It’s that time of year again—time for the “World’s Largest and Richest Billfish Tournament” to get underway in Ocean City, Maryland. A beloved annual tradition spanning more than five decades and still going strong, it’s the one and only White Marlin Open.
Participating anglers of all ages, experience levels, and hailing from far and wide, along with eagerly enthused spectators alike, have been faithfully attending this summer sensation since its establishment. The year was 1974 when the first event of this kind was held here, igniting ichthyological interests and sparking what can only be described as a “reel” craze.
It’s a most befitting decision to continue the annual fishing tournament on location every consecutive season. Ocean City has long been famously pegged “The White Marlin Capital of the World,” after all. That status was officially bestowed on the town in 1939 by none other than President Franklin Roosevelt himself, upon returning from a day of fishing marlin at what was in the day the “newly formed” Inlet.
Things have certainly changed since the early days of the deep-sea fishing tournament. In comparison to the first year, which boasted 57 boats, 150 anglers, and a total prize money payout of $20,000 ($5,000 being the top amount awarded), last season drew in 318 boats and more than 3,500 participants. Prize money awards totaled over $8.6 million, with the top individual award reaching $3.6 million.
In grand total, throughout the years, the White Marlin Open has drawn in more than 15,500 registered boats, over 114,000 anglers, and doled out cash awards exceeding $95 million. It’s no wonder that it sports a dual world record for being both the largest billfish tournament as well as the one with the highest prize money payouts. Prizes are awarded for varying catches, including white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, swordfish, and even dolphin.
The 2025 installment of the White Marlin Open marks its 52nd year as a beloved, annual mainstay. The grand event begins today, August 4, at 8 a.m. and will run through August 8. Registration, however, has been ongoing all through the weekend. Fishing will take place between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day. The daily Weigh-In will be at Harbour Island Marina from 4 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Then there is the ever-popular, highly anticipated Marlin Fest celebration. This event setup will be held on location at the Ocean City Inlet from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on all tournament days. It’s here you can get all your Marlin Merch, catch live streaming of the White Marlin Open in action, enjoy live music, check out versatile vendors, and snag a couple of concessions.
The concluding Awards Ceremony will be on August 9. The event will occur at the Ocean City Convention Center between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Whether registering to be an angler or coming out as a supportive spectator, consider joining the ongoing tradition by being a part of this year’s Annual White Marlin Open! Read more on the website by visiting www.whitemarlinopen.com.