Marlin Fishing in the Gulfstream

White Marlin

Also Known As: Atlantic White Marlin

Description:
The body is dark blue to chocolate brown along the upper half shading to a silvery-white belly. The upper jaw is elongated in the shape of a spear. The first dorsal fin is blue-black and covered with small black spots. The other fins are brown-black. Unlike the blue marlin, the white marlin usually has no spots or bars on the sides. The dorsal and anal fins are rounded and there is a visible lateral line.

Size:
White marlin grow to 9 feet and 165 pounds. No citation is given for landing a white marlin but an award is given for the live release of sailfish, regardless of size.

Sometimes confused with: blue marlin, sailfish

Marling Fishing inthe Gulfstream | Fish the West Wind Outer Banks

Blue Marlin

Also Known As: Marlin

Description:
The body is cobalt blue on top shading to a silvery white on the belly. The upper jaw is elongated in the form of a spear. There are approximately 15 blue vertical bars on the sides. The dorsal and anal fins are pointed, as opposed to the white marlin, which has rounded dorsal and anal fins.

Size:
Blue marlin is the largest game billfish. It is common up to 11 feet but has been known to be as long as 14 feet and weigh more than 2,000 pounds. Citations are granted for fish weighing 400 pounds or more and for the live release of a fish, regardless of size.

Sometimes confused with: white marlin, sailfish