What the Ocean City Tuna Tournament is and when it happens
The White Marlin Open is the largest and most famous tuna tournament held in Ocean City, Maryland. It runs for five days in early August each year, drawing thousands of anglers and spectators to the harbor. The tournament focuses on white marlin, blue marlin, and tuna — primarily yellowfin and bluefin — though the exact species weighed in and prize structure can shift year to year.
Ocean City also hosts the Ocean City Tuna Tournament, a separate event typically held in October that centers specifically on tuna species. Both tournaments use the same basic format: boats fish the Atlantic waters off Maryland's coast, and anglers weigh their catch at the harbor docks at the end of each day. The largest fish in each category wins money, and the total purse for major tournaments can reach several million dollars.
These are not casual events. Entry fees run into the thousands of dollars per boat, and the fishing happens in deep ocean waters where conditions can be rough. Most participants are serious recreational anglers or charter boat captains who fish these tournaments year after year.
Key Takeaways
- The White Marlin Open in August is Ocean City's flagship tournament, while the Ocean City Tuna Tournament runs in October, and both draw competitors from across the country.
- Entry fees are substantial — typically $3,000 to $5,000 per boat — and boats must meet Coast Guard safety requirements before they can compete.
- You can watch the weigh-ins for free at the docks, which happen each afternoon and draw crowds of spectators and media.
- Charter boats offer tournament packages for anglers who do not own their own vessel, though these fill up months in advance.
- The tournaments support local restaurants, hotels, and tackle shops, making August and October peak seasons for Ocean City's fishing community.
How to enter as a boat owner or charter captain
If you own a boat or captain one, you register directly through the tournament's official website or by contacting the tournament office in Ocean City. You will need to provide your boat's documentation, proof of current Coast Guard inspection, and liability insurance. The registration window typically opens several months before the event, and spots fill quickly — some years the tournament reaches capacity weeks in advance.
Your boat must meet specific safety standards: a working radio, life jackets for all crew, a first aid kit, and proper registration with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The tournament committee may conduct a safety inspection before the event begins. If you are fishing as a charter captain, you will also need to show that your crew members understand the tournament rules, particularly around fish handling and documentation.
The entry fee covers your boat's participation for all five days of the tournament. You do not pay per fish or per day — it is a flat fee upfront. Some tournaments offer optional side bets or calcuttas (betting pools) where anglers can wager additional money on specific outcomes, though these are separate from the main entry.
Fishing as a crew member or chartering a boat
If you do not own a boat, you can fish the tournament as a crew member on someone else's vessel or book a charter boat that specializes in tournament fishing. Charter boats advertise their tournament packages through local tackle shops, the Ocean City Fishing Center, and online fishing forums. Prices vary widely depending on the boat's size, reputation, and whether the package includes meals or lodging.
Crew positions on established tournament boats are competitive and often filled by people with years of experience. If you want to crew, start by talking to captains at the docks during the weigh-ins or at local tackle shops. Many captains build their crews from repeat anglers and people they know personally. Offering to help with boat prep, tackle maintenance, or other work before the tournament can help you get noticed.
Charter boats range from smaller 35-foot vessels to large sportfishing boats with multiple cabins. A charter spot for one angler might cost $2,000 to $4,000 for the tournament week, depending on the boat. Some charters split the entry fee among crew members; others charge crew separately. Ask directly what is included — some cover meals and drinks, while others expect you to bring your own.
What to bring and how to prepare
If you are fishing the tournament, bring appropriate clothing for open ocean conditions: waterproof jacket, hat, polarized sunglasses, and non-slip boots. The Atlantic in August is warm, but conditions change fast, and spray from the boat soaks everyone. Bring sunscreen rated SPF 50 or higher and reapply it every two hours — the sun reflects off the water and burns quickly.
Pack medications, seasickness remedies if you need them, and snacks you know your stomach can handle. Many anglers take ginger supplements or prescription patches for motion sickness before heading out. Bring a headlamp or small flashlight if you plan to fish early morning or late afternoon, and wear a personal flotation device if you are moving around the boat in rough seas.
Your captain will provide fishing rods and tackle, but bring your own if you have preferences. Know how to set a hook, fight a large fish, and follow the captain's instructions on boat safety. If you have never fished for marlin or tuna before, ask the captain to walk you through the basics before you leave the dock. Tournament fish are strong and the fight can last hours — physical conditioning matters.
The weigh-in and how prizes work
Each day of the tournament, boats return to the Ocean City Harbor in the late afternoon to weigh their catch. The weigh-in happens at the docks — typically at Bahia Marina or the Ocean City Fishing Center — and is open to the public. Spectators line the docks to watch fish being hoisted onto scales, and local media covers the largest catches.
Fish are weighed to the nearest pound, and the weight is recorded alongside the boat name and angler name. Prizes are awarded in categories: largest white marlin, largest blue marlin, largest yellowfin tuna, largest bluefin tuna, and sometimes others depending on the tournament. The boat with the heaviest fish in each category wins money from the purse.
Prize money is distributed according to a formula set before the tournament starts. The largest fish typically wins the most money, but many tournaments also pay out for second and third place in each category. Some tournaments use a calcutta system where anglers bid on fish categories, and the winning bid goes into a pool that is split among the top finishers. Ask the tournament office for the exact payout structure before you enter.
Watching the tournament as a spectator
You do not need to fish to enjoy the tournament. The weigh-ins are free and open to the public, and they happen every afternoon around 4 or 5 p.m. Arrive early if you want a good spot near the scales — popular days draw hundreds of people. Bring a camera; the fish are enormous and the photos are worth it.
Ocean City's restaurants, bars, and hotels fill up during tournament week. Many establishments host tournament parties, live music, and special menus. The atmosphere is festive, and locals and visitors mix freely. If you are not fishing but want to be part of the event, staying in town during the tournament week puts you in the middle of the action.
Some tackle shops and fishing organizations host seminars or panel discussions during the tournament, where experienced captains talk about tactics, boat maintenance, or fish behavior. These are often free or low-cost and are good ways to learn about the sport even if you are not competing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish the tournament?
Yes. Maryland requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older who fishes in state waters or from a boat registered in Maryland. You can buy a license online through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or at local tackle shops. A short-term license (one day to one week) costs less than an annual license if you are only fishing the tournament.
What happens if my fish is disqualified?
Fish are disqualified if they do not meet the tournament's size requirements, if they are the wrong species, or if the documentation is incomplete. Each boat must photograph the fish on the scale and provide the angler's name and boat name. If there is a dispute, the tournament committee reviews the evidence. Disqualified fish do not count toward prizes, but you keep the fish itself.
Can I fish the tournament if I have never done it before?
Yes, but book a charter boat with an experienced captain rather than trying to fish your own boat. The captain handles navigation, knows where the fish are, and teaches you how to fight a large fish. Many first-time tournament anglers book a charter and have a great experience. Tell the charter operator you are new, and they will pair you with a captain who enjoys working with beginners.
What is the difference between the White Marlin Open and the Ocean City Tuna Tournament?
The White Marlin Open in August focuses on marlin and tuna and is the larger, more famous event. The Ocean City Tuna Tournament in October targets tuna specifically. Both use the same basic format, but the White Marlin Open draws more boats and bigger prize purses. If you are choosing between them, the White Marlin Open is the flagship event, but the October tournament is less crowded and still competitive.
Where do I find a charter boat for the tournament?
Contact the Ocean City Fishing Center, local tackle shops, or search online for "Ocean City charter boats tournament." Call several captains and ask about their tournament experience, what is included in the price, and whether they have availability. Book early — popular boats fill up three to six months before the tournament. Ask for references from previous tournament anglers if you want to know what to expect.