5 things you need to know about the White Marlin Open

Curious about the White Marlin Open?

You'll get your chance to experience the annual event again from Aug. 7-11 in Ocean City.

If you're not familiar with the tournament or want to answer the questions of friends and family visiting Ocean City this month, here are five things you need to know about the annual fishing event.

1. The event's been around for a long time.

The White Marlin Open is going into its 44th year of competition.

2. This isn't some sleepy contest for people who just fish for fun.

The White Marlin Open is serious event. It's the World's Largest Billfish Tournament held in Ocean City, considered the "White Marlin Capital of the World."

Every year, participants battle it out for large cash prizes, with more than $1.18 million awarded in 2015 for the biggest white marlin. Prizes are also awarded for the largest blue marlin, tuna, mahi-mahi (dolphin fish), wahoo and shark. 

3. How does it all work?

Boats can leave the inlet of their choice no earlier than 4 a.m. Each boat must stop fishing by 3:30 pm.

If an angler still has a fish on the line at 3:30 p.m., the fish may be played until it is lost, boated, or released. Boats usually will be fishing from 2 to 4 hours off shore, so generally the activity is heaviest from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Often an angler fighting a big tuna, or blue marlin, may be delayed. An angler fighting a blue marlin at 3:30 p.m., is given an extension.

Regardless of the day the fish is hooked up, the angler has until Saturday, Aug. 12, at 12:15 a.m. to bring the fish to the scale.

4. The event is not without a little controversy. 

The 2016 edition had some extra intrigue after the original crew that caught the biggest white marlin was disqualified for a possible violation of tournament rules.

It took a judge in June to rule against that original winner to settle the dispute between them and the tournament's organizers. 

White Marlin Open officials have since decided to divide up the prize money — nearly $3 million — among the tournament's other category winners.

5. How can I watch it live this year?

All fish must be weighed on the official scale at Harbour Island, on 14th Street and the Bay, and the weigh-ins are held there each day of the tournament from 4 to 9:15 p.m. They are open to the public and free.

There is no parking available at Harbour Island, but there is ample parking within a few blocks' walk.

The Presbyterian Church on 14th Street, just a block away, offers parking for a small donation. Parking is also available at Holy Savior Church on 17th Street.

There will also be a “Park and Ride Shuttle Service” offered from the Roland E. Powell Convention Center parking lot.

Source: Whitemarlineopen.com

IF YOU GO:

What: The White Marlin Open

When: Aug. 7-11

Where: Harbour Island, on 14th Street and the Bay, Ocean City

Info: www.whitemarlinopen.com