White Marlin Open

A Major Seasonal Impact on the LESMD Region

Referred to as the “World’s Largest Billfishing Tournament” and attracting big name anglers such as Michael Jordan, the White Marlin Open is an 47-year-old deep-sea fishing tournament held annually in Ocean City, Maryland.  The 2020 event drew 433 boats, 3,500 anglers, and paid out 6.8 million dollars in prize money including the top individual award of $1.85 million. Running five days in early August, the tournament coincides with the peak of the summer season. For this reason the event is usually considered vacation week for anglers and their families, with many arriving 2-3 days prior to the start of the competition.

The energy and vitality of the event sends ripples throughout the LESMD economy by simultaneously maximizing a number of important regional economic development assets. These include Maryland’s coastal waters with the adjacent and highly developed tourism/hospitality industry, as well as a network of surrounding marinas and signature day trip destinations such as Berlin. The event’s robust injection of dollars into the economy further underscores the value of trade-oriented, sector-specific programs within the LESMD education continuum.