White Marlin Fishing in Puerto Rico

Written by: Captain Alberto Jimenez

Puerto Rico's crystal-clear waters are home to the elegant and acrobatic white marlin, a prized catch for anglers seeking an exciting challenge. These smaller cousins of the blue marlin are known for their spectacular aerial displays and lightning-fast runs, making white marlin fishing a thrilling experience in Puerto Rican waters. The island's strategic location in the Caribbean Sea provides excellent opportunities for targeting these magnificent billfish.

Puerto Rico White Marlin Fishing Regions

White marlin can be found in various locations around Puerto Rico, with some areas being particularly productive:

White Marlin Fishing off the North Coast

The north coast of Puerto Rico, especially the waters off San Juan and Dorado, offers excellent white marlin fishing opportunities. The deep waters close to shore create ideal conditions for these pelagic predators.

White Marlin Fishing in the East

The eastern coast near Fajardo and the islands of Vieques and Culebra are known hotspots for white marlin. The nutrient-rich waters in this area attract baitfish, which in turn draw in the marlin.

White Marlin Tackle Equipment and Techniques

For successful white marlin fishing in Puerto Rico, lighter tackle compared to blue marlin fishing is often employed:

  • Rods and reels capable of handling 30-50 pound test lines are typically used

  • Trolling speeds between 6 to 8 knots are effective

  • Leaders of 80-100 pound test fluorocarbon are recommended

  • Spread typically consists of a mix of artificial lures and natural baits

Live vs Artificial Bait for White Marlin

Both live and artificial baits can be effective for white marlin:

  • Live baits like small tuna, mackerel, or ballyhoo are popular choices

  • Artificial lures such as skirted trolling lures in blue/white or pink/white combinations work well

  • Rigged ballyhoo with a small skirt or Ilander lure is a common setup

White Marlin Sizes & Records

White marlin are generally smaller than their blue marlin counterparts:

  • Average sizes range from 50 to 80 pounds

  • Specimens over 100 pounds are considered trophy fish

  • The current IGFA all-tackle world record stands at 181 pounds, 14 ounces

White Marlin Seasons

The best season for white marlin in Puerto Rico typically runs from late spring through early fall, with peak activity often occurring in the summer months. However, these fish can be caught year-round due to Puerto Rico's tropical climate.

Can You Eat White Marlin?

While white marlin is edible, conservation efforts strongly encourage catch-and-release practices. If kept for consumption, white marlin meat is firm and can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, smoking, or as sashimi. However, due to concerns about mercury levels and conservation status, it's generally recommended to release these magnificent fish to help maintain healthy populations.White marlin fishing in Puerto Rico offers anglers an exciting opportunity to test their skills against one of the ocean's most acrobatic and challenging game fish. With proper techniques and respect for conservation practices, this fishery can continue to thrive in Puerto Rico's beautiful waters for generations to come.