Target Species: White Marlin (Tetrapterus albidus)
Other Common Names: Atlantic white marlin, skilligalee, aguja blanca
Identification: Smallest and lightest colored of marlin family. Dark blue to dark brown back shading to silvery white belly with visible spots on dorsal fin. Spear shaped upper jaw. Body covered with imbedded scales that have a sharp single point. Curved lateral line above pectoral fins then goes straight to base of tail. Tips rounded on pectoral, first dorsal, and first anal fins.
Biological Info: Highly migratory moving to upper latitudes of range during seasonally warmer temperatures. Travel alone or small groups to increase feeding opportunities. Travel in open ocean over 325 feet (100 m) depth but known to inhabit shallower water than other marlin species (as shallow as 50 feet). Frequently found in upwellings and weed lines as well as drop-offs and canyons. Spawn once a year in early summer in deep subtropical waters. Geographical Range: About 45ºN to 45ºS in western Atlantic and 35º S in eastern Atlantic Ocean. Boundaries vary throughout the year with water temperature.
Favored Water Temp.: 70º-80º F. Generally found above thermocline in water with surface temperature above 71ºF (22ºC).
Size: Eight feet common and up to 9 feet known. Maximum weight of about 180 lbs. Life span not known but females tend to live longer than males.
IGFA Record: 181 lbs. 14 ounces Vitoria, Brazil, 1979.
Sporting characteristics: Light tackle favorite.
Food & Feeding Habits: Wide ranging diet depending on availability but favor herring, sardines and squid. Will hunt together in small groups to herd prey into tight ball for feeding.
Fishing methods: Trolling, live baiting and fly fishing are successful.
Top Spots: Ocean City Maryland, July and August; Vitória, Brazil, mid-November-December; Mohammedia, Morocco, Africa, September-November.
Conservation: Catch and release. Properly rigged circle hooks reduce risk to fish. Minimize handling. National Marine Fisheries Services has petitioned to list this species as threatened or endangered under Endangered Species Act.
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