The Marlin Fly Project
In December 2022, the Marlin Fly Project made history as the first recorded billfish tagging mission completed on fly, successfully deploying 15 satellite tags – (in a mere 24 hours!).
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In December 2022, the Marlin Fly Project made history as the first recorded billfish tagging mission completed on fly, successfully deploying 15 satellite tags – (in a mere 24 hours!).
The ultimate culmination of community and conservation, The Marlin Fly Project is the first multi-partner program of its kind to better understand one of the most incredible striped marlin fisheries in the world - by satellite tagging billfish on the fly in Magdalena Bay, Mexico
Striped marlin have only a brief history of minimal scientific research - making them one of the least understood billfish species - especially in this region of the globe, where they are the star of the show for ecotourism.
With the hopes of better understanding and protecting this important fishery, The Marlin Fly Project brought together industry-leading brands, top fisheries scientists, relevant community partners, and some of the best fly anglers from across the globe to partner with Los Locos Mag Bay, local captains and the community of San Carlos.
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The Mag Bay fishery has become a hot spot of attention over the last few years, with fly anglers and outdoor brands from around the globe hoping to experience it. The Marlin Fly Project recognizes the attraction to this ecosystem, and exists to protect this incredible fishery for future generations.
The Marlin Fly Project uses a combination of satellite and traditional tagging methods to help fill data gaps on an understudied striped marlin population, which is vital for their protection and management.
Advanced short and long-term satellite tags help provide critical data on post-release survivability, migration and spawning patterns, swimming depths, and water temperatures.
Spaghetti tags are used to gather long-term recapture data, contributing to a deeper understanding of this highly migratory species (HMS).
We want to do more than just impact the fishery, we want to leave a positive impact on the local community. We desire to do good work that locals can be passionate about and proud of. While in San Carlos, the Marlin Fly Project stays at a local hotel, sources local food, and uses local captains and guides to carry out the mission.
The Marlin Fly Project continues through 2025, with the addition of The Marlin Fly Project Week!
Hosted December 6-12, 2025 at Los Locos Mag Bay in San Carlos BCS, Mexico, The Marlin Fly Project Week is a once in a lifetime opportunity for six recreational anglers to contribute directly to the conservation and research of striped marlin in one of the world’s most remarkable fisheries.
Becoming part of the Marlin Fly Project, participants will join some of the world’s top fly fishing professionals and leading fisheries scientists from The Billfish Foundation to deploy satellite tags to provide crucial data and a better understanding of a species vital to both the local ecosystem and economy.
The Marlin Fly Project Week will include 5 days of fishing (2 offshore, 2 inshore, and 1 flex day of your choice to spend on the water or in the local community of San Carlos, Mexico). This opportunity is open to 6 anglers at $16,000* per angler. All lodging and meals will be provided by Los Locos Mag Bay.
*Travel, gratuity and alcohol not included
Email marlinfly@theagaveco.com to inquire and book your spot today!
Every marlin we land is carefully vetted to ensure it is a strong candidate for tagging. Our goal is for the fish to swim off healthy, contributing to a conservation effort that prioritizes both science and sustainability.
As data comes in, our science partners will analyze and share insights, helping us push the frontiers of billfish research and conservation. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to follow the journey of these incredible fish.
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