For U.S. anglers who live along the Eastern Seaboard, Bermuda offers one of the closest viable grander options, sitting about 600 miles east of North Carolina. Although its landmass totals only about a third that of Washington, D.C., this very British subtropical island has become a major center for finance and tourism — with at least some of those tourists keen on tangling with big marlin. Bermuda boats have hooked a number of blues better than 1,000 pounds, most recently during the July Fourth World Cup event when Capt. Andrew Dias brought in a 1,189-pounder.

The Odds: Veteran skipper Allen DeSilva figures he averages about two granders hooked per season (roughly 50 days). Once again, some years are hot (e.g., 1995, when three were released and many more lost); and some are not (the following year, no granders were hooked). Even when not hooked, granders are frequently seen. But the bigger ladies here must be watching their girth; DeSilva says more often than not, they prove reluctant to eat.

Species and Size: DeSilva guesses the average Atlantic blue here runs 150 to 300 pounds, but at least one out of every five or six will beat 500. Getting several shots per day at these smaller blues is common. In fact, 2003 proved to be an outstanding year for DeSilva for total numbers of marlin caught.

Release: At least 90 percent of marlin caught in Bermuda  are released.

Distance to Fish: Lines in can start just 5 miles offshore (but a 10-mile run from the dock).

Length of Prime Season (for granders): Two and one-half months: mid-June through August. For five months, November through March, the odds of hooking a grander are minimal. 

Conditions: Most of the time during grander season, expect hot, sunny days and fair winds generally no more than 15 knots, with seas pretty friendly and at times nil.

Charter Availability/Quality: Generally, about 10 charters will operate during prime grander months. Perhaps half of these will be first-rate boats with skilled crews experienced in and ready for handling a grander.

Charter Cost (in U.S. dollars): $1,000 to $1,500.

Accommodations: Bermuda has no shortage of places to stay. Bargains can be a bit scarce, though, with even modest lodging running $150 or so per night.

Other Fishing Opportunities: White marlin may be common, though they're not often targeted. For sheer action and a major workout, pursue yellowfin tuna, which are often abundant around Bermuda for anglers trolling or stopping to chunk.

Cost to Get Here (from New York): Roughly $600.

General Information: www.bermudatourism.com; www.bermuda-online.org.