2026 Recreational Atlantic Billfish Landings Updates
Landings information for the Recreational Atlantic Billfish fishery. Catch Statistics are also available by contacting Cliff Hutt at (301) 427-8542.
Data tables below provide preliminary 2026 preliminary landings (number of fish) for Atlantic blue and white marlin, roundscale spearfish, and western Atlantic sailfish. The table also includes 2025 data for reference.
Landings are compiled using self-reported angler reports from the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Non-Tournament Recreational Swordfish and Billfish Landings Database; tournament landings from the Atlantic Tournament Registration & Reporting (ATR) system; and individual billfish intercepted by the Large Pelagics Survey (LPS) and Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP).
Please note that estimates are subject to change due to receipt of updated information (e.g., data from late reporting). As specified in 50 CFR § 635.27(d)(1), the recreational billfish fishery is limited to a maximum of 250 Atlantic blue and white marlin and roundscale spearfish landings, combined, per year.
January 1 – June 30
Posted August 25, 2026
Species | 2026 (Jan 1-June 30) | 2025 Total |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic blue marlin | 23 | 72 |
| Atlantic white marlin | 2 | 37 |
| Roundscale spearfish | 0 | 8 |
| Total | 25 | 117 |
| Remaining landings limit (of 250) | 225 | 133 |
| Western Atlantic sailfish* | 23 | 55 |
*Western Atlantic sailfish are not included in the 250-fish landings limit for Atlantic blue and white marlin/roundscale spearfish.