OCEAN CITY- With the countdown underway, the excitement is already building for the 42nd Annual White Marlin Open with some new wrinkles announced this week to enhance the drama and increase the prize money levels.
The first full week of August, known locally as White Marlin Week, is approaching and locals and visitors alike are anxiously awaiting the chance to catch a glimpse of a million dollar marlin, a thousand pound blue marlin or a giant tuna. Hundreds of boats and thousands of anglers from up and down the east coast and across the U.S. will be vying for over $3 million in prize money.
Each boat will pick three out of five official days to fish, all hoping to land a big money fish. Last year, the winning white marlin was worth roughly $1.3 million in prize money. This year, with good fuel prices and a seemingly better economy, event organizers are hopeful even more boats will compete this year.
In addition, the White Marlin Open will feature two additional added entry levels to enhance the annual event and likely attract even more boats. The WMO has added a new Heaviest White Marlin Winner-Take-All category with a $10,000 entry fee along with a Daily Tuna category. Last year, angler John Bayliss on the “Dream Time” took first place in the white marlin division with a 78-pounder worth $1.3 million.
Weigh-ins will take place nightly at the host Harbour Island Marina on 14th Street and the bay from 4 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Huge crowds will gather each day to see big fish, enjoy live entertainment, food and drinks and other offerings including the famed White Marlin Open T-shirts. For more information on becoming a participant or a spectator, visit www.whitemarlinopen.com or call (410) 289- 9229.