White Marlin restricted to the Atlantic, is considered by many local Captains as the top offshore light tackle fish. It will crash trolled baits; and when hooked, often leaps successively by "gray hounding." Due to this penchant for wasting energy by leaping, a characteristic of all billfish, the White Marlin seldom initiates a bull-dogging battle. Showy fish, unlike tuna, are easier to handle on light gear. The usual fishing method is trolling along the continental shelf, although anglers can occasionally encounter casting situations. Also, fly fishing opportunities can be had when the fish are running thick and brought to trolled hook less belly-baits. This usually occurs in late August or September in area referred to as the triple 0 east of the Virginia Carolina border. Due to tag-and-release, the species has made a fortunate comeback, although never found in the great numbers of former times. White Marlin are taken on a number of naturals. Perhaps one of the top baits, often overlooked, is a rigged eel. Whites love eels. Place a small plastic skirt over the eel, green, pink, or blue, for added appeal. Our second choice is the popular 12-pack ballyhoo. Again, add a small skirt for a little extra pizzaz. The third choice would be a split-tail mullet, also finished off with a plastic skirt. Troll all three styles in your configuration, staggering the baits so they will tow long and short. Some anglers prefer 30-lb class trolling tackle for Whites, just in case they get hit by a yellowfin tuna. A 20-lb class outfit is more suitable where other species are less apt to jump on the trolling rigs. White Marlin are often taken on standard 7-ft trolling rods, matched to suitable reel. The graphite models are lighter than gold reels and certainly have the guts to tame Whites. Good choices are the Shimano TLD-15 or 20 and the Penn 45GLS. Remember, if you over-gun for Whites they won't give you their best show.