Marlin vs Swordfish

Marlin vs. swordfish – many anglers consider them the same fish. Is a marlin a swordfish?

No, not at all.

They are both referred to as billfish along with sail fin fish. However, they are different fish even though they look somewhat similar. Swordfish are not related to marlin, and they come from two different families of fish. One of the big differences is that blue marlin are larger than swordfish.

The record for blue marlin in Florida is over 1000 pounds while the Florida record for the largest swordfish is under 615 pounds. That’s about a 400-pound difference and a lot of fish. [1] The maximum size for swordfish is 15 feet and around 1,400 pounds. The maximum size for blue marlin is around 12 feet and close to 2,000 pounds. That makes the blue marlin a bit stockier than the swordfish.

A federal permit is required for both if you fish in federal waters. No special permit is needed in Florida waters.

Points of Distinction 

Taste

The taste of marlin vs swordfish is similar. One difference is that marlin is fatty and swordfish are leaner. Both fish have pink flesh, and both have a similar taste. If you like the strong fish-like flavor of cooked fish, then the marlin is going to be a good match for you. The swordfish is milder in taste because it is also not as oily as marlin.

Physical characteristics

The easiest way to tell a marlin from a swordfish is to look at its dorsal fins. Marlin have a dorsal fin that extends to the base of their tail. A swordfish has a dorsal fin that is short. The bill or sword on a marlin is often shorter than that of a swordfish.

Marlin have scales whereas swordfish do not. Nor do swordfish have teeth.

Size

Adult fish will vary in size, but swordfish is often leaner and marlin stockier. A marlin that is the same length as a swordfish will likely outweigh the swordfish. If it came down to targeting the marlin over the swordfish, the marlin would likely be the top choice. Both fish would be an amazing opportunity for any angler.

1560 pounds is the record for black marlin [2] and for Florida, the blue marline record is 1046 pounds [3]

1182 pounds is the world record for swordfish [4] but in Florida, the state record for swordfish is 612 pounds. [5] It might be better odds to break a Florida State by targeting swordfish over marlin.

Habitat

Marlin and swordfish are deep-water saltwater fish that have the potential to be mega-monsters. When catching a fish is not your top priority, you can dedicate a day or a week to fishing for marlin or swordfish.

You can find swordfish near the surface or as deep as 2,000 feet. Blue marlin can dive to 1,900 feet or sometimes greater depths. You can fish blue marlin on the surface or in deep water. If you plan to target swordfish vs marlin, you should fish at night. Swordfish hunt and feed at night. Marlin hunt and feed during the day.

How to Catch

The key to catching billfish is to use a captain that understands how these fish behave and where they are while you are fishing. They can be on the surface or deep down in the cooler water of the Gulf. Big marlin and swordfish are solo predators so finding them is already difficult. That is another reason why they are such a thrill to target. The odds of finding one are slim but with a skilled captain who knows the local waters and a good boat, you have a better chance.

Trolling is one of the best methods to use for both big game fish such as marlin and swordfish. Marlin prefer baitfish and small predator fish, such as bonito. They also like live bait, but dead bait also works well. The best swordfish fishing occurs at night as these are nighttime predators. You can drop bait down deep in the day and sometimes catch swordfish, but mostly they feed at night. The preferred bait for swordfish is squid. You can also set up your line and drift in a small area if you do not want to troll at night. Trolling allows you to cover more ground, but not every captain wants to troll at night.

Summary

Billfish – those fish like marlin and swordfish – with their long upper jaw are the fish of legends. In the marlin vs swordfish debate, there are no losers. Taking one of these big game fish or any of the smaller marlin – white marlin or striped marlin or one of the massive black marlin or any of the swordfish is a remarkable feat.

Does it matter which you catch while billfishing? Chances are that when you set the hook the answer to that question will be no. The rush of adrenaline will be overpowering as may the fish. Some battles between big marlin and anglers have lasted 4.5 or more hours. Big fish – swordfish or marlin – have the potential to be a record and that means fish over a thousand pounds.

It is very likely that anyone who holds a Florida state record or world record for marlin or swordfish still remembers that day every single time they go fishing. Imagine the thrill of beating your own record or making a new one.