White Marlin Open
The White Marlin Open: A 3AM Party Like You've Never Seen
By Katie RuskeyJuly 19, 20242 min read
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It's A 3 AM Party at the Inlet
People line up at the inlet to cheer on WMO fishermen at 4AM!
Not only has everyone been waiting 365 days since last year’s 50th anniversary of the WMO, people have been amped up to celebrate at the Ocean City buoy.
Tournament rules state that any boat fishing in The White Marlin Open can not cross the buoy before 4AM. So… boats line up beginning at the edge of the jetty that separates OC and Assateague Island. Spectators line up on land along the ocean wall to cheer on their families, friends, and really anyone participating. You don’t need to know anyone fishing in the tournament to cheer! Boats honk their horns, flash their lights, and cheer as they wait at “the starting gate.” Other boats wear glow necklaces of various colors while their family members dress in the same color so they can see each other.
Here’s A Beginners Guide to Watching That First Morning
Comfy clothes and a cup of coffee works wonders at the WMO 4AM send off.
- Wake up between 3:00 and 3:30 AM! (Yes- that’s AM)
- Stay in your comfy sweats (preferably Pure Lure)
- Bring your glow sticks, light up glasses, fish hats, anything that screams “I’m here to have a good time!”
- Carefully drive, bike, or walk south to the Ocean City Inlet. You can’t miss it! Just look for the group of people.
- It’s important to arrive before 4AM.
- Get a pep in your step and bring your enthusiasm and cheer!
- This is a great opportunity to get photos and videos of the most popular fishing tournament in the white marlin capital of the world!
What Comes Next?
The Wedge bar opens for breakfast sandwiches and coffee- and the perfect view!
At 4AM, boats will rev their engines, a feeling of rumbling and vibrations penetrate through your chest. Boats begin their slow crawl out of the inlet and thrust their throttles forward! And this begins the week long journey of The White Marlin Open.
Well…It’s 4AM and you’re wide awake. What do you do now? Stay tuned for more information!About Katie Ruskey
Katie Ruskey is a local author, splitting her time between Baltimore and Ocean City. Her debut fiction novel, Marlin Week, was released in August 2022 based on three captains that fish in the infamous White Marlin Open. Her first children's book, The A B Seas of Ocean City, Maryland takes young readers on a tour of OC. For more information on how to purchase her books, visit her website www.kruskeyauthor.com or follow her on IG/FB at Katherine Ruskey Author.
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