White Marlin

Unlike the blue marlin, the white marlin hunts in small packs, so if you can find them, multiple hook ups are not only possible but quite common. They are confined to the atlantic ocean, and grow to about 140lbs max, although 90lbs would be a very nice size.

A pack of white marlin going for the lures is really something to see, multiple hookups occur regularly, keeping them on the hook is another matter entirely. White marlin fishing has been described as "trying to hook a pair of chopsticks doing 40mph" sounds about right to us...

White Marlin White Marlin

Fishing Method

When its good, the white marlin fishing on the Algarve coast is as good as anywhere in the world. Fast trolled small fish or artificials on 20lbs - 30lbs tackle would be the normal method, although this year we hope to target a few on saltwater fly fishing tackle. A few experienced anglers have trolled lures using 16lb class  rods, not to be reommended for beginners, but what a fight. These fish go airborne the moment they are hooked, must be a natural reaction when they feel threatened. The aerobatics can be awesome, tail walking, leaping, all sorts of aerial manouvres, fantastic to see.

The boat best is about 120lbs, although a good fish would be 70lbs or more.

Season

White marlin normally appear around August with the season running into October according to water temperature.