White marlin across North Carolina
North Carolina rules, records and waters for white marlin.
- no creel limitdaily creel
- 138 lb. 0 oz.record
Photo of Belmont: RoxylovesHistory, CC BY-SA 3.0
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North Carolina white marlin at a glance
In North Carolina, White marlin counts as a saltwater sport fish. The NCDMF row for coastal fishing waters allows no creel limit, 99 in minimum.
In 2015, Off Cape Hatteras produced the record of 138 lb. 0 oz. NCDMF citation: Award for live release of fish of any size .
The NCDMF profile of white marlin
“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.”
- SizeWhite marlin grow to 9 feet and 165 pounds.
- HabitatAn offshore pelagic and oceanic fish, the white marlin is found in the western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Argentina, including the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. White marlin inhabit the upper 40 to 100 feet of the water column in waters warmer than 66 degrees fahrenheit. White marlin migrate e
- DietWhite marlin feed near the surface during daylight hours on a variety of fishes including mackerels, herrings, dolphin and flyingfish, as well as squids and crabs.
- Fishing tipsFishing methods for white marlin are similar to those for blue marlin, sailfish and dolphin. Fishermen troll with 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 a
- Also calledAtlantic white marlin
- Confused withblue marlin, sailfish
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
white marlin creel and size rules
| 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.
Heaviest white marlin the state has recorded
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| all tackle by weight | 138 lb. 0 oz. | Off Cape Hatteras | 2015 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
Species listed with white marlin
- Red drumsalt
- Spotted seatroutsalt
- Southern floundersalt
- Summer floundersalt
- Gulf floundersalt
- Weakfishsalt
- Black drumsalt
- Sheepsheadsalt
- Atlantic croakersalt
- Spotsalt
- Kingfishessalt
- Bluefishsalt
- Cobiasalt
- King mackerelsalt
Shore and water close to White marlin
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Photo: John Stanton, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Alanteitleman, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DrStew82, CC BY-SA 4.0
North Carolina white marlin, answered
May North Carolina anglers keep white marlin?
no creel limit (Coastal fishing waters), size 99 in minimum.
What is the North Carolina record white marlin?
138 lb. 0 oz. from Off Cape Hatteras (2015).
Which North Carolina waters hold white marlin?
An offshore pelagic and oceanic fish, the white marlin is found in the western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Argentina, including the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. White marlin inhabit the upper 40 to 100 feet of the water column in wate
Where does NCWRC stock white marlin?
NCWRC lists none for 2026.
What scientific name do agencies use for white marlin?
White marlin grow to 9 feet and 165 pounds.
Does North Carolina close the season on white marlin?
open all year unless closed by proclamation
What license fee applies at white marlin?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Are there guides for white marlin?
See the guides page.