White Marlin

Category: Deep Offshore

Trip Type: Deep Offshore

White marlin are prestigious offshore billfish known for incredible speed, acrobatic jumps, and thrilling light-tackle battles.

Appearance

White marlin have dark blue backs that fade to silvery-white sides and a bright white belly. Their bodies are marked with faint vertical bars, and their rounded dorsal fin helps distinguish them from blue marlin. Like all billfish, they possess a long, spear-like bill used to hunt baitfish.

Habitat

White marlin are highly migratory fish that roam offshore Gulf waters. During the summer months, they are often found closer to the Mississippi River Delta where bait and favorable water conditions attract feeding fish.

Average Size

Most white marlin caught by Gulf anglers weigh between 40 and 80 pounds, although larger fish are occasionally encountered.

Best Time to Catch

Summer is generally considered the best season for white marlin in Louisiana waters.

Fishing Tips

Troll rigged baits, strip baits, feathers, and small offshore lures near bait concentrations and current breaks. Squid and mackerel are productive natural baits.

Louisiana State Record

134.0 pounds — caught by Dennis L. Good in 1976. The fish remains Louisiana’s state-record white marlin and stands as one of the state's most impressive offshore billfish catches.

Fun Fact

White marlin are capable of launching themselves completely out of the water multiple times during a fight.