White marlin fishing out of Wrightsville Beach is a Gulf Stream fishery. Boats clear Masonboro Inlet and troll a bait spread for billfish. This guide covers where to run, what you pass on the way out, and how the fishing works from Wrightsville Beach.
When White Marlin Are Off Wrightsville Beach
The one timing anchor for this port is the Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament, which usually runs in May. White marlin are part of the billfish picture during that event. For the wider seasonal picture, see the Atlantic Southeast white marlin guide (see also the Atlantic Southeast fishing guide).
The May Window
The May tournament is a planning reference and does not guarantee fish. Build your trip around it, then check conditions before you commit to the run.
| Planning anchor | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament |
| Timing | Usually May |
| Use | Calendar reference for billfish effort from this port |
The Run From Masonboro Inlet to the Gulf Stream
Boats run from Masonboro Inlet to the Gulf Stream, and fish are reported deeper in the stream.
Clearing the Jetties
The north and south jetties at Masonboro Inlet are the departure landmark. Every run starts there.
Deeper in the Stream
Fish reported deeper in the stream mean a longer run, with more fuel and more time on the water, so plan your range accordingly. "Deeper in the stream" is a reported pattern and not a fixed waypoint. Carry extra margin rather than punching a mark into the plotter.
Reading NDBC 41038
The nearest NOAA station is NDBC 41038, Wrightsville Beach Nearshore (ILM2), at 34.141 N 77.715 W in 18 m of water (about 59 ft).
- It reads nearshore water rather than the Gulf Stream, so use it for conditions on the way out and not for where you fish.
- Read wind, wave height and period as numbers, and check the official NWS marine forecast before you leave.
Grounds and Structure on the Way Out
This is the named structure between the inlet and the stream. These are reference points on the run and are not white marlin grounds.
| Name | Detail | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Masonboro Inlet north and south jetties | At Masonboro Inlet | Departure landmark |
| AR-370 Meares Harris Reef | 34 10.467 N, 77 45.067 W | Artificial reef |
| AR-364 Billy Murrell Reef | 34 14.833 N, 77 42.833 W | Artificial reef |
| AR-372 artificial reef | 49 ft | Artificial reef |
| AR-378 Phillip Wolfe Reef | 34 00.633 N, 77 50.683 W | Artificial reef |
| Schoolhouse | Named ground | Named ground |
| Dredge Wreck Reef | Named structure | Named structure |
| 10-Mile Boxcars | Named structure | Named structure |
Plot these on Chart Contours before you leave the dock. Chart layers and these waypoints are not for navigation.
How White Marlin Are Fished Here
The local approach is a bait spread for billfish, trolled in the Gulf Stream. For rigging, biology and technique, use the white marlin fishing guide.
The Bait Spread
Trolling a spread covers water, and the spread itself is the local pattern. Rigging details are in the species guide.
Who Fishes for White Marlin Here
Owner-operators running the Gulf Stream fish this water, along with tournament crews. Crews that also chase blue marlin and other billfish will find more in the billfish guides.
Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament
The Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament is the port’s billfish tournament. It usually runs in May, and white marlin are part of the billfish picture.
FAQ: White Marlin Fishing Out of Wrightsville Beach
When do white marlin show up off Wrightsville Beach?
White marlin fishing out of Wrightsville Beach centers on the Gulf Stream. The port’s billfish tournament, the Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament, usually runs in May.
Where do boats run for white marlin?
Boats run from Masonboro Inlet to the Gulf Stream. Fish are reported deeper in the stream, which means a longer run and more fuel.
What buoy should I check before the run?
Check NDBC 41038 (ILM2), at 34.141 N 77.715 W in 18 m of water. It reads nearshore water and not the stream, so also read the official marine forecast.
How are white marlin fished here?
Locals troll a bait spread for billfish in the Gulf Stream.
Where are the white marlin rules?
White marlin fall under North Carolina and federal Atlantic billfish rules. Check both before fishing.
