming tight, and let the circle hook do its job.

Frequently Asked Questions: Blue Marlin Fishing

What is the best time of year to catch blue marlin?

In the Atlantic, June through October offers the most consistent activity along the US East Coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. In Hawaiian waters, blue marlin are present year-round with peak action typically from July through September.

What tackle do I need for blue marlin fishing?

Blue marlin fishing requires lever-drag reels in the 50 to 130 class range, loaded with 80 to 130 lb monofilament or braided line, matched to heavy-duty rods in the appropriate line class. A fighting chair with a gimbal and harness is standard for large fish. Kevin Hibbard's Blue Marlin Fishing Tackle covers the complete tackle setup in practical detail.

How fast do blue marlin swim?

Blue marlin are among the fastest fish in the ocean, with estimated burst speeds commonly cited at over 40 mph. The popular 60 to 68 mph figures are widely repeated, but direct measurements are limited and those numbers are generally treated as estimates rather than confirmed data. At any realistic speed, they are fast enough to strip line faster than most anglers expect on the first run.

Do I need to know IGFA rules to fish blue marlin?

Not for general recreational fishing, but understanding the basic parameters around leader length, double line limits, and hook restrictions is useful context even outside of tournament fishing. If you are entering a billfish tournament, always review the specific event rules before you rig up.

Blue marlin fishing rewards preparation. The captains who consistently raise and hook fish have learned the craft from people who came before them, refined their setups through real experience on the water, and developed the ability to adapt in real time. The best investment you can make before your next trip is time spent learning from people who have done this at the highest level. Start with the In The Spread blue marlin fishing videos and build from there.

Sarah Mendez Especialista de Pesca,
In The Spread