How to Catch Blue Marlin in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

How to Catch Blue Marlin in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Catching rare and valuable fish like blue marlin can be a fun challenge in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. As an avid Animal Crossing player myself, I’ve had my fair share of attempts – both successful and unsuccessful! – at reeling in this majestic marine creature. Through trial and error, I’ve learned some useful tips that can help increase your chances of landing blue marlin in New Horizons.

What is Blue Marlin?

Blue marlin is one of the most prized and elusive fish available in New Horizons. Just like in real life, the blue marlin in Animal Crossing is a large, blue-colored billfish known for its distinct dorsal fin shape. Landing a blue marlin takes time, patience, the right strategy – and a bit of luck!

From my own fishing journeys around my New Horizons island, I can tell you that nabbing even one of these beauties feels like a major accomplishment!

When and Where to Catch Blue Marlin

Months Available:

  1. November to April (Northern Hemisphere)
  2. May to October (Southern Hemisphere)

So if you’re currently playing New Horizons in one of those two time frames, you’re in luck – blue marlin are swimming around somewhere! They will not show up any other months of the year, however.

As for location, blue marlin can only be caught while at the pier on your island. You can find blue marlin jumping and swimming near the edge of your pier, so be sure to walk all along the sides while keeping a close eye out.

In my personal island, I had the most frequent sightings and catches near the very end of my pier. However, their spawn points may vary.

Catching Blue Marlin: Fishing Rods and Bait

The key items you’ll need to catch blue marlin are:

  • A high-quality fishing rod, like the colorful fishing rod
  • Fish bait – this will attract blue marlin to appear faster

Using at least 30 pieces of bait is ideal to make blue marlin spawn quicker. And with an enhanced fishing rod that’s unlikely to break, you’ll have a better shot at reeling blue marlin in once one appears from the deep!

Despite using loads of bait, there were indeed times when I still had to wait up to 30 real-time minutes at the pier before finally spotting a blue marlin shadow in New Horizons. Patience is key!

How to Actually Catch Blue Marlin

The catch itself comes down to timing and reflexes. Here are some helpful fishing tips:

  1. When you see the large shadow of a blue marlin swim by, quickly cast your line out in front of it.
  2. Wait for the bobber to fully sink, then tap A rapidly to reel it in. Timing here is critical!
  3. You’ll know you hooked the marlin when your character visibly struggles against its strength. Keep mashing A to fight against it.
  4. If your line tension meter empties out before you finish reeling, the marlin will escape – so keep that A button held down!

With the right technique, your character will pull the huge marlin from the water in triumph. Congrats, you’ve caught one of the most sought-after fish in New Horizons!

I definitely lost some epic marlin fights earlier on by not reacting fast enough. But over time, I improved my strategy and can now reliably catch blue marlin when they appear. Don’t get discouraged if one escapes – just keep honing that technique!

What is Blue Marlin Used For in New Horizons?

So why go through all this effort trying to catch a blue marlin in the first place? Here are some great benefits:

  • Blue marlin is worth 10,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny – one of the most valuable fish in the game!
  • The marlin has its own collector’s plaque at the museum if you choose to donate it.
  • Catching rare fish fills out more of your Critterpedia index, inching you closer to completion.
  • You can give blue marlin to neighbors as gifts – they may even display it in their home.

Personally, I sold my first few marlins for a solid income boost. But once I donated one to Blathers and saw the marlin plaque at the museum entrance, I was hooked! Catching another for my home felt like the next logical challenge.

Final Tips for Catching Blue Marlin

To wrap up, here are my top pieces of advice for nabbing elusive blue marlin in Animal Crossing:

  • Bring lots of fish bait and keep reapplying it as you run out
  • Only fish from the pier during available months
  • Use your best fishing rod to avoid losing the marlin mid-fight
  • Practice quick reaction times when you see the marlin shadow
  • Never give up – marlin may take time to appear but keep at it!

Follow those tips, and a prized blue marlin will be yours sooner than you think. Wishing everyone the best of luck with all your fishing ventures in New Horizons!

Tips for Catching Blue Marlin in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Location Bait Time of Day Months Available
Ocean Fish Bait 4 AM – 9 PM June – September, January – March
Pier Manila Clams All Day November – April
Use fish bait to increase chances of catching. Equip a Fish Bait before casting rod.
Cast line straight out from pier or into open ocean.
Slowly reel in line when fish bites. Tap A repeatedly when fish is hooked.

FAQ on Catching Blue Marlin in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

What is the blue marlin?

The blue marlin is a rare and valuable fish that can be caught in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. It’s one of the most difficult fish to catch, but selling one can earn you a lot of bells.

When and where can I catch a blue marlin?

Blue marlin appear between the months of November and April in the ocean around your island. They are active all day. You’ll need to fish off the pier or while swimming to find one.

What bait should I use to catch a blue marlin?

You don’t need bait for the blue marlin. Just use a high-quality fishing rod, like the Nook Miles fishing rod, and fish off the pier with fish bait. Cast your line and wait for a marlin to bite!

What time of day is best to catch a blue marlin?

You can catch blue marlin at any time during the day. Their availability does not change between morning, afternoon, evening, or night.

How rare is the blue marlin in Animal Crossing?

The blue marlin is one of the rarest fish in the game. You may have to fish for a while before hooking one. But this also means that selling one can earn you a lot of bells!

How many bells can I sell the blue marlin for?

The blue marlin sells for 10,000 bells at Nook’s Cranny. So catching one is very profitable and worth the effort!

What should I do after catching a blue marlin?

After catching a blue marlin, take it straight to Nook’s Cranny to sell it for a nice profit. You may also want to donate one to the museum for Blathers to display.