White Marlin Open – Day 1
UPDATED – 08/07/23 11:30pm – The scales closed about 20 minutes early as stormy weather began to roll into Ocean City. The first day of fishing at the White Marlin Open saw 378 boats go out and a lot of tuna brought in to be weighed – including the leader – a 199 pound big eye tuna brought in on the Instigator. Besides quite a few tuna, there was one qualifier each of wahoo and dolphin. No white or blue marlin were boated and weighed. The afternoon began with several awards to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the White Marlin Open – including a Congressional Citation and flag flown over the US Capitol from Congressman Andy Harris, and a tribute signed by Governor Wes Moore from State Senator Mary Beth Carozza and the Key to the City from Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.
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Original story – 08/07/23 12pm – And on the first day of the White Marlin Open – it rained – but the weather did clear some to allow the 378 boats that ventured out this morning to hit the deep water in search of billfish. There are 400 boats registered for the 50th Anniversary White Marlin Open. Anglers fish 3 out of the 5 days of the tournament hoping to cash in on the estimated $10.5-million in prize money! The weigh-in scales open at 4pm – and boats have till 9:15 to get back to have their catch weighed. Spectators can take their chances to watch at the docks at Harbour Island at 14th Street – or from Marlin Fest on the beach at the Inlet where there’s all sorts of activities going on – including watching the boats return – and watching the weigh-ins on the live stream.
