The best method for catching White marlin is kite fishing using goggle eye for bait. Trolling and drift fishing also work for catching White marlin. They are most often found at depths between 50 and 300 feet. The best baits for catching White marlin include goggle eye, ballyhoo, mackerel, anchovies, and herring.
Habitat: Ocean, Coastal Waters
How to identify White Marlin
Similar to the striped marlin, the white marlin’s first dorsal fin is tall; however, the white’s dorsal fin has convex margins. White marlin may also have pointed dorsal and pectoral fins. These pectoral fins can be folded flat against the sides of the white marlin’s body. As their name suggests, the coloring of the white marlin is white, though their bodies have a pronounced green overtone when compared to other Marlins. They have vivid, pale blue vertical markings on their sides and scattered black or purple markings on their first dorsal and anal fins.
Where to catch White Marlin
White marlins are found in the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean Sea. Occasionally, some are spotted outside of their native range. They typically stay within the pelagic region, but as a migrant species, they also swim in warm, deep waters of the tropics. When swimming near shores, they’ll stick to waters that are about 50 feet deep but are often found as deep as 300 feet.
The following are habitats where you can catch White Marlin:
How to catch White Marlin
Compared to other game fish, the white marlin is not a popular table fare. The best method for catching them is kite fishing using goggle eye for bait. Anglers also use trolling with bait and lures to catch white marlin. White marlins share the same habitat as sailfish. Peak fishing season for white marlin runs from January through May. White marlin will feed on whatever feeder fish is most abundant. White marlin are adept at stealing bait off of hooks, so anglers should wait until they are sure the fish is hooked before trying to reel it in. Once the white marlin is hooked, anglers should prepare to wrestle the fish in. They are very strong and will fight hard to escape. Anglers also use drift fishing to catch White marlin.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching White Marlin:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch White Marlin
White marlins can be caught with both bait and lures. For bait, try squid, ballyhoo, mullet, bonefish, mackerel, anchovies, and herring. Good choices for lures include small spoons and feathers. When trolling, rubber skirted lures are often used.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch White Marlin:
