Everyone enjoys a good rivalry: Red Sox vs. Yankees, Lakers vs. Celtics… and Marlin vs. Swordfish?
Okay, these fish don’t exactly go head-to-head. But your head might spin when you compare them. Both are fast, powerful opponents that grow to mammoth proportions. Where one makes majestic leaps, the other dives hundreds of feet down. Each has their place in the world of deep sea fishing, whether you’re fishing for food or pure bragging rights.
And yet, these Billfish are very different beasts. While you might confuse Marlin and Swordfish at first glance, their lifestyles are opposites. And you definitely can’t catch them using the same techniques.
So, what makes these fish so legendary? And which one is better? We’ll answer these questions – and more – as we take a close look at these two beasts of the deep.
Marlin and Swordfish Species
Before we dive into this sibling rivalry, let’s get to know the family tree. Marlin and Swordfish belong to the Billfish family, along with species like Spearfish and Sailfish. Most of these species come in more than one kind. But they all have one thing in common: that long, needle-point nose that earned them the Billfish name.
Marlin and Swordfish are the biggest Billfish out there. There’s only one species of Swordfish, but multiple kinds of Marlin. These include:
- Blue Marlin (with separate Atlantic and Pacific varieties)
- Black Marlin
- Striped Marlin
- White Marlin
It’s hard to spot the difference between Marlin species, but our guide to Marlin fishing is a good place to start. For now, let’s just say that all Marlin look more or less alike.
How to Identify Marlin vs. Swordfish
While Marlin and Swordfish may seem almost identical to the untrained eye, one look past those bills, and you should see some key differences:
- Dorsal fins. These are the fins on the back of the fish. Marlin have long, spiny dorsal fins that run almost all the way down their backs. At the front, these dorsal fins arch into a peak that’s flexible enough to fold as the fish moves. Swordfish only have the “peak,” which sticks straight up like a sickle. It’s longer in proportion to their body depth and never folds.
- Tails. Marlin and Swordfish both have sweeping, crescent tails. Look closely, though, and you’ll see that the tail on a Swordfish is broader.
- Bills. Similarly, Swordfish have thicker bills than Marlin.
- Eyes. The eyes of a Swordfish are big and black, which helps them see down in the ocean’s twilight zone where they swim.
- Color. Whereas Marlin come in various colors, Swordfish are basically gray all over. Sometimes their backs are darker than their bellies, but you won’t ever see blue or white coloration like you will on a Marlin – and never any stripes.
- Size. Blue and Black Marlin can reach over 1,000 pounds. Swordfish may tip the scale just as far, but they’re usually smaller. You’ll also see that their bodies are shorter and less stout.
Distribution and Habitat
You’ll find Marlin and Swordfish across the globe, but they favor different habitats.
Marlin thrive in tropical and subtropical waters. As pelagic fish, they roam the open ocean rather than hugging the coast or diving deep. To find them, you usually have to charter a boat far out to warm ocean currents like the Gulf Stream. That said, they can come relatively close to shore in places with deep drop-offs.
Swordfish are less picky. They make themselves at home in temperate as well as tropical waters all around the world. While Swords are also pelagic fish, they swim much deeper than Marlin. Like vampires of the sea, they hide from the sun by diving thousands of feet below the surface by day, then emerge to feed at night.
Both species are highly migratory. They travel thousands of miles each year in pursuit of their prey and the best breeding grounds. Marlin ride warm-water currents up and down the map while Swordfish seek cooler waters in summer. This is usually the best time to fish for them because they’re actively feeding. But, in some places like the Florida Keys, you can catch Swordfish year-round. By contrast, Marlin pass through an area for several months and disappear completely when the season is over.
Marlin vs. Swordfish Behavior
Marlin move like fighter jets. They’re not just massive, but agile predators built for speed. Their tails propel them up to 50 miles per hour, and their bills allow them to slash through schools of bait fish. Once hooked, they make blistering runs that will strip your line in seconds. This leads to acrobatic leaps and vigorous head shakes.
On the other hand, Swordfish hunt in a more solitary and strategic manner. While they may use their bills to stun prey, you won’t usually see the same dramatic frenzy that other Billfish go into. These deep-dwellers don’t turn airborne unless hooked. And, in that case, brace yourself! Swords use the ocean to their advantage by plummeting low. You may be locked in Đ° battle for hours while pitting yourself against this beast and all the water pressure on top of it.
To sum it up: Marlin are fast and ferocious while Swords rely on stealth and stamina. If there ever was a Marlin-Swordfish showdown, who do you think would win? All we know is, you’re sure to get a run for your money either way.
How to Fish for Marlin vs. Swordfish
And now the real question: How the heck do you catch either of these?
As always, you’re going to need a bit of luck and a lot of persistence. Both fish are formidable foes. But you can’t hook them the same way. This is where all the differences we discussed until now come into play.
If you want to trap a fighter jet, you’ve got to be fast. This makes trolling the name of the game for Marlin, so that you can drag bait fish through the water at the same speed they’re cruising. Anglers use spreaders and outriggers to cast a wider net – literally – while sinkers allow them to fish multiple depths. It’s common to fish live bait like mackerel and skipjack tuna as well as trolling lures.
While Marlin will have you trolling the water horizontally, Swordfish challenge you to fish vertically. There’s only one way for your hook to reach them thousands of feet below, and that’s deep dropping. This is your go-to technique, especially for daytime fishing. At night, you can target Swords closer to the surface by drifting squid or mackerel a few hundred feet below, rigged on glow sticks.
No matter what you’re up against, you’ll need some serious tackle. We’re talking heavy rods and massive reels lined with high-capacity line that’s rated well over 100 lb test. Boats that target Swordfish come strapped with specialized gear, such as butt-bend rods and electric reels.
Food quality?
Let’s imagine you hooked both of these behemoths and hauled them on deck. Which one is good to eat? Swordfish are the clear winner here, known for their steak-like texture and sweet, mild flavor. While Marlin are technically edible, anglers catch them for sport and release them right away – regulations usually insist that you do. Finally, an easy choice!
Top Marlin and Swordfish Spots
Now you get the difference between Marlin and Swordfish – and you’re raring to catch both. But before you whip out that credit card to book a trip, let’s figure out where you should go. These fish may span much of the globe, but you can’t catch them just anywhere…
Florida Keys
As usual, we have to start with the Florida Keys. After all, this is where anglers unlock some of the best deep sea fishing on the planet! Here you can troll the edge of the continental shelf, where Marlin actively hunt during summer. Swimming hundreds of feet below them, where the seafloor drops to 1,800 feet, you’ll also find Swordfish.
Gulf of America
Equally iconic, the Gulf of America promises more Marlin vs. Swordfish battles you’ll know what to do with. Set your sights on the eastern half in particular, anywhere from Florida to Louisiana. This side of the Gulf offers miles of continental shelf and deepwater canyons easily accessible to charter boats in Destin, Pensacola, and Orange Beach.
Hatteras, North Carolina
Not a fan of summers down south? Head up to North Carolina, where you can catch more than just a cool breeze. We recommend Hatteras, where the Gulf Stream hugs the coast, bringing White and Blue Marlin to your doorstep. Meanwhile, the area’s deepwater canyons set the stage for swordfishing.
Puerto Rico Trench, The Caribbean
If you’re really feeling adventurous, sail in the opposite direction toward the Caribbean. As you approach Puerto Rico, one look at your sonar will reveal the Puerto Rico Trench far, far below. Welcome to the deepest point in the Atlantic. Here, the seafloor plummets roughly 28,000 feet. If that’s not roomy enough for Swordfish, we don’t know what is! In summer, you’ve got a solid chance at Blue Marlin as well.
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
They don’t call Cabo San Lucas “The Marlin Capital of the World” for nothing. These waters draw in massive Striped and Blue Marlin, as well as droves of anglers eager to catch them. If landing one of these trophies isn’t enticing enough, maybe the prize money from one of Cabo’s annual tournaments will be. Oh, and the deep waters offshore also hold Swordfish.
Cairns, Australia
Say you’ve decided that Marlin beat Swordfish – then, you definitely want to catch the biggest of them. And, in that case, you need to go hunting for Black Marlin in Cairns. This is the best fishing spot for them during their annual spawning cycle. Anglers here catch big mamas over 1,000 pounds every year.
Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Around 2,000 miles away from Cairns, you have the breathtaking coast of New Zealand. The Bay of Islands is really special because it plays host to not one, not two, but three kinds of Marlin. And, if you time your trip right, you might just catch them all!
Madeira, Portugal
Europe lays claim to some of the best Marlin fishing in the world. The volcanic island of Madeira is legendary for giant Blue Marlin, especially between May and August. With steep drop-offs located close to shore, you won’t have to travel far to find them.
Canary Islands, Spain
The Canaries also have one of the best reputations in the world when it comes to billfishing. Blue Marlin, White Marlin, and the occasional Swordfish all make their appearance here during peak season, which runs from June to September.
The Mediterranean
One last stop on your world Billfish tour will bring you to the emerald waters of the Mediterranean. Blue and White Marlin show up here in the warmer months, but the real treat is Swordfish. Anglers on this sea have a rich tradition of fishing for them, and when you climb aboard a local charter boat, you get to be part of it. Mallorca‘s Balearic Islands are a popular deep sea fishing destination, along with Croatia and the Messina Straits of southern Italy. There are few better places in the world to devour your catch than overlooking a medieval harbor!
Marlin and Swordfish… vs. You!
We’re much too fond of these fish to declare a winner. Marlin put on a stunning performance, while Swordfish will challenge you to a new technique. Where one is a delicacy, the other inspires anglers to enter the most prestigious fishing tournaments in the world. Both are massive apex predators that get your adrenaline pumping.
Really, the debate isn’t about Marlin vs. Swordfish. It’s about the fight that these fish give you. It will be a tough experience to beat, one that might just ruin the sport forever after. Catching these legends of the deep isn’t just fishing. It’s epic.
Have you ever landed a Marlin or a Swordfish? How long did you have to fight? Chime in on the Marlin vs. Swordfish debate below!
The post Marlin vs. Swordfish: The Full Rundown appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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