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How to Rig for Striped Marlin

Kajikia audax

Striped marlin are the signature billfish of northern New Zealand and are also caught off southern California, Hawaii, and Australia, often feeding on bait balls closer to the surface than other marlin. Many are raised on trolled lures and then switched to a live bait, or caught by slow-trolling live bait around the schools. They are fast, acrobatic, and nearly always released.

Answer at a glance
Best rig
Offshore Lure Trolling Rig
Best bait
Skirted lures 6-10in, switching to a rigged or live bait when a fish comes up in the spread
Where
boat
Typical size
60–110 in
Season
In New Zealand the season peaks from roughly January to April, and off southern California in late summer and autumn.
Main line from outriggerBall-bearing swivelWind-on leader 12-20ftCrimpSkirted lureHookTowed at 6-9 knots
#1 Best Match

Offshore Lure Trolling Rig

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Skirted lures on long, heavy mono leaders are towed behind a moving boat at 6-9 knots in a spread of four to six lines, searching open water for fish that are too scattered to find by drifting. It is the main way marlin, tuna, and wahoo are caught offshore in the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

  • Main line30-130 lb monofilament or braid with a mono top shot, line class matched to the target
  • Leader80-400 lb monofilament wind-on leader, crimped; short wire trace for wahoo
  • Leader length12-20ft wind-on leader, lure crimped to the end
  • Hooks7/0 - 9/0 lure rig on a 150 - 300lb wind-on leader
  • WeightNone, the lure head keeps it tracking; an in-line trolling lead (4-16oz) only if you want it deeper
  • Line to sinkerNot applicable, lures run at or near the surface off outriggers and the transom
  • BaitSkirted lures 6-10in, switching to a rigged or live bait when a fish comes up in the spread
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Heavy main lineSwivel or wind-onLeader60-200 lbCircle hookLive bait, floss bridlethrough the nose or eye sockets
Heavy Live Bait Rig
A big non-offset circle hook is bridled through the nose or eye sockets of a live mackerel, scad, or small tuna with floss, so the bait swims freely and the hook stays clear to set in the corner of the jaw.
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Source & regulation note

Technique guidance is educational. Seasons, size limits, bag limits, closures, and protected areas can change. Always verify the current rules before fishing or keeping fish.

FishBase species profile ↗NOAA Fisheries / state agencies ↗State and territory fisheries agencies ↗Fisheries New Zealand ↗Editorial methodology

Fishing regulations vary by location and season. Check current local regulations before fishing.

Last reviewed: 2026-09-26

Common Questions

What is the best rig for Striped Marlin?

The Offshore Lure Trolling Rig is the top recommendation for Striped Marlin. Skirted lures on long, heavy mono leaders are towed behind a moving boat at 6-9 knots in a spread of four to six lines, searching open water for fish that are too scattered to find by drifting. It is the main way marlin, tuna, and wahoo are caught offshore in the US, Australia, and New Zealand.

What bait works for Striped Marlin?

Check the recommended rig cards above for bait notes specific to Striped Marlin.

When is the best time to catch Striped Marlin?

In New Zealand the season peaks from roughly January to April, and off southern California in late summer and autumn.. Typical size runs 60–110 in. Always check current regulations before keeping fish.

Where do you catch Striped Marlin?

Striped Marlin is caught while boat fishing. Striped marlin are the signature billfish of northern New Zealand and are also caught off southern California, Hawaii, and Australia, often feeding on bait balls closer to the surface than other marlin. Many are raised on trolled lures and then switched to a live bait, or caught by slow-trolling live bait around the schools. They are fast, acrobatic, and nearly always released.