Every August, Ocean City, Maryland, known as the “White Marlin Capital of the World”, comes alive for one of the most exciting weeks in sportfishing: the White Marlin Open! What started back in 1974 with just 57 boats and a $20,000 prize purse has exploded into the world’s largest billfishing tournament. Now drawing hundreds of boats, thousands of anglers, and offering millions in prize money. Over its five-decade history, the White Marlin Open has awarded more than $113 million – making it a landmark event not just for sportfishing, but for the entire East Coast boating community.
The 2025 tournament, set for August 4–8, promises another thrilling chapter. Boats will fish any three of the five days, with lines in the water from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. After each day’s run, crowds gather at Harbour Island Marina. After 4PM for the official weigh-ins, crowds enjoy the high-stakes spectacle where fortunes can be made in moments. Categories include white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and swordfish, with total payouts often exceeding $8 million. The tournament is open to both seasoned pros and passionate amateurs, all chasing that once-in-a-lifetime catch.
While the competition is fierce, conservation is a key part of the tournament’s DNA. The majority of billfish are caught and released, with strict rules in place to protect these iconic species. Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks and meet minimum weight and length requirements. Fish that don’t qualify aren’t wasted either; they’re often donated and processed to help local communities through programs like the Maryland Food Bank.
MARLIN FEST
Off the water, the celebration continues at Marlin Fest, held daily at the Ocean City Inlet. This free, family-friendly festival features live music, food vendors, WMO gear, and a massive screen streaming the day’s weigh-ins. Whether you’re into fishing or just want to experience the electric vibe, Marlin Fest is the perfect place to be. It’s a chance to meet fellow enthusiasts, grab some local seafood, and be part of something uniquely Ocean City.
What to know about attending
If you’re planning to attend, it’s smart to arrive early for weigh-ins, as Harbour Island fills up fast. Boat-watching is a sport of its own, with fans lining the Inlet and bridges to see the tournament contenders head and return with their flags flying. Can’t make it in person? Local live cams and livestreams offer a front-row view of the action from anywhere in the world.
The White Marlin Open is more than a fishing tournament—it’s a celebration of summer, sportsmanship, and the coastal lifestyle. Whether you’re casting off into the Atlantic or just soaking in the sights and sounds from shore, this event captures the spirit of Ocean City like nothing else. And who knows, you might witness history being made at the scales!
Although our team won’t be able to make it to this year’s Open, we’re still just as excited to follow along! We are especially excited to see how some of the boats we’ve helped place in the hands of passionate owners will perform. There’s nothing better than watching a boat you’ve been a part of end up on the leaderboard. If you’re curious about what other tournaments we’re involved in this season, check out the news section on our website for updates, highlights, and results from across the competitive sportfishing circuit.
