SlotGaugeCheck a catchWhite Marlin regulations in Delaware
Billfishes · Saltwater · 2026 season
White Marlin size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| State waters | Open year-round | 66 inch minimum | No daily limit |
Notes
- Atlantic HMS Angling Permit required for private vessels in federal waters; non-retained HMS must be released without removing from the water. hmspermits.noaa.gov / (888) 872-8862.
Exact DNREC wording
- Season
- Open Year-RoundAll Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) not retained must be immediately released to ensure the maximum probability of survival, without removing the fish from the water.There is an annual U.S. landings limit of 250 Atlantic Blue Marlin, White Marlin, andRoundscale Spearfish (combined). Landings updates and seasonal closures are posted under “What's New...” at https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/*Special permit required - All private vessel owners/operators recreationally fishing for and/or retaining regulated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (Atlantic tunas, sharks, swordfish and billfish) for personal use in the Atlantic Ocean must obtain an Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Angling Permit. Further limits and restrictions apply. Consult https://hmspermits.noaa.gov/ or call toll free (888) 872-8862 for specific information and permits.
- Size
- 66 inch minimum (measured from the tip of the lower jaw to the tail fork)
- Limit
- No Limit
Source: DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife, captured 2026-09-20 (2026 season).
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About the white marlin
Species of fish
The white marlin, also known as Atlantic white marlin, marlin, skilligalee, is a species of billfish that lives in the epipelagic zone of the tropical and subtropical Atlantic Ocean. They are found between the latitudes of 45° N and 45° S in waters deeper than 100 m (330 ft). Even though white marlin are found in bodies of water that are deeper than 100 m they tend to stay near the surface. White marlin have been found near banks, shoals, and canyons, but they are not limited to those locations. They prefer warm surface temperatures greater than 22 °C (72 °F).
Read more about White marlin on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife, not Wikipedia.
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Frequently asked
What is the size limit for White Marlin in Delaware?
66 inch minimum in Delaware state waters.
How many White Marlin can you keep per day in Delaware?
No daily limit.
When is White Marlin season in Delaware?
Open year-round.
Is my White Marlin a keeper today?
A white marlin is a keeper today if it measures at least 66 inches, with no daily limit.