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Brendan Hanley of Pure Lure Weighs in About Weather For 2024 White Marlin Open

 

Brendan Hanley, a seasoned veteran angler and owner of Pure Lure, presenting sponsor of The White Marlin Open, recently spoke with OceanCity.com about the upcoming weather challenges and how they are influencing the event. With over 20 years of experience in the tournament, Hanley has witnessed his fair share of weather-related disruptions. This year, he is set to compete aboard the โ€œWhiskey Kilo,โ€ a 64′ Hines Farley, to brave the unpredictable conditions.

About the Extension

whiskey kilo white marlin open WMO Ocean City
Hanley will be fishing on Whiskey Kilo, a 64′ Hines-Farley in this year’s WMO.

Hanley, a respected figure in the fishing community, expressed his thoughts on the situation: โ€œThe extension is necessary. Iโ€™m happy about the change. Right now conditions are not good. It was the right thing to do. And boats still have until Sunday to make that decision to register.โ€ His comments reflect a pragmatic approach to the challenging weather, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptation.

Can Smaller Boats Handle It?

The 2024 White Marlin Open initially set a goal of 400 boats participating in the tournament, but this ambitious target now appears increasingly uncertain. The forecasted weather conditions are expected to deter many smaller vessels

wmo sunset marina white marlin open
Larger boats may not have as hard of a time navigating the weather, however smaller boats may need to bow out.

which may not be equipped to handle the severe conditions expected. Hanley noted that these boats might opt out due to the high risk involved, which could affect the overall number of participants.

Staying Closer Inland 

Fishing Canyons of the Atlantic Ocean are the main stars of The White Marlin Open. Photo from DNR

The primary weather challenges include dense fog, which severely limits visibility, and high winds that create treacherous swells. These conditions are expected to impact the tournament significantly. Boats may have to adjust their strategies, with many choosing to stay closer to shore in more protected canyons such as the Hot Dog or Ham Bone, rather than venturing further out to the Baltimore or Washington Canyons, where the conditions are expected to be even harsher.

An Economic Boost

White Marlin Open
Vacationers plan their entire week around The White Marlin Open.

Despite the daunting forecast, the White Marlin Open remains a major economic driver for Ocean City. The influx of tourists for the tournament leads to crowded restaurants and bustling local businesses, contributing to a temporary economic boom in the area. However, the severe weather threatens to impact not just the fishing conditions but also the broader economic benefits of the event.

Technology Savvy

white marlin open technology WMO ocean city, md
High tech Garmin radar, sonar, and other forms of technology help captains navigate the extreme weather.

Owner Danial Ross and Captain Joe Joachimowski of โ€œWhiskey Kiloโ€ and other top-of-the-line boats are equipped with advanced technology such as sonar, radar, and detailed weather reports to navigate the challenging conditions. These tools are crucial for ensuring safety and maximizing fishing opportunities despite the unfavorable weather. The extension of the tournament provides a valuable window for anglers and captains to make informed decisions based on real-time weather updates.

Whirlwind Weather

tropical cyclone - Debby - may bring off-shore wind mid-week to effect White Marlin Open in Ocean City MD
The storm is near Cuba now and doesn’t even have a name, but forecasters think it may impact the fishing off-shore during the White Marlin Open.

It is not unusual for the White Marlin Open to adapt due to extreme weather conditions. In the past, the tournament has faced hurricanes, tornadoes, hail, and sudden squalls that have disrupted the event. Each time, the organizers have demonstrated resilience and flexibility, adjusting the schedule or format to ensure the safety of participants and the integrity of the competition.

Mother Nature at Her Finest

white marlin open ocmd ocean city maryland wmo
White Marlin super fans flock to the white marlin capital of the world every year in August.

This yearโ€™s weather challenges serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of offshore fishing and the importance of preparation and adaptability. As Hanley and other competitors gear up for the tournament, their experience and readiness will be put to the test. The extension of the fishing days is a strategic move to allow all participants a fair opportunity to compete, despite the adverse conditions.

A Waiting Game

Michael Jordan's Fishing Boat at the White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Maryland
Will we see Catch 23 and Michael Jordan at the 2024 WMO?

The 2024 White Marlin Open is shaping up to be a dramatic and challenging event, with weather conditions playing a significant role in altering plans and strategies. Brendan Hanleyโ€™s insights highlight the importance of flexibility and preparedness in the face of natureโ€™s unpredictability. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Ocean City, watching how competitors navigate the tough conditions and how the event unfolds amid the ever-changing weather.

Katie Ruskey
Katie Ruskeyhttp://kruskeyauthor.com
Katie Ruskey is a local author, splitting her time between Baltimore and Ocean City. Her debut fiction novel, Marlin Week, was released in August 2022 based on three captains that fish in the infamous White Marlin Open. Her first children's book, The A B Seas of Ocean City, Maryland takes young readers on a tour of OC. For more information on how to purchase her books, visit her website www.kruskeyauthor.com or follow her on IG/FB at Katherine Ruskey Author.

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