Marlin Fishing from Marina Del Rey

At the right time of year good marlin fishing can be found around Catalina and a reasonably short distance from Marina Del Rey Harbor. Many Marina Del Rey Anglers members love the challenge of hunting this big game sportfish. Marina Del Rey Anglers were early champions of Catch and Release practices. Over the years we have supported many conservation groups that have worked hard to promote and protect this wonderful game fish. (i.e. PORF, IGFA, and United Anglers etc.)

Striped Marlin can be found near Catalina Island

Our MDRA Marlin Teams have placed in the top standings in Cabo MX and Kona HI.

Come September every year we will be plying the waters south of Catalina Island for our own First Marlin Flag and club honors!

MDRA club Marlin Fish teams...

The annual marlin tournament by the King Harbor Marlin Club is one where MDRA members frequently participate. It is typically held the weekend after Labor Day weekend. A few years back it was a inter club challenge between our club and theirs. Now they are running it with the event open to more groups. it is a very fun and reasonably priced event. Fishing typically on a Friday and Saturday with a nice awards dinner held on Saturday night in Avalon.

Here a local striped marlin is being revived after being caught. The leader man has removed the hooks,
and is holding the fish under the water as the boat slowly moves forward. Forcing water over his gills
until the fish has good color and wants to swim on his own. Then when released has full recovery.
Note this marlin has bright purple returning to his side stripes and dorsal fin.

Please use Circle hooks to reduce the likelihood of a gut hooked marlin.

After a release then fly these flags...

White marlin_M1.jpg

The Blue flag is for Striped Marlin and the red one is for Tag and Release.
Fly the flag on your boat as you return to harbor. It may stay up until you venture out again.

To learn more about the way to catch and release marlin try these web sites:

www.MarlinNut.com - www.CharkBait.com -

Never lift a marlin out of the water more then this. Do not put it in your lap for a
photo then drop it back in. It will rub the protective "slime" layer off. You will
effectively kill the fish anyway. Help keep the population healthy. Release them!

Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament Kona HI PRO-AM and HIBT
Zane Grey Invitational Marlin Tournament Avalon, Catalina Island Over $300,000 in cash and prizes. $4000 per team/$400 deposit.
Drambuie Catalina Classic Marlin Tournament: Avalon, Catalina Island Over $350,000 in cash and prizes. $1750 per team/$300 deposit
King Harbor Marlin Club Marlin Tournament Avalon, Catalina Island For questions or to sign up call: Mike (310) 292-1678
Mazatlan Billfish Classic Tournament: Mazatlan, Mexico Over $350,000 in cash and prizes. $4000 per team/$400 deposit

Some great marlin boats are owned by MDRA members. Come to the meetings and ask around. If you are a marlin fishermen you may find a spot on one of the many teams forming. It is terrific sport and the thrill of a lifetime to get up close and personal with these lords of the sea.