White Marlin Open draws the top anglers to Ocean City
A 640.5lb Blue Marlin caught by John Ols is the big catch winner with a $6.25 million payout.
Captain of the Floor Reel, John Ols of Laytonsville, Maryland and his crew will take home a massive $6.25 million payout in the 50th annual White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Maryland as they caught a 640.5lb blue marlin to cap off one of the most hotly contested tournaments in recent memory.
It is considered one of the world’s largest and richest bill-fish tournaments that brings fleets of boats (this year, 405 boats) to the island and Atlantic Coast waters. This year’s 4-day tournament was one of the most competitive in several different categories of fish. It is also one of the largest tag-and-release tournaments in the world as well (except for the largest winners for weight and verification reasons).
No White Marlin were caught for the first time in 3 years and no swordfish in 11 years.
Over $10.5 million was handed out to the champions. Next year’s prize pool could be one of the largest in tournament history as they are projecting the first ever $10 million payday to the grand champion.
Anglers, young and old, plus celebrities joined in the great summer tradition of Ocean City, Maryland.
Final standings from the 4-day tournament
White Marlin
None caught
Blue Marlin
Grand Champion – John Ols – Laytonsville, Maryland – Floor Reel – 640.5lb – $6.25M
Tuna
1st Place – Brian Stewart – Shady Side, Maryland – Reel Tight – 265lb – $1.02M
2nd Place – Chris Mentlik – Street, Maryland – Fishlik – 247.5lb – $366k
3rd Place – John Zimmerman – Boynton Beach, Florida – Game Over – 221.5lb – $169.9k
4th Place – Rusty Shriver – Leonardtown, Maryland – Ro Sham Bo – 215lb – $1.75M
Wahoo
1st Place – John Harris – Boyertown, Pennsylvania – Shooting Star – 57lb – $47k
2nd Place – Chad Jackson – Fort Myers, Florida – Captain Deadly – 55lb – $31.5K
3rd Place – Matthew Gessler – Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania – Boy’s Toy – 46lb – $29k
Dolphin
1st Place – Andrew Spangenberger – New Freedom, Pennsylvania – Roncito – 50.5lb – $32k
2nd Place – Timothy Goodman – Palm Beach, Florida – Aquila – 32lb – $82.5k
3rd Place – Will McAteer – Kent Island, Maryland – Maverick – 31lb – $30k
Swordfish
None caught
Avid fisherman Michael Jordan enjoys the tournament with his boat, Catch 23.
Michael Jordan, NBA’s basketball legend, is an avid fisherman and a regular attendee of the tournament had his share of fans just wanting a picture with him or just to say hello. His boat the Air 23 caught a white marlin 3 years ago (weighing in at 442.5lb) which was good enough for 5th best and a $750,000 payout. This year, no such luck as he wasn’t able to catch anything.
Huge success this year, huge payout next year
This year’s championship was a huge success and could be even bigger next year with a first time $10,000,000 payout to the blue or white marlin champion according to sources close to the tournament
