Biggest Marlin Ever Caught
Have you ever scrolled through a series of marlin pictures and asked yourself, How big do marlin really get? Every angler dreams of that trophy catch, but every once in a while someone lands a fish so big that it completely rattles the record books.
While there have been bigger marlin landed commercially and by recreational anglers not in accordance with IGFA rules, the following gallery showcases the biggest marlin ever caught, officially speaking. These are the certified IGFA All-Tackle world records for black, Atlantic and Pacific blue, striped and white marlin. The size of these marlin represents the ultimate benchmark for anglers chasing the world’s biggest fish. Special thanks to the IGFA for providing the photos.
World Record Black Marlin
Black Marlin World Record
Weight: 1,560 pounds Angler: Alfred Glassell Jr. Location: Cabo Blanco, Peru Date: Aug. 4, 1953
Notes: Alfred Glassell Jr. of Houston caught this black marlin record after a 1 hour and 45 minute fight. The 174-inch largest black marlin fell for a mackerel trolled along the once-legendary Black Marlin Boulevard off Cabo Blanco. This catch might just stand the test of time.
World Record Pacific Blue Marlin
Pacific Blue Marlin World Record
Weight: 1,376 pounds Angler: Jay de Beaubien Location: Kaaiwai Point, Kona Date: May 31, 1982
Notes: This world record blue marlin in Hawaii took a Kita lure and was landed in less than one hour. Jay de Beaubien caught this 193-inch fish using a Fin-Nor 12/0 reel and custom rod from Capt. Bobby Brown’s No Problem.
World Record Atlantic Blue Marlin
Atlantic Blue Marlin World Record
Weight: 1,402 pounds, 2 ounces Angler: Paulo Amorim Location: Vitoria, Brazil Date: Feb. 29, 1992
Notes: Paulo Amorim’s 162-inch blue marlin ate a pink-and-white Mold Craft Super Chugger and is the most recent record-breaker on our list.
World Record Striped Marlin
Striped Marlin World Record
Weight: 494 pounds Angler: Bill Boniface Location: Tutukaka, New Zealand Date: January 16, 1986
Notes: Bill Boniface, a New Zealand native, fed this once-in-a-lifetime striped marlin a live kahawai.
World Record White Marlin
White Marlin World Record
Weight: 181 pounds, 14 ounces Angler: Evandro Coser Location: Vitoria, Brazil Date: Dec. 8, 1979
Notes: Brazilian angler Evandro Coser trolled a dead bait to land this 107.5-inch record white marlin, which weighed 181 pounds, 14 ounces.
If you enjoyed this, check out: The world’s top grander spots and the best destinations for blue and black marlin.
