2013 Marlin University Packages & Curriculum

We've done the planning; now, you have the fishing adventure!
Marlin University offers an all-inclusive package that takes care of all your basic expenses from the moment you walk out of the airport. Ground transportation from the airport to the hotel is included. All meals while you are a student at Marlin University are provided, and your hotel accommodations are taken care of. All fishing expenses during your entire stay are included in your tuition.

In fact, your only concerns are your own airline transportation to the destination, any applicable duties and taxes and personal incidental expenses.

Treat yourself to an action-packed learning experience that only Marlin University can deliver. Whether you're a first-time angler, a weekend warrior or a licensed captain who wants to perfect his knowledge, we'll teach you everything from tackle selection to how to boat a fish!

Book Before November 15th and receive a $250.00 discount

Costa Rica - $1750
Dominican Republic - $1,750
Kona - $1,750

Travel Insurance is recommended to protect your investment. Marlin University does not represent any travel insurance companies but here's a few options.

Marlin University graduates receive special alumni discounts. Call 888-281-5720 ext. 4606 for more information.

Make it an adventure the whole family can share! While you’re fishing, they can explore the sights, shopping and culture of an unparalleled tropical paradise.

What can you get for that hard-to-shop-for family member? The best big-game fishing adventure of a lifetime! Marlin University makes a great holiday, anniversary or birthday gift. We’ll even gift-wrap it for you!

Reward your top executives or salespeople with an unforgettable, bigger-than-life adventure. Or show your best clients how much you value your relationship.

Bring four friends to Marlin University and receive a discount for each!

^ Back to top ^

For more information call 888-281-5720, ext. 4606. Or to reserve your spot, fill out the registration form on our website and fax it to us at 407-637-3523. We can also take your information right over the phone and register you on the spot!
All students are required to complete the registration form so that we can match you with students with similar experience. The admission office must receive your registration form prior to your attending school.
Space is limited. We expect all slots in Marlin University to be filled quickly for each location, so interested anglers are encouraged to sign up early.

Make sure your passport is current. Bear in mind that some destinations do not allow entry if your passport will expire within 90 days of arrival.
If you are bringing your family, make sure their passports are updated as well.

^ Back to top ^

Marlin University offers a comprehensive fishing adventure designed to teach students, basic through advanced, heavy-and light-tackle skills.

Each student gets four days of hands-on blue-water instruction using professional-level fishing gear on modern marlin equipment. Some of the topics covered include: tackle selection, general angling skills, bait rigging and presentation, handling fish at the boat, boating fish and boat-operating skills.

Maximum teacher-to-student ratio is no more than four students per instructor and/or boat. Smaller class sizes ensure you the best offshore education.
You'll learn it all!

^ Back to top ^

^ Back to top ^

The best way to learn marlin fishing is to go marlin fishing, so that's how most of your time will be spent. (Besides, that's really all we want to do anyway, isn't it?) But while you're having fun on the high seas, you'll also be learning. When not afloat, there'll be classroom sessions and, of course, plenty of fun. Below is just a sample outline of how a typical Marlin University trip works. The order and specific content may be altered slightly for each destination and to accommodate changes in weather.

Airport arrival and transfer to hotel. Check-in.
7:00 p.m. Attend the Captains Reception with dinner and cocktails at the hotel restaurant.

7:00 a.m. Breakfast at the hotel restaurant, assign boats for the next four days and discuss course
8:00 a.m. Boats leave for day's fishing
4:00 p.m. Boats return
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:15 p.m. Wiring seminar

Wiring Basics - How to safely wire all types of billfish. What to expect, when to let go, how to stay safe, what gloves to use for each species, etc., and how different fish act on the wire.

7:45 p.m. Rigging seminar

Class will learn basic rigging principles: how to choose leader material; how to make good connections; what a proper crimp should look like; which crimps work with what line and wire classes; chafing gear usage; how to use rigging tools; rigging teasers - chains, lures, spreader bars and dredges; tying useful offshore knots - Bimini twist, spider hitch, uni-knots; and how to make proper wire connections like haywire twists and barrel wraps.

7:00 a.m. Breakfast at the hotel restaurant
8:00 a.m. Boats leave for day's fishing
4:00 p.m. Boats return
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:15 p.m. Bait-and-Switch seminar

Discussion of the proper techniques to simplify the bait-and- switch. What's expected of the angler, mate and captain in this exciting, team-oriented procedure, including: what teasers work for each species - size, shape, hard or soft; how does each species react to the teaser; where you should run your teasers; what should the angler be doing while the fish is coming to the teaser; and most importantly, how to get a solid hookup on the bite and how to go for multiples!

8:45 p.m. Live-Bait/Dead-Bait Rigging Seminar

Will cover all aspects of live- and dead-bait rigging. Learn how to rig ballyhoo, mullet, mackerel and squid for both live- and dead-bait applications. Learn what baits to use for which species and what kind of terminal tackle (hooks, leader material and connections) work best for each kind of bait. Learn how fast you should pull live bait, dead bait and strips. Learn new techniques that allow you to pull dead baits faster. Also learn how to rig lure and dead-bait combinations. Circle-hook rigs will be demonstrated as well. In addition, you'll learn how to use zip ties instead of rigging wire or floss to make quick and easy rigs.

7:00 a.m. Breakfast at the hotel restaurant
8:00 a.m. Boats leave for day's fishing
4:00 p.m. Boats return
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:15 p.m. Lure-rigging seminar

Learn all aspects of artificial-lure rigging. Learn how to choose proper hook size to match your lure heads and their action. Learn how to construct single- and double-hook rigs, stiff rigs and offset combinations. Learn how to use both shrink-wrap and electrical tape to fashion hook-sets. Learn what leader material to use and what kinds of materials you'll need to build indestructible hook-sets. Also learn what types of lures work best in certain conditions. Learn to identify lure head shapes and how each runs, their optimum speeds and what they target. Learn tricks to get the most action out of your lures.

8:00 p.m. Circle-Hook seminars

Learn the virtues of using circle hooks for billfish and how to rig and fish them.

Choose your own method; rig your own baits; fight and wire your own fish!
7:00 a.m. Breakfast at the hotel restaurant
8:00 a.m. Boats leave for day’s fishing
4:00 p.m. Boats return
7:15 p.m. Graduation ceremony and dinner with the captains

Breakout sessions where you can ask captains, mates and university staff any questions during and after dinner.

Gather in lobby to catch shuttle to morning flights.

^ Back to top ^