Blue marlin across North Carolina
Limits, records and where to find blue marlin.
- no creel limitdaily creel
- 1,228 lb. 8 oz.record
Photo of the species, not of a North Carolina water: NOAA, Public domain
blue marlin across North Carolina
Blue marlin is a saltwater species in North Carolina. Under NCDMF rules (coastal fishing waters), the creel is no creel limit and the size rule is 99 in minimum.
A 1,228 lb. 8 oz. fish from Off Oregon Inlet in 2008 holds the state record. NCDMF citation: Award for harvest of fish, 400 pounds or greater. Award for live release of fish of any size .
NCDMF, per blue marlin
“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.”
- SizeBlue 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.
- HabitatBlue marlin are found in blue oceanic waters throughout the western Atlantic. They migrate seasonally to stay in warm waters near the surface.
- DietBlue marlin feed on squid and a variety of pelagic fishes, such as dolphin, tunas, mackerels and flyingfish. Scientists debate with what frequency the blue marlin uses its spear to stun or impale its prey. Predators of blue marlin include white and shortfin mako sharks.
- Fishing tipsSport fishermen catch blue marlin by trolling artificial and natural baits. Boats pull up to eight lines at speeds ranging from 4 to 8 knots. Two of the lines are pulled close to the boat on the surface and are called flatlines. The others are attached to outriggers. An artificial hookless teaser is
- Also calledmarlin
- Confused withwhite marlin, sailfish
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
North Carolina harvest rules for blue marlin
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCDMF | Coastal fishing waters | no creel limit | 99 in minimum | open all year unless closed by proclamation |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
blue marlin in the state record book
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| all tackle by weight | 1,228 lb. 8 oz. | Off Oregon Inlet | 2008 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
More blue marlin neighbors
- Red drumsalt
- Spotted seatroutsalt
- Southern floundersalt
- Summer floundersalt
- Gulf floundersalt
- Weakfishsalt
- Black drumsalt
- Sheepsheadsalt
- Atlantic croakersalt
- Spotsalt
- Kingfishessalt
- Bluefishsalt
- Cobiasalt
- King mackerelsalt
A look around Blue marlin
Photo: Aigrette, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Photo: Nyttend, Public domain
Photo: ColeHernandez2013, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick facts on blue marlin
What daily limit applies to blue marlin?
no creel limit (Coastal fishing waters), size 99 in minimum.
Does North Carolina keep a record for blue marlin?
1,228 lb. 8 oz. from Off Oregon Inlet (2008).
Where do North Carolina anglers find blue marlin?
Blue marlin are found in blue oceanic waters throughout the western Atlantic. They migrate seasonally to stay in warm waters near the surface.
Are blue marlin stocked in North Carolina?
The 2026 list does not include it.
How do I recognize blue marlin?
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.
In which months may I keep blue marlin?
open all year unless closed by proclamation
Do I need a CRFL for blue marlin?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Which captains run trips for blue marlin?
No operator names it; try the guides page.
Hunt for blue marlin
Every water named here has a page with ramps and limits.