'Twas the Night Before the Open: A White Marlin Open Poem Celebrating Ocean City's Biggest Fishing Tournament

‘Twas the night before the open 

and all through the town,

Nothing was calm, there was action all around!

Rods in their holders, ready to fight

That great white marlin, eager for a bite.

Outriggers and down were set- there they wait,

When tomorrow comes, they’ll be hooked full of bait.

Garmins are logged, coordinates for the canyons,

80’s rock music jams from the bandstand.

Boss Hog’s captains on the dock, shootin’ the breeze, 

While the captain of All In prepares on the tease.

When all of a sudden the emcee proclaims, 

“Captains meeting in ten- and he calls them by name…

Sushi, and Seven, Why Knot come on down!

Finatic, No Limit, and Restless Lady’s in town!

Tommy Hinkle walks in, hoping the third time's a charm, 

The weightmaster comes down, his fun hats in his arms.

Fishermen gather and the rules are outlined,

Captain’s are excited to fish and get that sunglass tan line.

Ocean City, The White Marlin Capital of the World, 

The buzz of this week begins to whirl.

First mates are done prepping and the meeting unwinds,

Jim Motsko announces, “Good luck! And Tight Lines!”