2026 53rd Annual White Marlin Open
Ocean City, Maryland
The 53rd Annual White Marlin Open Returns to Ocean City, Maryland
The world's largest and richest billfish tournament is back. The 53rd Annual White Marlin Open, presented by our good friends at Pure Lure, kicks off August 3-8, 2026 in Ocean City, Maryland — long known as the "White Marlin Capital of the World." Since 1974, the tournament has awarded over $113 million in prize money to anglers competing to catch record-breaking white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and swordfish. This year brings an exciting new format, giving teams the flexibility to fish any three of the six tournament days, along with an expanded Small Boat Division and a new Daily Big Fish Charity Added Entry Level supporting several charitable organizations.
Tournament Week is an experience unlike any other in sportfishing. Registration runs August 1-2, followed by fishing days August 3-8 from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Daily weigh-ins take place from 4:00 PM to 9:15 PM at Harbour Island Marina, drawing thousands of spectators who gather to watch fortunes change with the tip of a scale. Running alongside the tournament, Marlin Fest offers a free, family-friendly atmosphere at the Ocean City Inlet from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. The week wraps up on August 9 with polygraph testing and the Awards Ceremony at 4:00 PM at the Ocean City Marlin Club.
Whether you're competing or just soaking in the excitement from the dock, Tournament Week is something every sportfishing enthusiast should experience at least once. If you're headed up for it, tag us @dhyachtsales on Instagram in your White Marlin Open moments — we'll be featuring our favorites throughout the week. See you out there!