Ok, So if a kid was going to surprise his dad on his 50th birthday on a trip of a lifetime for a blue marlin, where would be the best destination. He has always wanted to catch one and I would love to give him that opportunity. I have a couple years to plan and save but was wondering where to start looking. Any and all info is appreciated, all I care about is getting him that fish, nothing else matters, thanks for any and all advice

When I was stationed in the Azores Islands. I took a trip to fish with this guy http://www.azoresmarlin.com. Awsome two day trip. The captain worked extra hard to help us catch fish. We ended the trip with 2 white marlins and 2 dolphins. Could have had more fish but we were after blue's on day two. The islands themselves are worth the trip to see and vistit. The Captain is great, I had a family emergency out there and he was willing to do everything he could to get me to the airport ASAP. His wife is awsome and can cook some great food.

Would look towards Costa Rica

Hawaii or Australia!

That would be an awesome gift to give your father. My wife gave me the same gift for my 40th birthday, and we went to Cabo. It was a blast (except that my wife got sea sick). In two days, I boated two blue marlins, two stripped marlin and a sailfish. You can tell the captain what fish you want to target and that is what they will go after.

We went in August and it was great, however I have been told that October is the perfect time to go.

SOUTH AFRICA!

I have a good contact for a great captain out of Playa Flamingo. Fly into Liberia Costa Rica then a two our drive to the costal town of Playa Flamingo. He does a great job on all bill fish and Rooster fish. I would say go in aug sep oct for the best fishing.

Puerto Vallarta from August-November is about as good of a chance as you can find. I have fished Hawaii, Bermuda, Cabo, all through out the Gulf, and I would hands down pick PV for fishing. Not only do you have a legit shot a 300-700lb Blue or Black Marlin, there are tons of Sails and Dolphin, PLUS it is the best place in the world at a shot a Cow Yellowfin over 250lbs. Check it out, its very safe, clean, and there are a lot of excellent captains. I highly recommend Juan Moll on Top Gun. We went twice in 2008 and had 350lb Black, 100lb Sail, 25+ Yellowfin to 140lbs, Dolphin, and even some Cubera Snapper.

I would come to Costa rica, you can head down to Golfito there are blue and blacks all year long with the peak for blues during sailfish season in March/April and the peak for black June/July. There are also rooster, pargo, monster yellowfin all year.

Cabo it's the marlin capitol of the world. 3 days of fishing there would give you multiple shots at blues, stripe, and sails, along with tuna dorado wahoo and bottom species if you want to target them. Contact picantesportfishing.com day in and out they catch fish and I have personally been out with them five yrs in a row. It will be the trip of a life time I promise.

Cabo is good also

Cabo in October and November if you are after a Blue!

Just returned from Cabo.. Marlin this time of year are smaller
than when wate is warmer.I did catch a 150# Marlin Thursday.
aptian said they had 7 on Tue,or Wed. landed one.We used J.C.
Sportfishing

I just got back yesterday from Cabo. Our captain told us up front that the last cold front (that is cold for them) changed the water from blue to green and the bill fish just shut down. We had a good time with light tackle and spanish mackerel catching 30 to 40 amoung 4 fisherman. We did get to see whales, sea lions, about 200 dolphin (not the eating kind) and man-a- rays jumping 8' out of the water. All in all it was a good trip.

many awesome and storied places, but unless you're looking for a "Grander", this might be your best option. ck this incredible link:
http://www.360tuna.com/forum/f4/wacker-mrbill-invade-panama-4720/index19.html#post50716

good luck, tight lines, post up when you get back
-Brian