Maryland resident John Ols made history at the 50th annual White Marlin Open by reeling in a colossal 640.5-pound blue marlin, securing a groundbreaking $6.2 million grand prize. This remarkable achievement surpassed the previous world record of $4.45 million for a fish catch. The tournament, held in Ocean City, Maryland, featured a total purse of $10.5 million.
Ols achieved this feat while aboard the Ocean City boat “Floor Reel,” marking the third consecutive year that a local boat has claimed victory in the competition. Among 46 blue marlins caught during the five-day event, Ols’ catch stood out. An additional 551 white marlins were unofficially reported, with three billfish brought in and two weighed.
“The blue marlin from the Floor Reel left no doubt when it was measured at 118′ in the boat before electrifying the crowd while tipping the scales at 640.5 pounds,” stated the White Marlin Open. Ols’ catch dominated both the white and blue marlin categories, earning him the lion’s share of the prize money.
The White Marlin Open, recognized as the “World’s Largest and Richest Billfish Tournament,” was initiated in 1974. Last year’s record-breaking $4.45 million prize was secured by Jeremy Duffie, who caught a 77.5-pound white marlin in the same event.
In addition to Ols’ triumph, the competition welcomed basketball legend Michael Jordan, who participated aboard his custom $8 million 84-foot Viking yacht “Catch 23.” Although Jordan is renowned for his six NBA championships, his fishing prowess has yet to earn him the “Greatest of All Time” title in the angling world.
Image/Source: CBSSports
