The 51st Annual White Marlin Open has concluded, marking another thrilling chapter in the world’s largest offshore billfish tournament. Despite rough weather conditions that extended the tournament by an extra day, 318 boats competed for a share of the $8.59 million prize pool, bringing in five impressive billfish to the scales and delivering unforgettable moments on the water.
This year’s tournament will be remembered for the incredible appearance of huge blue marlin and bigeye tuna in Ocean City, dominating the leaderboard. The historic first-place blue marlin secured its spot as one of the top five heaviest in WMO history.
Leaderboard Recap
In the White Marlin category, Ven Poole from Raleigh, NC, aboard the boat Waste Knot, secured the top spot with a 77.50-pound catch, earning an impressive $3,699,630.67. Just behind, Noah McVicker from Ocean City, MD, fishing on the Billfisher, landed a 76.00-pound white marlin, taking home $1,797,119.13.
The Blue Marlin division saw a stunning 897.50-pound catch by Lance Blakemore of Horseheads, NY, on the Stone Cutter, which earned him $520,374.07. Close behind, Phil Key from Millers Island, MD, aboard Moore Bills, brought in an 894.00-pound blue marlin, winning $410,936.89. Rounding out the top three was Hershel Martin of Montross, VA, on Bobojo, with a 789.50-pound blue marlin that earned $112,704.77.
In the Tuna category, Rob Jones from Cincinnati, OH, fishing on the Blue Runner, dominated with a 220.50-pound catch, securing $1,007,012.32. Jeff Green from Cape May, NJ, aboard Warden Pass, claimed second place with a 193.50-pound tuna, earning $154,751.27, while Dante Soriente of Little Egg Harbor, NJ, on MJ's, also caught a 193.50-pound tuna, taking home $148,250.85.
The Wahoo category was led by Ian Horowitz from North Wales, PA, who landed a 70.00-pound wahoo aboard American Lady, winning $66,094.09.
In the Dolphin category, Patrick Field from Stuart, FL, aboard Catch 23, took first place with a 32.50-pound dolphin, earning $64,094.09, followed by Andy Geldmacher of Westminster, MD, on Double Nickel, with a 31.00-pound catch, earning $2,409.09.
Top Boats & Anglers
In the Billfish Points Division Bobojo claimed the top spot among boats with 1,033 points, followed by Sequel with 980 points, and Taylor Jean and Catch 23 each finishing strong with 770 points.
In the Release category, Sequel topped the leaderboard with 980 points, while Taylor Jean and Bobojo followed closely behind with 770 points each.
Hershel Martin, aboard the Bobojo, was crowned the WMO Grand Champion, leading the tournament with an outstanding performance and 753.17 points. In the female angler division, Kelly Weber on MaxBet claimed the top spot, followed by Heather Jaworski on Judge and Jackie Tenuto on Sequel.
For a complete list of stadings and payouts by boat, visit the official White Marlin Open website here.
As the tournament wraps up, the White Marlin Open continues to set the bar for competitive offshore fishing, celebrating the spirit of the sport and the community that supports it.