Page 17 - Fish in OC Magazine 2024

Billfish Species Offshore Ocean City, MD BILLFISH

WHITE MARLIN

Teptrapturus Albidis
MD State Record: 135 LBS
World Record: 181 LBS, 14 OZ
Color: Dark Blue Top / Dirty White Under-
side
Distinguishing Features: Rounded dorsal fin
occasionally with spots. Anal opening
approximately 2” forward of anal fin.
Techniques & Baits: Trolling small to
medium ballyhoo, mullet and squid or small
to medium artificial lures.
ROUND SCALE SPEARFISH

Teptrapturus Georgii
MD State Record: Not Individually Recognized
World Record: Not Individually Recognized
Color: Dark Blue Top / Dirty White Underside
Distinguishing Features: Rounded dorsal fin
with no spots. Anal opening approximately 6”
forward of anal fin.
Techniques & Baits: Trolling small to
medium ballyhoo, mullet and squid or small
to medium artificial lures.

BLUE MARLIN
Makaira Nigricans
MD State Record: 1,135 LBS
World Record: 1,402 LBS
Color: Blue Black Top/Silvery White Under-
side
Distinguishing Features: Pointed dorsal fin is
1/2 to 1/3 the total body depth. Pectoral fins
fold against body.
Techniques & Baits: Trolling large to horse
ballyhoo, large mullet, squid or eels and large
artificial lures.

SWORDFISH

Xiphias Gladius
MD State Record: 393 LBS
World Record: 1,182 LBS
Color: Dark Blue Top / Silver Underside
Distinguishing Features: Large, round eyes,
long, flat bill and crescent shaped tail.
Techniques & Baits: Drifting or bump
trolling fresh whole squid or strip baits with
lights in depths of 1,000 to 1,500 feet.
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