If catch and release angling is conducted using best practice methods, many scientific studies have shown the released fish generally has a very high chance of survival with little to no measurable impacts on fitness.

Yes, marlin have a remarkably high survival rate of approximately 90% to 95% when they are caught and released using proper "best practices." Research involving expensive satellite tags has shown that even marlin that appear exhausted or "lifeless" upon release can recover if they are handled correctly. The two biggest factors in survival are the use of circle hooks (which tend to hook the fish in the jaw rather than the gut) and minimizing the "fight time" to prevent excessive lactic acid buildup in the fish's massive muscles. In 2026, ethical billfishing focuses on "keeping the fish in the water"—never pulling a large marlin onto the deck for a photo, as gravity can cause internal organ damage and the air exposure is highly stressful. If the fish is revived by "swimming" it alongside the boat until its color returns and its tail begins to kick, its chances of thriving are excellent. While some post-release mortality does occur due to shark predation or severe injury, the vast majority of released marlin continue to migrate and spawn successfully.