White Marlin
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
The White Marlin can be found in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern region of the US waters, specifically along the coast of states such as Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia.
They are typically found in offshore waters and are known to migrate long distances.
STRUCTURE/HABITAT
White Marlin are pelagic fish that can be found in both the warm surface waters and the cold deep waters.
They are often found around natural structures such as underwater canyons, seamounts and temperature breaks. They are also known to congregate around man-made structures such as oil rigs, buoys, and floating debris.
PATTERNS
SPRING
During the spring, White Marlin are typically found in the Gulf of Mexico as they migrate northwards from their wintering grounds in the south.
SUMMER
White Marlin are typically considered the prime season for catching them in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern region as the waters are at their warmest and the fish are abundant.
FALL
White Marlin can still be caught in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern region of the US waters as they migrate southwards. As the waters start to cool down, White Marlin may be found in deeper waters.
WINTER
Typically not as abundant in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern region of the US, but they can still be caught in the warmer waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
Bait
Ballyhoo, Mullet.
Techniques
Trolling
How: Trolling for White Marlin involves pulling a variety of lures or baits behind a moving boat at different speeds and depths to entice the fish to bite.
Gear: Rods: 8-12ft heavy action. Reels: Conventional reels with a high gear ratio. Line: 80-130 lb test monofilament or braided line. Leaders: 80-130 lb test fluorocarbon or wire. Hooks: 8/0-14/0 circle hooks. Tackle/Lures: Tuna lures, skirted ballyhoo, or live baits such as mackerel or squid.
Casting
How: Casting for White Marlin involves casting jigs or poppers from the boat to entice the fish to bite.
Gear: Rods: 8-12ft heavy action. Reels: Conventional reels with a high gear ratio. Line: 80-130 lb test monofilament or braided line. Leaders: 80-130 lb test fluorocarbon or wire. Hooks: 8/0-14/0 circle hooks. Tackle/Lures: Tuna jigs, poppers, or soft plastic lures.
Live Baiting
How: Live baiting for White Marlin involves using live bait fish such as mackerel or squid to entice the fish to bite.
Gear: Rods: heavy action. Reels: Conventional reels with a high gear ratio. Line: 80-130 lb test monofilament or braided line. Leaders: 80-130 lb test fluorocarbon or wire. Hooks: 8/0-14/0 circle hooks. Tackle/Lures: Live bait rigs and baitfish such as mackerel or squid.
Chunking
How: Chunking for White Marlin involves cutting up fresh baitfish and casting it into the water to attract the White Marlin into the area.
Gear: Rods: 6-8ft medium action. Reels: Conventional reels with a high gear ratio. Line: 40-80 lb test monofilament or braided line. Leaders: 40-80 lb test fluorocarbon or wire. Hooks: 4/0-8/0 circle hooks. Tackle/Lures: Chum bags, fresh baitfish, and heavy duty knives for cutting bait.