Blue marlin fishing out of Wachapreague runs July through October, according to Teaser, and the fish are in the canyons about 50 miles off the inlet. Boats leave from the Wachapreague port page waters on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, run out Wachapreague Inlet and troll. For biology and general behavior, see the blue marlin species guide. This page covers the season, the run, the named grounds, how the fishery works locally and who fishes it.
Season and Run
Both the July through October window and the 50-mile run shape how a trip is planned.
When the fish are here
Teaser lists the blue marlin season as July through October.
How far boats run
The canyons sit about 50 miles from Wachapreague Inlet, and Washington Canyon is the one named. The broader Mid-Atlantic canyon picture is in the Atlantic Northeast blue marlin guide (see also the Atlantic Northeast fishing guide). Expect roughly 100 miles round trip, plus the time spent trolling. Before leaving, check inlet water levels at the NOAA WAHV2 Wachapreague station, tide station 8631044 in Wachapreague Channel.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Season | July through October |
| Run to the canyons | About 50 miles |
| Round trip | Roughly 100 miles plus trolling |
| Water-level station | 8631044 (WAHV2) |
Grounds and Structure
The named grounds near Wachapreague range from two reefs, at 45 and 55 ft, out to Washington Canyon. The table lists each one as the sources give it.
| Ground | Type | Depth/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Parramore Reef | Reef | 55 ft |
| Wachapreague Reef | Reef | 45 ft |
| 21 Mile Hill | Hill | Off Wachapreague, per Salt Water Sportsman |
| 26 Mile Hill | Hill | Off Wachapreague, per Salt Water Sportsman |
| Lumpy Bottom | Named ground | Not listed |
| The Crotch | Named ground | Not listed |
| Sam’s Hill | Named ground | Not listed |
| Washington Canyon | Canyon | About 50 miles from Wachapreague Inlet |
These can be located on Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Reefs
Parramore Reef sits in 55 ft and Wachapreague Reef in 45 ft.
The hills
21 Mile Hill and 26 Mile Hill are both off Wachapreague, per Salt Water Sportsman.
Other named grounds
Lumpy Bottom, The Crotch and Sam’s Hill are the other names in local use.
Washington Canyon
Washington Canyon is the named canyon, about 50 miles from Wachapreague Inlet.
How Blue Marlin Are Fished Here
Trolling is the local method. For spread, baits and general technique, see the billfish guides.
Trolling
Boats troll for blue marlin out of Wachapreague.
Boat and chair
Teaser’s 12-hour offshore trips list marlin. The boat is a 28-foot Carolina Classic with a fighting chair.
Who Fishes for Blue Marlin from Wachapreague
Two local charters list blue marlin.
Teaser Sportfishing LLC
Teaser lists marlin on its 12-hour offshore trips, run on a 28-foot Carolina Classic with a fighting chair. It is also the source for the July through October season. Details are on Teaser’s Wachapreague fishing page.
Marlin Magic Charters
Marlin Magic is a 37-foot Topaz Express Sportfisherman run by Capt Bill Tyson. A July 2009 trip released a blue marlin; the report names no ground.
FAQ: Blue Marlin Fishing out of Wachapreague
When is blue marlin season out of Wachapreague?
July through October, per Teaser.
How far is the run to the canyons?
The canyons are about 50 miles from Wachapreague Inlet, roughly 100 miles round trip plus trolling time.
Which canyon do Wachapreague boats run to?
Washington Canyon, about 50 miles from Wachapreague Inlet.
How are blue marlin fished out of Wachapreague?
By trolling. Teaser’s 12-hour offshore trips list marlin, on a 28-foot Carolina Classic with a fighting chair.
Which charters list blue marlin from Wachapreague?
Teaser Sportfishing LLC and Marlin Magic Charters. Marlin Magic is a 37-foot Topaz Express Sportfisherman run by Capt Bill Tyson.
Where can I read water levels for Wachapreague Channel?
NOAA CO-OPS tide station 8631044, Wachapreague Channel (NDBC WAHV2, 37.608N 75.686W).
