Black Marlin

     Makaira indica, or Black Marlin, have long, black or dark blue bodies. Their stomachs are silver and white and they have some vertical stripes on their sides. Like other marlin, female Black Marlin grow to be much bigger than the males. An average Black Marlin can weigh anywhere between 150 - 300 pounds. The world record Black Marlin weighed 1,560 pounds and of course, was a female (MEXFISH 1). 
     Fishing for Black Marlin can be complicated, but the reward is great. Trolling is the best option when attempting to catch a Black Marlin. The complicated part of fishing for Black Marlin is figuring out which lure to use. Lures come in many different colors and are made to look like fish. If you are not catching anything do not be afraid to send out different colored lures to attract the Marlin's attention. Your lure should also create a smoke line in the water. This means that there should be a long line in the water, showing where your lure has been. This line is created by the break in the water caused by your lure. You want your lure to only be halfway in the water while you are trolling The splash that your lure will create while it is partially out of the water will be your biggest help in attracting a Black Marlin (Chudy 1). 
     Black Marlin have a characteristic that no other type of Marlin has, they can only be found in the Pacific Ocean. Black Marlin are known to be a shelf species, meaning that they can be found near structures and landmasses. Black Marlin usually stay at depths of 100-150 feet and occasionally can be found at 300 feet, but rarely deeper. The best time to fish for Black Marlin is the month of September. From the end of August to the beginning of October is the time when most Black Marlin are caught (Chudy 1). 
     Black Marlin are big fish and will put up a big fight, but this also means you get big meat when you get them on the boat. Here is a recipe courtesy of "allrecipes.com"

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and finely chopped
• 2 pounds black marlin steaks
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• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 ears corn, kernels cut from cob
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
• salt and black pepper to taste
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• Directions

1. To make the marinade, place 1/2 cup olive oil and 1 sprig of rosemary into a resealable plastic bag. Add the marlin steaks, seal the bag, and turn gently to evenly coat the fish. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
3. Pour 1/4 cup olive oil into an oven-safe 10 inch skillet. Stir in the onion, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, garlic, 1 sprig of rosemary, and kosher salt.
4. Place skillet in preheated oven, and cook until vegetables are soft, 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. Lightly oil grate, and set 4 inches from the heat.
6. Place the fish on the preheated grill, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, turning once, until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 5 minutes each side depending on thickness. Place the fish on a serving platter, and top with corn and tomato relish

Works Cited

"Black Marlin Photos and Fish Species Information." MEXFISH. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://www.mexfish.com/fish/blkmarl/blkmarl.htm>.

Chudy, Richard. "How to Catch Marlin, Black Marlin Fishing, Tips, Marlin, Article, Trolling, Lures, Live Bait." Sport Fishing Videos and Photos - Saltwater, Offshore, Inshore, Streaming Online Free - Sport Fishing Captains Directory, Resorts, Destinations. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://igfaanglersdigest.com/marlin-fishing-tips.html>.

"MEXFISH." Black Marlin Photos and Fish Species Information. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://www.mexfish.com/fish/blkmarl/blkmarl.htm>.

"Rosemary Marlin with Roasted Corn and Tomato Relish Recipe - Allrecipes.com." AllRecipes.com - the Top Web Site for Recipes, Food and Cooking Tips. Web. 08 Nov. 2010. <http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Rosemary-Marlin-with-Roasted-Corn-and-Tomato-Relish/Detail.aspx>.