Virginia Beach White Marlin fishing
White Marlin Other Names: Spikefish, Aguja Blanco
Physical description:
Similar in color to the Blue Marlin but proportionately lighter in body, white marlin can be distinguished from small Blues by the rounded tips of dorsal, anal and pectoral fins. Averages 40-70 pounds, 100-pounders not too uncommon; maximum less than 200. World record 181 pounds, 14 ounces; Virginia record 161 pounds.
Range:
Highly migratory, white marlin seek warm offshore waters in the Atlantic Ocean. They move from area to area in order to stay within temperatures from 68 and 84 F, which leads them to higher latitudes during summer and lower latitudes during winter. They are abundant in the temperate and subtropical areas of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
Feeding Habits:
White marlin are aggressive, opportunistic feeders that seem willing to eat whatever is available in their environment. Their diet is likely dependent on their location and the availability of food sources. They seem to do most of their feeding during the day, feeding in both deep and shallow water, especially near underwater canyons, shoals and other areas with steep drop offs. Like other marlin, they use their long spear to stun their prey. The majority of their diet consists of fish such as herring, jacks, mackerels, triggerfish, dolphin fish and flying fish. However, squid and crabs can make up a significant portion of their diet.
Sporting Qualities:
White marlin are the most commonly encountered marlin along the Atlantic Coast of the United States and share the reputation of other marlin as a good-fighting trophy fish. They combine hard strikes on several natural baits and artificial lure with fast runs, deep dives and acrobatic jumps when hooked. This combination makes the fish a thrilling challenge on light tackle.
Habitat:
Preferring the deep, blue, temperate to tropical water above the ocean thermocline, white marlin normally roam the ocean at depths between 300 and 500 feet. They are well adapted to areas of low oxygen levels and high salinity. They also seem to congregate near currents with speeds between one and 3 miles per hour. While they are primarily deep-water fish, white marlin will frequently come into water as shallow as 50 feet, especially around debris or floating weeds. They sometimes travel in small schools of 5 to 12, especially when feeding on baitfish, but usually travel alone or in pairs.
