Atlantic Billfish Recreational Bag Limits
Recreational bag limits information for Atlantic Billfish.
Minimum sizes and bag limits vary by species. Additional requirements may be applicable. View the HMS Recreational Compliance Guide for details.
|
Species |
Fishery Status |
Minimum Size* (lower-jaw fork length) |
Bag Limit* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Blue marlin |
Open |
99” |
No limit** |
|
White marlin |
Open |
66” |
No limit** |
|
Roundscale spearfish |
Open |
66” |
No limit** |
|
Sailfish |
Open |
63” |
No limit** |
*U.S. total landings of blue marlin, white marlin, and roundscale spearfish,combined are limited to 250 annually. Landings updates are posted at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantic-highly-migratory-species/atlantic-highly-migratory-species-landings-updates
**Billfish cannot be retained if a hammerhead or oceanic whitetip shark is already on board or has been offloaded from the vessel.
Permits
Vessels must have a valid HMS Angling or HMS Charterboat/Headboat permit to fish for Atlantic billfish. The permit covers everyone fishing on that vessel. Tournament vessels may instead fish these species with an Atlantic Tunas General category or Swordfish General Commercial permit.
Measurement
Measure lower-jaw fork length in a straight line from the tip of the lower jaw to the fork of the tail.
