Marlin (Blue)
OpenMakaira nigricans
The Basics
Marlin (Blue) (Makaira nigricans) is regulated by the NC Division of Marine Fisheries for recreational anglers. Here's what you need to know in plain English: The minimum keepable size is 99" lower jaw fork length (LJFL) total length. The daily bag limit is 1 per boat per trip. The season is open year-round.
Size Limit
99" lower jaw fork length (LJFL)
Minimum total length
Total length is measured from the tip of the snout to the tip of the compressed tail.
Bag Limit
1 per boat per trip
Daily recreational harvest limit
Bag limits are per person unless noted as "per boat." Limits are aggregate — counted across all waters fished that day.
Season
Year-round (federal)
Open season for recreational harvest
Open year-round unless an emergency closure is issued.
Current Status
Open for harvest. Check for in-season emergency closures.
Special Notes
- •99" lower jaw fork length (LJFL) minimum.
- •1 per boat per trip — not per person.
- •A federal HMS Angling permit is required; this is a federal regulation.
- •Blue marlin are catch-and-release for most anglers; only kept if exceeding the minimum size.