Sport Fishing: Jumping Marlin

Marlin like to "reach for the sky" to shake loose the hook. The marlin seen jumping in this photo fought for five hours before it was brought alongside the boat, tagged and released.


When a big one leaps high into the air like the one seen here, all you can do is grip the rod tightly and hang on for a great ride. (The average weight of marlins caught in this area is from three hundred to five hundred pounds, with an average length of twelve to fourteen feet.)

Taking Photos or Video of the Jump

If you plan on taking video or photos of a jump, it is vital that you "lead" the fish after it dives. Keep a close eye on the line. Once it disappears beneath the waves, the line will follow.


You will know that it is about to return to the surface when the line starts rising. Point your videocamera twenty feet ahead of where the line emerges and prepare to take the shot. Some boats will bring along their own photographic gear and, with much more experience at this tricky task, can produce videos and digital photos for you at a reasonable rate.