billfish

White Marlin

Kajikia albida

Often mixed with sailfish on lighter tackle in the same water.

Preferred water temp70–80°F

Preferred depth100–600 ft

Peak monthsJun, Jul, Aug

In our regions

Northeast Florida — AtlanticCentral/Southeast Florida — AtlanticMiami & Keys — Atlantic sideSouthwest Florida — GulfFlorida Panhandle — GulfBig Bend — GulfBahamas — Bimini & Grand BahamaBahamas — Abaco & AndrosBahamas — Eleuthera, Exuma & Cat IslandNorth Carolina (Outer Banks + Cape Lookout)South Carolina CoastGeorgia CoastAlabama GulfMississippi GulfLouisiana GulfTexas Gulf

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 26, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 2 of 11 regulations for North Carolina

FEDERAL

Federal Atlantic (3–200 nm) — SAFMC

Catch & releaseCatch & release only

Minimum: 66″ LJFL (lower jaw to fork)

HMS Federal: catch & release strongly preferred. If retained, 66" LJFL min. HMS Angling permit required. Each landing must be reported to NOAA within 24 hr.

NC_ATLANTIC

North Carolina — State waters (0–3 nm) · NCDMF

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Minimum: 66″ LJFL (lower jaw to fork)

HMS permit.

NC white marlin: 66" LJFL.