Deep Sea Fishing

White Marlin

Kajikia albida

Avg. Weight

60.0 lbs

World Record

181.0 lbs

Found In

9 Destinations

About White Marlin

White Marlin are the signature billfish of the mid-Atlantic, with Ocean City, Maryland proudly holding the title of "White Marlin Capital of the World." Smaller and more acrobatic than blue marlin, white marlin are brilliant fighters that spend much of the fight in the air with spectacular jumps and tailwalks. Their body is dark blue-green on top with silver-white sides and a lighter belly, with rounded tips on the pectoral and dorsal fins (blue marlin have pointed tips). The famous "White Marlin Open" in Ocean City is the world's largest billfish tournament with millions in prize money.

Identification & Appearance

Similar profile to blue marlin but smaller and with rounded (not pointed) tips on dorsal, pectoral, and anal fins. Dark blue-green back, silver-white sides with light blue vertical bars (visible when alive). Spots on dorsal fin. More slender body than blue marlin.

Male vs. Female

Females grow larger than males. Most white marlin over 80 lbs are female. Males average 40-60 lbs.

Size, Weight & Records

Average catch is 50-70 lbs. Quality white marlin run 70-100 lbs. Trophy fish exceed 100 lbs. The world record is 181 lbs 14 oz, caught off Brazil in 1979. Mid-Atlantic fish average 50-80 lbs.

Seasonal Availability

Peak Season Good Fair Off Season

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Popular Bait & Fishing Methods

Best Techniques

Trolling skirted ballyhoo (rigged natural bait under colorful lure heads) at 7-9 knots over canyon edges and temperature breaks in 50-100 fathoms of water is the standard technique. Dredges (underwater teasers with hookless bait) attract marlin to the spread. Pitch baiting — pulling a teaser close to the boat to draw in a following marlin, then quickly pitching a rigged ballyhoo or live bait — produces more hookups. Live bait trolling with small bonito or false albacore targets the largest fish.

Recommended Tackle

30-50 lb class conventional trolling gear, roller guides, 30-50 lb monofilament or braid, 80-100 lb fluorocarbon leader, 7/0-9/0 circle hooks (required in many tournaments). Light tackle encouraged for the acrobatic fight.

Regulations & Bag Limits

Minimum size is 66 inches lower jaw fork length or 70 lbs to keep. Bag limit of 1 per vessel per day. Most white marlin are released — the catch-and-release ethic is very strong in the billfish community.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current rules with your charter captain or state wildlife agency before fishing.