Marlin fishing in Florida: blue and white marlin charters
Offshore marlin trips from the Panhandle, the Treasure Coast, Miami and the Keys.
Blue marlin are the ultimate offshore trophy, and Florida has deep water close to shore on both coasts. Here’s when and where to fish for marlin, how it works, and where to book.
Where is the best marlin fishing in Florida?
The best marlin fishing in Florida is off the Panhandle (Destin, Pensacola, Panama City) in summer and along the Atlantic side from Stuart and Palm Beach to Miami and the Florida Keys from spring through summer, where the Gulf Stream and deep water are close to shore. Marlin are caught trolling, and nearly all are released.
Makaira nigricansMeet the blue marlin
Also called: Atlantic blue marlin, blue; Florida also has white marlin
- Typical size
- 150–400 lb off Florida; females far bigger than males
- World record
- Atlantic: 1,402 lb 2 oz (IGFA, Brazil, 1992)
- Where it lives
- Deep blue water: drop-offs, weedlines, current edges and the Gulf Stream
- How to spot it
- Cobalt-blue back with light stripes, long round bill, tall pointed dorsal fin
- What it eats
- Tunas, mahi-mahi, squid and other fast offshore fish
- Can you keep it?
- Almost all are released; federal minimum sizes and an HMS permit apply (FWC billfish rules)
Marlin can “light up”, flashing bright blue stripes when they attack a bait.
Blue marlin vs white marlin
The two marlin you can catch off Florida:
| Blue marlin | White marlin | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical size | 150–400 lb | 40–80 lb |
| Where | Deep blue water, Gulf Stream, Panhandle canyons | Weedlines and edges, often in groups |
| Best season | Spring and summer | Spring and summer |
| How to tell | Pointed dorsal fin, cobalt stripes | Rounded dorsal fin with spots |
| Tackle | Heavy trolling gear | Light to medium tackle |
Marlin fishing charters
Offshore trips that run for marlin:
Marlin fishing: how it works
What to expect on a marlin trip:
The spread
The crew trolls lures and rigged baits behind the boat. When a marlin rises, everyone gets ready.
The fight
Blue marlin jump, greyhound and run hundreds of yards. A big fish can take hours; the crew helps you in the fighting chair or stand-up harness.
Release
Marlin are photographed in the water and released. Rules: FWC billfish rules.
Where in Florida
Read Where is the best place in Florida to catch marlin, or see all fishing trips.
Seasickness
Marlin trips go far offshore. Read our tips on the prevention of sea sickness.
What to bring
Sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, food and drinks for a full day. Tackle and the license are included.
Best places to go marlin fishing in Florida
Pick a port (lowest deep sea trip price on its page, or call to book):
Treasure Coast & Palm Beaches
Fort Lauderdale & Miami
Fish you catch on a marlin trip
Big-game trips also catch:
Seasons, size and bag limits apply: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations.
Marlin fishing by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Occasional blues off South Florida
- Sailfish season
- Swordfish
Spring Mar–May
- Blues and whites move in
- Keys and Treasure Coast
- Mahi everywhere
Summer Jun–Aug
- Peak Panhandle marlin
- Canyon trips
- Long run days
Fall Sep–Nov
- Last summer fish
- Wahoo season
- Sailfish return
Recent guest reviews
5.07 reviewsReviews from our Florida fishing trips.
Capt Brad was great for both of our fishing trips. He took great care to make my husbands birthday fishing experience amazing and taught me how to use a bait caster. His boat was immaculate and most importantly, he put us on fish.
Ashley Eubanks · April 2026 · Google
A most delightful town
The town of New Smyrna is worth seeing and visiting. We enjoyed walking along the waterfront. You can drive your car to the beach. Ate dinner near the water at one of the Town Tavern which featured a live band. My friend and I went fishing, what fun, highly recommend it!
Lisa Wilson · January 2021
Obstacles conquered!
Started out with a full moon the night before and wind blowing 3 times what was forecast but Captain Brad had a plan. We got out and in no time had fish on! I had no expectations for what we might catch which turned out great 8 different species and two nice redfish! I had a great time!
Doug M. · March 2019 · TripAdvisor
Loved fishing
I have to say, this was one of the most professional organizations I have experienced. Booking was easy and customer support answered all my questions. Even when I remembered them and called back hours later! :) What was recommended was an afternoon trip with Capt Brad. I chose the 6 hour trip…
Tim S · January 2019
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Four hour trip with Captain Brad
We had a great time with Captain Brad. He had us on the fish right away in the morning and always kept us moving looking for more. He was very knowledgeable.
Eli L · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Book a marlin fishing charter
Pick a port and date, or let us match you with a big-game captain.
Panhandle, Stuart and Keys offshore trips are booked by phone.
Saltwater license covered by the captain on saltwater trips. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
Marlin fishing FAQ
Where is the best marlin fishing in Florida?
The Panhandle out of Destin, Pensacola and Panama City for blue and white marlin in summer, and the Atlantic side from Stuart and Palm Beach to Miami and the Keys, where deep water and the Gulf Stream are close to shore.
When is marlin season in Florida?
Marlin are caught year-round off South Florida, but the best months are spring through summer: roughly April to September off the Atlantic coast and the Keys, and June to September in the Gulf off the Panhandle.
What kinds of marlin can you catch in Florida?
Blue marlin and white marlin are the main two. Florida anglers also catch sailfish and, rarely, spearfish. All are billfish.
How do you catch a marlin?
Most are caught trolling a spread of lures or rigged ballyhoo at 7–9 knots along weedlines, temperature breaks and drop-offs. Some captains pitch live baits once a fish is raised.
Can you keep a marlin?
Very few are kept. Federal rules set large minimum sizes and require an HMS permit, and nearly every marlin on an iOutdoors trip is photographed and released.
How big do blue marlin get?
Florida blue marlin usually weigh 150–400 lb. The Atlantic blue marlin record is 1,402 lb 2 oz.
How much is a marlin fishing charter?
Marlin trips are offshore deep sea charters, usually full days. On iOutdoors, Florida deep sea trips start from $700 in Fort Pierce, $900 in Palm Beach and $1,100 in Miami; Panhandle, Stuart and Keys offshore trips are booked by phone.