Day 3 of the White Marlin Open Delivers Drama..the Good Kind!

After challenging weather earlier in the week, the wind finally eased on Day 3 of the 2026 White Marlin Open, allowing more boats to head offshore and setting the stage for one of the tournament’s most exciting weigh-ins yet. As the afternoon turned into evening, spectators packed Harbour Island while boat after boat pulled up to the scales, creating a thrilling atmosphere as anglers hoped to climb the leaderboard.

You Go Girl!

The biggest catch of the day came in the Blue Marlin division, where Kelly Weber aboard MaxBet of Vero Beach, Florida, weighed a massive 607.5-pound blue marlin, instantly taking over the top spot. And boy was that a sight to see!

The Scales Teetered Back and Forth

In the White Marlin division, James Hood fishing aboard Bull Pen out of Charleston, South Carolina, leads with a 70-pound white marlin. The Tuna division also saw plenty of action. John Wardlaw on Gray Fox sits atop the standings with a 179-pound tuna, followed by Robert Leerink aboard Speculator with 146.5 pounds, and Anthony Rubino on See Legs with a 110.5-pound tuna.

In the Dolphin division, Ryan Jones fishing aboard Today’s the Day leads with a 45-pound mahi, while Russell Armstrong on Side Piece holds second with 31.5 pounds and Ronnie McGinn aboard Bird Dog rounds out the top three at 28.5 pounds.

With all the excitement, there can also be heartbreak. Risky Business was full of hope as they brought a while marlin to the scale! But luck wasn't on their side as the fish ended up being just a meesely half an inch too short. For perspective, that's just half the length of your thumb. Better luck next time boys!

Looking Ahead

With calmer seas, a larger fleet returning to the scales, and several leaderboard shakeups, Day 3 delivered exactly what fans of the White Marlin Open wait all year to see. As the tournament heads into its final stretch, every bite has the potential to change the standings and bring home life-changing prize money.

For dates, weigh-in times, parking, viewing locations and current tournament information, visit our complete White Marlin Open 2026 guide.