Aside from its cobalt blue color, the blue marlin is distinguishable from other marlins by its sharply pointed dorsal and anal fins and the fact that its pectoral fins can be folded back against its body.  It feeds on squid & offshore fish, mainly tuna, using its bill to stun the prey.  Blue marlin up to 15 feet and 1800 pounds have been caught on rod and reel, sometimes with 100-200 pound tuna in their stomachs!

Because tuna often travel with porpoises, and birds feed above schools of tuna, we watch for porpoise or bird activity, trolling with whole live or fresh bonito which we usually catch earlier in the day.

Blue marlin will usually attack from below with explosive fury then make long high-speed runs punctuated with spectacular jumps.  It is usually necessary to pursue with the boat to avoid running out of line, and to reel in the fish a number of times before it tires enough to be landed. 
Fights lasting 3-4 hours are not uncommon.  Blues can be extremely dangerous near the boat and, if they are to be boated, a flying gaff is normally used during the final stages.

The smaller blue marlin have very high quality flesh which is commonly used in sashimi or other raw dishes, and it is excellent when grilled.