Blue Marlin or Bust with Capt. Chris Donato | OTW Podcast #93

From reading currents and working lures to bait-and-switch tactics and sonar, we break down the pursuit of giant blue marlin—and share stories from some of the world’s most legendary marlin fisheries.

By OTW StaffSeptember 17, 2026

In this episode of the On The Water Podcast, we dive deep into the pursuit of some of the biggest game fish in the ocean. From finding the right water and reading currents to getting a blue marlin to eat a lure, there are countless variables between spotting a fish and getting it to the boat. Our guest breaks down why the hunt for blue marlin over 500 pounds is so rewarding, the challenges of lure fishing, bait-and-switch tactics, sonar, and why even the perfect presentation doesn’t guarantee a hookup. We also talk about some of the world’s most remarkable blue marlin fisheries, including Kona, Guatemala, Cape Verde, Mozambique, the Azores, Brazil’s Royal Charlotte Bank, and the Galápagos. And then there are the moments you simply can’t plan for—including a 600-plus-pound blue marlin launching out of the water and smashing into the side window of the boat.

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OTW Staff

The On The Water staff is made up of experienced anglers from across the Northeast who fish local waters year-round. The team brings firsthand, on-the-water experience and regional knowledge to coverage of Northeast fisheries, techniques, seasonal patterns, regulations, and conservation.