Top Blue Marlin Fishing Countries

The blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) is one of the most prized game fish in the world, renowned for its immense size, powerful fights, and striking cobalt-blue coloration. This pelagic species inhabits tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. The top blue marlin fishing countries include the United States (notably Hawaii and Florida), the Bahamas, Cape Verde, Brazil, and Japan. These nations are renowned for both recreational sportfishing and, to a lesser extent, commercial harvest of blue marlin. The fishing industry in these countries often centers around catch-and-release tournaments that attract anglers from around the globe, contributing significantly to local tourism economies. However, commercial longline fisheries, particularly in Japan and some Atlantic nations, also target marlin, raising concerns about overfishing and the need for sustainable management to preserve this iconic species for future generations.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.