During my 5 years of experience in the fishing field, I have often seen people get angry over the Swordfish vs Marlin debate. In my own fishing trips, the comparison between Swordfish and Marlin has also been a very exciting topic.
I have personally seen both Swordfish and Marlin in the ocean and gained experience in understanding them. In this article, I am going to explain the points about Swordfish vs Marlin that people often debate.
What is Marlin?
Marlin is a powerful, fast, and visually stunning fish that belongs to the Istiophoridae family. Its long spear-like bill and streamlined body give it the ability to reach very high speeds in the deep sea.
Marlin is known as the “King of the Ocean Speed” in the fishing world. Trolling techniques are mostly used to catch it, where the lure is dragged behind the boat.
Marlin is often found in warm oceans, such as the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.
Types of Marlin:
Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, and Striped Marlin are its popular types. According to my experience, when a Marlin is hooked, the reel literally starts snapping, with a very fast, powerful, and long jump.
What is Swordfish?
Swordfish is famous for its heavy sword-like bill. It is an aggressive predatory fish that belongs to the Xiphiidae family.
Swordfish prefer deep, cold water, so they are active at night.
Swordfish have a more muscular body. This fish is mostly caught by deep drop fishing, where heavy weights, deep rigs, and illuminated bait are used.
In my fishing trips, I have found the fight of a Swordfish to be more powerful and unpredictable than a Marlin.
Swordfish sometimes target straight deep water and show a lot of stamina.
Swordfish vs Marlin: Size Comparison
If we talk about size, both species are impressive, but Marlin is larger overall.
- Marlin: 1000 lbs or more.
- Swordfish: Usually 200 to 600 lbs.
Marlin is longer, while Swordfish is more muscular.
Swordfish vs Marlin: Speed & Power
Marlin Speed:
Marlin is one of the fastest fish in the world. It can reach speeds of over 80 kilometers per hour.
Swordfish Power:
Swordfish mostly relies on brute strength. It gives long, continuous fights that really test anglers.
According to my experience, Marlin is the king of speed and jumps, while Swordfish is the master of deep and powerful fights.
Swordfish vs Marlin: Taste and Eating Quality
Swordfish:
In terms of taste, I would definitely prefer Swordfish because its meat is firm, steak-like, and mild in flavor.
Swordfish has high demand in restaurants.
Marlin:
Marlin:
Marlin has a slightly stronger taste that not everyone prefers.
Swordfish vs Marlin: Which One Is Harder to Catch?
The answer depends on fishing technique, depth, and weather.
Marlin:
- Caught using trolling.
- Stays close to the ocean surface.
- Gives an exciting fight due to high speed and jumps.
Swordfish:
- Deep drop technique is difficult.
- Rig must be sent to 1500+ ft depth.
- Fishing at night is more effective.
Note: For beginners, Swordfish fishing feels comparatively harder.
Swordfish vs Marlin: Habitat Difference
Marlin:
Marlin is usually found in the warm upper ocean layer.
Swordfish:
Swordfish has a unique ability to keep its brain warm, which keeps it active even in very cold water.
Marlin Recipe Ideas
1. Grilled Marlin Steaks
Best for: smoky flavor lovers
Ingredients:
Marlin steak, lemon juice, garlic, black pepper, salt, olive oil
How to cook:
- Marinate Marlin steak for 20 minutes with lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Preheat the grill on medium heat.
- Grill each side for 4–5 minutes until the fish is tender.
- Serve with grilled vegetables. Note: Big fish like Marlin and types of tuna, especially Yellowfin and Bluefin Tuna, are perfect for grilling.
2. Marlin Coconut Curry
Best for: creamy, rich taste
Ingredients:
Coconut milk, onions, ginger, garlic, curry powder, Marlin cubes
Steps:
- Fry onion, garlic, and ginger.
- Add curry powder.
- Add coconut milk and bring to boil.
- Add Marlin cubes and cook for 10 minutes.
- Serve with rice.
3. Marlin Fry (Crispy & Spicy)
Best for: snacks
Ingredients:
Marlin slices, red chili, turmeric, garlic paste, lemon, salt
Steps:
- Coat fish with spices.
- Marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Heat oil and deep fry.
- Serve as soon as crispy.
Swordfish Recipe Ideas
1. Pan-Seared Swordfish with Garlic Butter
Best for: juicy steak lovers
Ingredients:
Swordfish steak, butter, garlic, lemon, salt, pepper
How to cook:
- Dry the Swordfish and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a little olive oil in a pan.
- Sear 3–4 minutes on each side.
- Add butter, garlic, and lemon, cook for 1 minute.
- Pour garlic-butter sauce on top and serve.
2. Swordfish Tomato Herb Bake
Best for: light & healthy dinner
Ingredients:
Tomatoes, basil, oregano, olive oil, garlic, Swordfish
Steps:
- Spread tomato slices, garlic, herbs, and oil on a baking tray.
- Place Swordfish on top.
- Bake at 180°C for 15–20 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs.
3. Swordfish Kebabs
Best for: BBQ or outdoor grilling
Ingredients:
Swordfish cubes, bell peppers, lemon, paprika, salt, oil
Steps:
- Cut Swordfish and vegetables into cubes.
- Thread onto skewers.
- Marinate with light spices, lemon, and oil.
- Grill for 10–12 minutes while rotating.
- Serve with mint yogurt sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: What are the main differences between Marlin and Swordfish in terms of taste and texture?
ANS:
Marlin has a mild and clean taste and a firm but slightly light texture. Swordfish has a strong, meaty flavor and a dense, steak-like texture. Marlin is best for light grilling, while Swordfish is perfect for high-heat grilling and steaks.
2: How do Swordfish and Marlin swim?
ANS:
Marlin swims very fast and agilely, moving its tail side-to-side to cut through water.
Swordfish swims powerfully and steadily, mostly in a straight line.
3: Where can you catch Swordfish and Marlin?
ANS:
Swordfish are mostly found in deep ocean waters, especially in the Atlantic, Pacific, and the Gulf of Mexico. Many anglers say that catching a swordfish often reminds them of those timeless fishing quotes that keep their excitement alive.
Marlin can be caught in tropical and subtropical oceans, with popular locations including Hawaii and Florida where warm waters attract this powerful species.
Conclusion
The comparison between Swordfish and Marlin is not just about size or speed but also about fishing style, taste, fight, and personal choice. For me, both represent the beauty of deep-sea fishing.
I hope that after reading this article, you now understand the differences between Swordfish and Marlin.
