White Marlin Open Announces its 52nd Annual Event
The White Marlin Open (WMO), the world’s largest and richest billfish tournament, presented by Pure Lure, announces its 52nd annual event, taking place August 4–8, 2025, in Ocean City, Maryland. This prestigious tournament attracts anglers from around the globe, offering them a chance to compete for millions in prize money and to etch their names into sportfishing history.
Since its inception in 1974, the White Marlin Open has awarded over $113 million in prize money, solidifying its status as a premier event in the sportfishing world. The 2024 tournament saw 318 boats and over 3,000 contestants vying for a share of the $8.59 million prize pool, with the top individual prize reaching $3.7 million.
“Excitement is absolutely off the charts for the 2025 White Marlin Open,” said Madelyne Motsko, White Marlin Open Tournament Director. “We’re preparing for one of the largest and most thrilling tournaments in our history. With a huge turnout expected and anglers from around the globe ready to compete, this year’s event is shaping up to be truly unforgettable. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Ocean City for an incredible week of fishing, fun, and fierce competition.”
2025 Tournament Highlights:
• Dates: August 4–8, 2025
• Location: Ocean City, Maryland
• Weigh-Ins: Daily from 4:00 PM to 9:15 PM at Harbour Island Marina, 14th Street and the Bay
• Marlin Fest: Family-friendly festival at the Ocean City Inlet, featuring music, seafood, vendors, and a live stream of the weigh-ins
Registration Information:
• Base Entry Fee: $1,400 per boat if registered on or before June 1; $1,700 after June 1
• Registration Dates:
• August 2: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Harbour Island Marina; 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at South Jersey Marina, Cape May, NJ
• August 3: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM at Harbour Island Marina
• Captain’s Meeting: August 3 at 7:00 PM, conducted virtually on the White Marlin Open website and Facebook page
The White Marlin Open invites anglers of all skill levels to participate– there are no age restrictions. The tournament’s format allows participants to tailor their entries based on budget, boat size and target species, offering over 50 different added entry levels. This inclusive approach has enabled both seasoned and novice anglers to claim significant prizes over the years. This year, anglers will be able to participate in an expanded Small Boat Division and a new Outboard Division sponsored by Contender & Yamaha.
Spectators are welcome to experience the excitement of the tournament in person or from afar. The daily weigh-ins at Harbour Island Marina are free and open to the public, providing a thrilling atmosphere as fortunes change with each catch. Marlin Fest, presented by the Maryland Army National Guard, also provides a festive environment for families and fans to enjoy the tournament’s energy and atmosphere. Fans at home can follow every moment of the action via the Marlin Cam livestream.
For more information, registration details, and live updates during the tournament, please visit www.whitemarlinopen.com.
About White Marlin Open
The White Marlin Open is a 52-year-old offshore fishing tournament held annually in Ocean City, Maryland. The tournament awards prize money for catches of white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and swordfish. Long known as “World’s Largest Billfishing Tournament,” the White Marlin Open (WMO) has awarded over $113 million since 1974 to the lucky winners among more than 105,000 anglers aboard over 14,000 registered boats. Along the way, the WMO became the largest billfish tournament and holds the world record for prize money payouts for any fishing tournament. To learn more, please visit https://whitemarlinopen.com.