When white marlin are around Nantucket
The only seasonal information we have for white marlin out of Nantucket is a local report that the fish have resurged in recent years, and that availability varies. We don’t have more than that. For the island’s wider fishing and conditions picture, see the Nantucket port page.
The resurgence
Bill Fisher Outfitters reports the species has resurged in recent years. A reported resurgence doesn’t amount to a fixed season, so we don’t give one.
Checking availability
Ask Bill Fisher Outfitters about availability before you plan around the fish; the outfitter asks its own clients to do the same. For how the species moves and when it shows up elsewhere, see our white marlin guide.
Running offshore from Nantucket
Boats run offshore for white marlin from Nantucket. The wider offshore picture is in white marlin water across the Northeast (see also the Atlantic Northeast region guide).
Reading the water before you go
Offshore water is found by reading conditions rather than by going to fixed spots. Three chart layers help with the details:
- OBS SST shows where temperature breaks sit.
- Chlorophyll shows color changes and where clean water meets green.
- Chart Contours show depth changes along your route.
These layers are not for navigation; use official charts for that. For wind, wave height and period, go to the official NWS marine forecast and read the numbers yourself.
Rips and structure around the island
The places below are island geography and departure references. Nothing here ties them to white marlin, so treat them as landmarks and starting points for route planning.
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Nantucket Harbor rock jetties | Protect the harbor entrance |
| Great Point Rip | Named local structure |
| The Gauls | Named local structure |
| Sankaty Light / east side | Eastern shore near Sankaty Light |
| Miacomet Rip | South shore, west of Miacomet |
| The Hooter | Fairway buoy at the end of Muskeget Channel |
| Tuckernuck rips and Madaket pass | Western shore |
| Bonito Bar | Western shore, fished in the fall |
Harbor jetties
The rock jetties protect the harbor entrance and are the starting reference for runs out of the harbor.
Great Point Rip and The Gauls
Both are named local structure. Great Point serves as the northeast reference.
Sankaty Light and the east side
This is the eastern shore near Sankaty Light.
Miacomet Rip and the south shore
Miacomet Rip is on the south shore, west of Miacomet.
The Hooter
The Hooter takes its name from the fairway buoy at the end of Muskeget Channel.
Tuckernuck, Madaket and Bonito Bar
There are two western shore references:
- The Tuckernuck rips, and the rip-edge pass between Madaket Harbor and Tuckernuck Island.
- Bonito Bar, on the western shore of Nantucket, fished in the fall.
Who fishes for white marlin out of Nantucket
Bill Fisher Outfitters
Bill Fisher Outfitters on Nantucket lists white marlin among its fishing. The captains are:
- Captain Corey Gammill
- Captain Bill Toelstedt
- Captain Cam Gammill
For captains in other ports, see billfish captains in other ports.
The Big Game Battle
The Big Game Battle is the white marlin tournament out of Nantucket. It is usually held in July.
FAQ: white marlin fishing out of Nantucket
Is there white marlin fishing out of Nantucket?
Yes. Bill Fisher Outfitters reports the species has resurged in recent years, and it lists white marlin among its fishing.
When are white marlin around Nantucket?
No fixed season is given. Ask Bill Fisher Outfitters about availability.
How far do boats run for white marlin from Nantucket?
Boats run offshore, and the fish are found by reading the water. No distance is given.
Who runs white marlin charters on Nantucket?
Bill Fisher Outfitters, with Captain Corey Gammill, Captain Bill Toelstedt and Captain Cam Gammill.
Is there a white marlin tournament on Nantucket?
Yes. The Big Game Battle is usually held in July.
