Fishing the wide-open seas for fighting fish is the ultimate experience for sportsman, and it’s a bucket list item for sure. There’s nothing more thrilling than seeing one of these monsters of the deep grab the bait and take off with it. After you get one on the line, there’s no turning back, there’s no timeout, and there’s no stopping until you boat the fish, or it spits out the bait. Strapping into a fighting chair and cranking the reel for hours will challenge your endurance like nothing else. Like everything else, though, some sport fish are better and more prized than others. Anglers all over the world want to catch one of the best trophy fish in the world listed below.
Sailfish
The sailfish, a close cousin the marlin, are a billfish that have a prominent dorsal fin that defines them. They’re considered one of the fastest species in the ocean, and when caught, they put on one hell of a show. When the try to spit the hook, they will breach the surface and put on a show of aerial acrobatics worthy of the Olympics.
Bluefin Tuna
Considered an apex predator in the ocean, the bluefin tuna is a tank. Their enormous size and strength mean if you’re lucky enough to hook one, they’ll fight you mercilessly. They’re one of the most difficult bony fish to catch in the world. Their stubbornness and power will test you, and it’ll make you wonder if reeling it in is worth the fight.
Blue Marlin
Probably the most sought-after trophy fish of them all is the blue marlin. They grow up to 1,500 lbs., are lighting fast, and they fight like no other fish in the sea. Marlin prefer the waters of the Hannibal Bank near Panama, and they migrate with the bait fish. Their migration and preference for wide open spaces make them difficult to track down.
Dorado
Dorado fish, also known as mahi mahi or dolphin fish, are known for their brilliant colors and bull nose. Like the sailfish, they have extreme speed and love to fly through the air when hooked. Fishermen can find them all over the world, and they’re easier to catch than other sport fish on the list. Sight casting and light weight rods and tackle provide enough power to bring one of these tasty fish in.
Tarpon
Another bony fish, the tarpon looks like a silver bullet cruising through the water. Fast and big, this shiny chrome missile is a favorite of deep-sea anglers. These trophy fish can grow up to 8 ft. in length and weigh 280 lbs. While they prefer the Atlantic Ocean, you can find them in the Pacific, as they will cut through the Panama Canal.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
