White Marlin

45 to 65 lb (20 to 29 kg). Averages 40-70 pounds; 100-pounders not too uncommon; maximum less than 200. World record 181 pounds, 14 ounces; Florida record 161 pounds.

Spikefish, Aguja Blanco

The white marlin's preferred habitat is deep blue water over 100 m (330 ft). The species usually migrates to high latitudes in the warm season. They reproduce while in the subtropics; spawning occurs in early summer in deep, oceanic waters. Prey items include a variety of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. Usually above the thermocline. Its distribution varies seasonally, reaching higher latitudes in both the northern and southern hemispheres only during the respective warm seasons. Usually found in deep (over 100 m) blue water with surface temperatures over 22°C and salinities of 35 to 37 ppt. Currents of 0.5 to 2 knots occur over much of its habitat. Feeds on fishes and squids. Females grow larger. Flesh is of excellent quality.

Color of body dark blue to chocolate brown, shading to silvery white underbelly; noticeable spots on dorsal fin; upper jaw elongated in shape of spear; body covered with embedded scales with a single sharp point; tips of first dorsal, pectoral, and first anal fins rounded; lateral line curved above pectoral fin, then going in straight line to base of tail. White marlin are large, elongated fish with a large upper jaw that forms a spear which is round in cross-section. Although generally considered to be a rare and solitary species relative to other similar fish, white marlin occur in small groups consisting of several individuals. Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 43-52; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 17 - 23. Blue-black above, silvery white and splattered with brown on the sides, silvery white below; sometimes with more than 15 rows of obscure whitish stripes; 1st dorsal fin dark blue with black dots; 2nd dorsal fin dark blue; pectorals blackish brown, with tinges of silvery white in some specimens; pelvic fins blue-black with a black fin membrane; caudal fin blackish brown.

Migrates into subtropical waters to spawn, with peak spawning occurring in early summer. The spawning areas are found in deep and blue oceanic waters, generally at high temperatures ranging from 20° to 29°C except in the southern Atlantic gyrals, and high surface salinities (over 35 ppt).

Summary of Distribution: Atlantic Ocean: roughly from 45°N to 45°S in the southwestern Atlantic and 35°S in the southeastern Atlantic. Records from the Mediterranean Sea, and from Bretagne, France seem to correspond to a few straying individuals. Classified as 'reduced'. It is unclear whether there are two separate stocks or a single population in the Atlantic. Highly migratory species, Annex I of the 1982 Convention on the Law of the Sea
Note: Distribution range colors indicate degree of suitability of habitat which can be interpreted as probabilities of occurrence (fishbase.org)

Light ocean trolling or heavy spinning outfits with lines up to 30-pound test; 12- and 20-pound lines are tops for sport. Anglers targeting White Marlin usually choose rigged trolling baits, such as Ballyhoo, strips or squid. They will, of course, eagerly strike live Blue Runners, Goggle-eyes and similar baitfish caught are considered standard Sailfish baits. Artificial trolling lures also take many Whites.

Available Sizes: 48 in. - 126 in. Details: Fired-Enamel Glass Eye Optional Coating: UV Inhibitive Polyurethane Outdoor Coating