White Marlin

Atlantic Ocean — from Nova Scotia south through Florida, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Brazil. Also found in the Eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean. The smallest and most common Atlantic marlin. The mid-Atlantic US coast (Ocean City MD, Virginia Beach, Outer Banks NC) produces outstanding White Marlin fishing in summer.

68°F–82°F. Concentrate along current rips, weed lines, and temperature breaks in blue water 50–200 miles offshore.

Best Lures: Small to medium skirted trolling lures (6–9 inch) in pink-white, blue-white, and natural colors. Rigged ballyhoo under a small skirted lure is the Atlantic standard. Small surface poppers and stick baits produce strikes from active fish. Best Baits: Rigged whole ballyhoo are the premier White Marlin bait — slow-trolled at 6–8 knots just below the surface. Live small bluefish and Spanish mackerel produce excellent results. Whole rigged squid trolled slowly are very effective. Kite fishing with live baits near the surface.

Typically 40–80 lbs and 5–7 feet. Trophy fish exceed 100 lbs. World record: 181 lbs 14 oz from Brazil. Distinguished from Blue Marlin by the rounded (not pointed) tips of the dorsal and pectoral fins.