Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

The White Marlin is smaller than many other billfishes.

The body is dark blue above and silvery white below, with brown spots on the sides of the white portion.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	Open Year-Round All Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) not retained must be immediately released to ensure the maximum probability of survival, without removing the fish from the water. There is an annual U.S. landings limit of 250 Atlantic Blue Marlin, White Marlin, and Roundscale Spearfish (combined). Landings updates and seasonal closures are posted under “What's New...” at https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/ *Special permit required - All private vessel owners/operators recreationally fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) for personal use in the Atlantic Ocean must obtain an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling Permit. Further limits and restrictions apply. Consult https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/ or call toll free (888) 872-8862 for specific information and permits.
Size Limit	66 inch minimum (measured from the tip of the lower jaw to the tail fork)
Daily Limit / Person	No Limit
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Common
General Habitat and Food Preferences	An oceanic species, the White Marlin is primarily a near surface water fish. These fish are most often solitary in nature. They feed primarily on sardines, squids, flying fish, and other medium-sized fishes.
Did You Know?	It is believed that the bill is sometimes used to stun prey with a swift sideways strike but White Marlin more often overtake the prey by speed.
Common Lures and Baits	Most people troll rubber skirted lures or natural baits when fishing for White Marlin.
Typical Sizes Caught	White Marlin are commonly caught in the range of 62 to 70 inches in length (45 to 65 pounds).
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Live Release Award Adult: Any Youth (age 15 and under): Any Sport Fishing Tournament Award Adult: Any Youth (age 15 and under): Any
Delaware State Record	120 pounds William Garner Jr. 1972

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