Trolling Tackle for Blue Marlin in Bonaire

By Captain Yuri van Kampen — Fishtales, Bonaire · June 17, 2026

Hook a blue marlin off Bonaire and you find out fast whether your tackle is up to it. These fish are big, fast, and they don’t quit. Over the years I’ve learned that getting the blue marlin trolling tackle right matters more than any trick or secret spot. Here’s exactly what we run on the boat, why we run it, and how we fish it, no hype, just what works.

Blue marlin in Bonaire

We have blue marlin around all year, with the action picking up in the warmer, calmer months when the bait pushes through. That said, this is a hunting game. You cover water, you read the conditions, and some days the ocean simply decides. Every blue we raise is fished for catch-and-release, so the gear has to be strong enough to land the fish quickly and send it home healthy. Want the full rundown on the species? See our blue marlin page.

The rod and reel

This is heavy tackle, and there’s no shortcut around that. We fish 50W to 80W lever-drag reels, the Shimano Tiagra and Penn International VI are the workhorses, and for good reason. They hold plenty of line, the drags are smooth under real load, and they take a beating. We pair them with bent-butt or stand-up rods depending on the angler and how we’re set up. A bent-butt rod sits nicely in the chair for a heavier fish; a stand-up rig gives a fit, experienced angler more mobility. Match the reel to the day and the crew, and you’re in good shape.

Line and leader

For the main line we run 80 to 130 lb monofilament. Mono’s stretch is your friend on a fish that jumps and surges. It cushions the headshakes that braid would transmit straight to a pulled hook. Connected to that we use heavy mono wind-on leaders, which let us bring the leader cleanly onto the reel for a safer, controlled release at the boat. Simple, proven, and far easier on both the fish and the crew than a swivel jammed in the rod tip.

Lures and bait

Blue marlin chase a spread of big skirted lures. We rely on names that have earned their place:

• Mold Craft, the Wide Range is a go-to that swims well across a range of speeds.
• Black Bart, aggressive head shapes that pull hard and smoke up the spread.
• Williamson, consistent, dependable producers.

Often we’ll run a lure over a rigged ballyhoo for that extra scent and natural action, the combination of flash and bait can be the difference on a picky day.

How we fish it

We troll the spread at 7 to 9 knots, with the outside lines set off the outriggers to spread the pattern wide and keep the lures in clean water. The riggers also give a drop-back when a fish comes up, so the hook sets properly rather than getting yanked away. Then it’s patience. You watch the spread, you stay ready, and when a blue lights up behind a lure, everyone knows their job. Solid tackle does the rest.

Come fish with us

You don’t need to own any of this to chase a blue here. We keep the boat rigged and ready. If you’d like your own setup, you can pick up tackle from TackleDirect. When you’re ready for the real thing, book a fishing trip and let’s go find one. Tight lines., Captain Yuri

Captain’s note, we run 80–130 lb mono on 50W–80W lever-drag reels, because a Bonaire blue can pull 300 yards off the reel before you have set your feet; mono’s stretch is what cushions the jumps and saves the hook (IGFA line classes).