Ocean City Events
The Fate of Fish at the White Marlin Open in Ocean City: A Conservation Success Story
By AnnAugust 6, 20246 min read
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Rules that Help the Fish
All In Fishing releases a white marlin in 2023.
The White Marlin Open starts with rules that minimizes the number of fish that are actually killed.
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Anglers must use non-offset circle hooks with natural baits.
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National Marine Fisheries Service Minimums Apply
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Live Bait is Not Allowed when Trying to Catch billfish
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Minimum Size Required to Qualify for Prize Money or Billfish Points
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Points are Given for Released Fish
2. Blue Marlin
Boated = 1/3 point per pound (must meet 114” length minimum – no minimum weight. In order to be eligible for weighing, a blue marlin must meet the minimum length of 114”. The winner will be determined by weight.)
3. Sailfish
Release = 70 points
Boated = 2 points per pound (must meet 30 lb. and 63” minimum)
4. Swordfish
Release = 70 points
Boated = 1 point per pound (must meet 60” length minimum – no minimum weight. In order to be eligible for weighing, a swordfish must meet the minimum length of 60”. The winner will be determined by weight.)
5. Spearfish
Release = 70 points
Short Bill, Long Bill and Mediterranean Spearfish are not allowed to be boated. However, for the purpose of identification and prize money eligibility during the White Marlin Open, a hatchet marlin/round scale spearfish will be considered a white marlin, and are allowed to be boated.
Catch and Release: A Prevailing Practice
The vast majority of billfish, including white marlin, blue marlin, and sailfish, caught during the White Marlin Open are released back into the ocean because the tournament sets minimum sizes for a fish to be eligible to win (see above.) This practice is not only encouraged but also incentivized through the tournament's rules and point system. Anglers are awarded points for releasing billfish, contributing to their overall score and potential winnings. This approach reflects a shift in the fishing community's mindset towards sustainability.Weigh-ins of the Big Fish ONLY
This tuna weighed in at over 100 pounds, shortly after another tuna weighed in at almost 60. The crew and anglers who caught the larger fish donated it to charity and Catch n Carry processed it onsite last night.
While catch and release is the norm, the big fish that are in contention for the top 3 prizes in any category are brought to the scales at Harbour Island for weigh-in. However, strict size and species regulations are in place to ensure that only eligible fish are retained.
Donation of Fish to Local Charities
The organizers of the White Marlin Open encourage all participants in the tournament to donate their catches that are brought to the scales to local charities. Craig Pyle of Catch n Carry told us that every angler who comes in with fish during the White Marlin Open has the option of having Catch n Carry clean, cut up and flash freeze their catch. Then, the fish is donated to three local charities in the Ocean City area. Last year, the three beneficiaries were the Maryland Food Bank, Diakonia, and a local church, each of whom received over 500 pounds of donated fish, mostly tuna! A perfect way to provide a high nutritive value protein to those who are less fortunate. Who doesn't love a meal of local seafood!Catch n Carry
Catch n Carry helps process the fish in the White Marlin Open, getting them ready for donations to local charities.
Craig Pyle said that Catch n Carry has been working with the White Marlin Open for the last three years. They offer their filleting service at the dock. After the fish is cut down - filleted or cut into steaks - Catch n Carry will flash freeze it in vacuum sealed low oxygen packaging. The blast-freezing process keeps the fish fresh for 1.5 - 2 years. His flash-freezing process is expensive and he wouldn't be able to do all the work required by the White Marlin Open without another local altruist, Dvorak LLC. Tom Dvorak is the owner of this commercial and heavy electrical contracting company with an office on the Shore and they sponsor the work of Catch n Carry throughout the tournament.
When not working to process tons of fish during the White Marlin Open, Craig and his team help anglers in the Ocean City area clean, freeze and store their catches so it's easier to take their fish home when they leave the resort. Check out their website for more information: http://catch-n-carry.com/
The fate of fish at the White Marlin Open is a testament to the evolving landscape of competitive fishing. Through a combination of catch-and-release practices, community engagement, and responsible handling, the tournament has transformed into a platform for conservation. This approach not only safeguards the future of billfish populations but also reinforces the notion that fishing can be a sustainable and enjoyable pastime for generations to come.About Ann
Ann has been with StateVentures since 1999. She moved from Annapolis to Berlin, MD to be closer to Ocean City. She loves a camera and any excuse to use it. Her kids are both grown and off adventuring. Ann loves the beach. She loves to fish, travel with her children and grandchildren, and find the best restaurants and deals in Ocean City.
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