White marlin are smaller Atlantic billfish known for acrobatic fights and multiple-bite days when conditions line up. They are a favorite target off the U.S. Mid-Atlantic, the Outer Banks, and other parts of the western Atlantic.
Where and when
Ocean City, Maryland calls itself the White Marlin Capital of the World, and the canyons off Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and New Jersey can be excellent in late summer. The Outer Banks of North Carolina also see good white marlin fishing. Whites often concentrate along canyon edges, temperature breaks, and bait schools.
Small lures and ballyhoo
White marlin generally respond to smaller offerings than blue marlin:
- Rigged ballyhoo, often with a small skirt, is a classic white marlin bait.
- Small lures in the 5- to 8-inch range work when covering water.
- Circle hooks are widely used with natural baits and are required in many tournaments.
Trolling speed
White marlin spreads with ballyhoo are often trolled around 5 to 7 knots. Small lures can be pulled a little faster.
Dredges and teasers
Dredges and teasers are a big part of white marlin fishing. They raise fish into the spread, where they can be switched to a bait. See bait and switch for marlin and how to run dredge teasers.
Tackle
20 to 30 lb class tackle is popular for white marlin and makes for great fights. Leaders are typically 60 to 100 lb mono or fluorocarbon.
Hooking whites
With circle hooks, give the fish a short drop-back and let it turn with the bait before slowly coming tight. Do not set the hook hard.
Release
White marlin are commonly released. Keep the fish in the water, remove the hook if you can do so safely, and revive it before letting it go.
For other billfish, see our sailfish trolling guide and striped marlin lures.
