Saltwater Bucket List Fish (Big Game Targets)
Top 10 Species
These are the fish that get noticed by FishyAF anglers. Click any species to deep dive and learn more.
1
Bluefin Tuna
Verified
World Record
1,496 lb 0 oz
Ken Fraser / 1979
Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia
Ken Fraser / 1979
Aulds Cove, Nova Scotia
Signature Fact
Bluefin run a built‑in furnace, keeping muscles, eyes, and brain up to 20°C warmer than seawater.
2
Blue Marlin
Verified
World Record
1,402 lb 2 oz
Jay de Beaubien / 1970
Kona, Hawaii
Jay de Beaubien / 1970
Kona, Hawaii
Signature Fact
Their eyes and brain run on built-in heaters, staying up to 14°C warmer than the water.
3
Black marlin
Verified
World Record
1560 lb 0 oz
Alfred Glassell Jr. / 1953
Cabo Blanco, Peru
Alfred Glassell Jr. / 1953
Cabo Blanco, Peru
Signature Fact
Black marlin are the only marlin that cannot fold their pectoral fins flush against the body.
4
Sailfish
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
221 lb 0 oz
Ted Teele / 1958
Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador
Ted Teele / 1958
Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador
Signature Fact
They superheat their eyes and brain up to 13°C above the water, keeping vision razor-sharp during high-speed chases.
5
Yellowfin Tuna
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
388 lb 12 oz
Guy Yocom / 2012
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Guy Yocom / 2012
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Signature Fact
Those neon finlets aren't for show-they're adjustable vortex generators that feed the tail extra thrust at speed.
6
Giant Trevally
Species Guide Coming Soon
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
7
Tarpon
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
286 lb 9 oz
Max Domecq / 2003
Guinea-Bissau
Max Domecq / 2003
Guinea-Bissau
Signature Fact
They breathe air using a lung-like swim bladder, so those surface "rolls" are actual gulps of oxygen.
8
Permit
Species Guide Coming Soon
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
9
Wahoo
Learn More Here Verified Catch
World Record
184 lb 2 oz
Sara Hayward / 2005
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Sara Hayward / 2005
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Signature Fact
Its electric-blue racing stripes switch on in seconds when fired up, then fade like disappearing ink after capture.
10
Dogtooth Tuna
Species Guide Coming Soon
World Record
—
Signature Fact
More details coming soon.
FAQs
What are the top saltwater bucket list fish?
Bluefin tuna, marlin, sailfish, giant trevally, tarpon, permit, wahoo, and dogtooth tuna are among the most sought-after saltwater bucket list species.
Why are these fish considered big game targets?
They are known for their size, strength, speed, and the extreme challenge they present when hooked.
Do you need a boat to catch these fish?
Most big game species require offshore boats or specialized trips, though some like tarpon and permit can be targeted inshore.
Are saltwater bucket list fish hard to catch?
Yes. These species are often difficult due to their power, behavior, and the environments they live in.
What makes a saltwater fish a bucket list catch?
It’s a combination of reputation, fight, environment, and the overall experience of pursuing the fish.
