Page 24 - 52nd Annual White Marlin Open

BILLFISH

of the White Marlin Open

World Record: 181 lbs | Evandro Coser - 1979
MD State Record: 135 lbs | George Pierson - 1980
WMO Record: 99 lbs | Steve Bass - 1980
WH ITE M ARL I N

The premier species of fish in the White Marlin Open, this pelagic species migrates north during the warmer summer
months from their winter habitat in the southern Caribbean. From July through September they can be found in
abundance off of the Mid-Atlantic coast.

A distinguishing feature of the white marlin is its rounded dorsal fin, electric blue in color and often with black
spots.When the fish is feeding or leaping, light blue or purple bars may show up on the body, the common
“lighting up” of the white marlin.This is produced by specialized cells in the skin.
Sometimes described as the “king” of saltwater gamefish, white marlin are often caught on light tackle making the
fight even more thrilling. It is a spectacular jumper, sometimes jumping straight up, tail walking on the water or
“greyhounding”, leaping sideways with repeated jumps across the ocean. Once hooked, the angler must demonstrate
their skill in keeping the line taut at all times in order to catch this magnificent fish.

World Record: N/A | N/A
MD State Record: N/A | N/A
WMO Record: N/A | N/A
RO UN DSC AL E
S P EAR F IS H

The roundscale spearfish is often mistaken for a white marlin as they have many of the same physical characteristics.
One of the major differences is the placement of the anal vent, which is about 3 inches from the anal fin in white
marlin and double that distance for the roundscale spearfish.They were determined to be a different species in
2001 although at that point the white marlin was still thought to be in the same genus, Tetrapturus. As of 2006,
genetic testing indicated that the white marlin was distinct from the Tetrapturus genus and was reclassified to the
Illustrations by: Karen Talbot
Kajikia genus. Recent studies have shown that about 20% of the “white marlin” caught in Mid-Atlantic tournaments
are actually roundscale spearfish. According to the rules of the WMO, for the purpose of identification and prize
money eligibility, a roundscale spearfish will be considered a white marlin.

24 visit us online at www.WhiteMarlinOpen.com

WMO 52 Magazine.indd 24 7/15/25 8:02AM