When on the hunt for marlin in open water we always keep our eyes open for birds working ( feeding, diving ,circling). Flocks of birds usually means bait, where schools of skipjack tuna and yellowfin tuna are feeding. We use the same method as mentioned before for catching the tuna, trolling jigs. Don't be afraid of using a big tuna for bait. A marlin can eat a bait that is 10% of there body weight. Yes 10% a 1000lb marlin can eat a 100lb tuna. We use tunas from 10lb to 20lb for bait. The method used in open water fishing for marlin when using live tunas for bait is to troll the tunas on the outer edge of the schooling tunas.The marlin usually stay on the outer edge of the tuna and dart into the school for there prey.

Marlin can also be taken in open water when blind trolling which is a tactic of trolling with lures at 9 knots in order to cover as much ground as possible. Using this method you have a cinch of catching other species of game fish (sailfish, dolphin, wahoo). Our favorite marlin lure is usually located on what we call the short corner. The lure is set on the 2nd wave behind the boat (only 15ft from the transom). What a spectular bite and sight it is to see a 650lb marlin come up just 15ft behind the boat and inhale your lure and take off into the sunset.

On your next Costa Rica marlin fishing trip I hope you will give my methods a try because I think you will hook the lady in the blue dress or the one in the black dress - AKA Costa Rica Marlin.