The annual White Marlin Open, the biggest and wealthiest billfishing competition in the world, is once again causing excitement in Ocean City, Maryland. With basketball legend Michael Jordan confirmed to be participating on his own fishing yacht, Catch 23, the enthusiasm has reached a fever pitch as the tournament approaches, promising high-stakes fishing and amazing catches.
Celebrating its 52nd year in 2025, the White Marlin Open is a week-long spectacle that turns Ocean City into the White Marlin Capital of the World and is much more than just a fishing competition. From just 57 boats and a meager $20,000 in prize money in 1974, it has grown into a worldwide spectacle. 318 boats, more over 3,000 competitors, and an incredible $8.59 million in prize money—including a $3.7 million top individual prize—were awarded at the 2024 event alone. The event this year, which takes place from August 4th to August 8th, 2025, is expected to keep up that amazing momentum.
To fight for millions in a variety of categories, including swordfish, dolphin, wahoo, tuna, white marlin, and blue marlin, anglers from all over the world gather in Ocean City. To guarantee fair play and encourage conservation, the regulations have been carefully crafted. For example, when using natural bait for Atlantic billfish, federal regulations require the use of non-offset circle hooks. The competition also promotes catch-and-release, with points given for released billfish, even if prize money is given for weighing fish that meet minimum size standards (for example, 70 lbs for white marlin, 50 lbs for tuna).
The official weigh-ins, which are held every day from 4:00 PM to 9:15 PM at Harbour Island Marina (14th Street and the Bay), are the center of the action. Thousands of people attend these public weigh-ins to watch the exhilarating moments as possible multi-million dollar fish are lifted onto the scales. Because the tip of a scale can alter fortunes, the tension increases over the week.
Concurrently, the Ocean City Inlet hosts a free, family-friendly event called Marlin Fest, which adds to the thrilling mood. For those who are not on the water, Marlin Fest provides a lively shoreline experience with live music, food, vendors, and a live webcast of the White Marlin Open weigh-ins.
The news has once again focused on Michael Jordan’s comeback to the White Marlin Open with his 82-foot Bayliss yacht, Catch 23. As a passionate sportfisherman, Jordan has been a frequent competitor in the dolphin category in recent years.
