Page 13 - wmo-51st-magazine

W. AN DREW MO TSKO

Despite the keen competition, the
conservation efforts of our anglers
have always been exceptional. In 2023,
of the 605 marlin caught, 602 were re-
turned to the ocean. It is a credit to our
participants that despite the temptation
of huge sums of money, conservation of
these magnificent fish remains a priority.
Even fish that meet the minimum length
of 70” have been returned to the ocean Among the giants of the sea, the blue marlin stands out not just
as anglers knew they wouldn’t make the for its size, but for its unyielding spirit and unparalleled agility.
70 lb. weight. The 99.5% release rate last
year ranks among the highest in our tour- AIRING IT OUT
Celebrating 51 Years nament history and likely the highest of
any similar tournament in the world.

Finally, the camaraderie between the
Fifty tournaments. 14,000 boats. 105,000 anglers. $105 Mil- competitors stands as a hallmark of the
lion in prize money. It has been quite a run for the White Marlin White Marlin Open. The competition
Open since 1974 when it started with 57 boats and a $20,000 purse. is fierce and the purse is gigantic but
We had quite a celebration last year for our 50th Annual Tournament many anglers will tell you the friendships
and the event did not disappoint! Four hundred boats competed for made and rekindled each year is one of
a $10 million purse and the tournament ended with its familiar drama the greatest aspects of the tournament.
as a $6.2 million blue marlin was brought in on the final day. These men and women all want to beat
each other but they also appreciate being
Our tag line this year is “Celebrating 51 Years”, and along with a part of this great billfishing community
the “C” of Celebration, we have found that for each of those and recognize how blessed they are to
years the three “C’s” of the WMO--Competition, Conservation participate this amazing sport. This kin-
and Camaraderie -- have been at the heart of the tournament. ship can be felt all week but especially
during registration when everyone is fi-
The best billfish anglers in the world converge on Ocean City every nally in town and the possibilities for the
August to compete at the highest level of their sport. Many tell us week are endless. Walk around during
the White Marlin Open is their Super Bowl. Fishermen are here to registration as anglers sign up and you
enjoy themselves but make no mistake about it, most anglers are will see the hugs, hear the laughter, listen
to the chatter and feel the goodwill. The
camaraderie is palpable.

“Competition, Conservation, and Camaraderie have We wish all the best to our participants.
Good luck, be safe and good fishing. May
been at the heart of the White Marlin Open for the you continue to embody the three “C’s”
and may the fishing Gods bless you with
last fifty years. Thank you for joining us for 51.” perhaps the best “C” of all - a Catch!

serious competitors, and it has been that way since the first people
put a hook on a line and dropped it into the water. Meticulous
preparation, intense focus, detailed intelligence gathering and
visceral hunches all play a part as each boat and each angler tries to Andy Motsko Photograph by: Harry R. Hindmarsh
best all of the others. tightlinespublishing@ gmail.com

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