Festival guide
White Marlin Open 2026
Plan your visit to the 2026 White Marlin Open, August 3 - 8th, in Ocean City, Maryland, with tournament dates, weigh-in times, viewing locations, Marlin Fest, parking, livestreams and hotel tips.
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The White Marlin Open occurs during the first full week of August every year. Hundreds of boats enter the hunt for the biggest fish so they can take home a piece of the prize money. This fishing tournament is the largest billfishing tournament in the world! Before the great storm of 1933, which cut the inlet we're familiar with today, Ocean City was an isolated fishing village. Since then, Ocean City has not only become one of the country's top vacation resorts, but it's also garnered the reputation as the White Marlin Capital of the World. World-class fishing takes place off Ocean City's shores every season. August, however, is the biggest month for sport fishing because anglers from across the globe come to Ocean City for a chance to hook record-breaking white and blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, and sharks. The prize money is big.
For 2026, there are 334 entries, up from 282 boats in 2025. They are competing for an estimated $9.9 million in prize money for 2026, up from $7.3 million in 2025.
Tournament Structure & Details
Dates: August 3–8, 2026
New Format: First-time 6-day window allowing participants to choose any 3 out of 6 fishing days to accommodate weather
Location: Harbour Island Marina (weigh-ins) and Ocean City Inlet (Marlin Fest), Ocean City, MD
Registered Boats: 334 entries (up from 282 boats in 2025)
Total Purse: Approx. $9.9 million
2026 Links:
Payouts by Fish
Top Anglers & Boats
Payouts by Boat
Tournament Registration
If you're an angler wishing to participate, register on the tournament's website for your chance to reel in a life-changing fish. Registration for 2026 is $1,850 per boat.
There are many ways to watch the White Marlin Open - not just the weigh-ins, but the Marlin Fest, the boats heading out at 4 am from the inlet, and the boats headed back to Harbour Island for the weigh-ins.
If you can't be in Ocean City to watch, you can always tune in to the best live webcams in Ocean City tuned into the action.
Harbour Island
Harbour Island at 14th Street and the Bay is the home to the official scales. This is an exciting place to be and can get very crowded. Go early, set up your spot. Bring a blanket and sit back and relax and enjoy the crowd. Weigh-ins begin and 4 pm and run until about 9:30 pm. The Town usually has a shuttle set up if you want to park at the Convention Center. Otherwise, get there early to find a parking spot on the street.
Marlin Fest at the Inlet
If you want a little more breathing room, but you still like the in-person feel of a festival, head to Marlin Fest at the Inlet parking lot. You will be able to see the boats head back to Harbour Island with their catches and flying the flags showing what they caught. There will be a live-stream of the weigh-ins as well as live music, vendors, and more.
Along the water to see the Boats
Lots of people head to the inlet to watch the boats go out early in the morning when Marlin Fest activities are all asleep. There or along the inlet by the Oceanic Motel (or from the Oceanic Motel balconies) or from the Bayside Park at 3rd Street.
From waterfront bars or restaurants
Who doesn't love to eat and drink while being entertained? We recommend:
The Wedge - on the inlet
Spain - on top of the Cambria Hotel with a great view of the entire inlet area and Assateague.
The View - inside the Cambria - right at boat level with an outside deck area.
The Angler - a view like their webcam but with better food and drinks:-)
Beach Barrels - on some of their 13 High Definition TV's with an incredible sound system!
Two of the bars or restaurants where you can watch the boats come in for the White Marlin Open have webcams on OceanCity.com. These webcams show you the view so if you can't be here in person to join us for refreshments, then you can still enjoy the same view from their live webcams in Ocean City, Maryland. If you want to see the crowds you might encounter and you want to see what Harbour Island looks like from the air, check out this video.
Frequently asked questions
White Marlin Open
What is the White Marlin Open?
It’s the world’s largest and richest billfish tournament. Anglers from around the globe compete to catch white marlin, blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, and dolphin fish (mahi-mahi).When is the White Marlin Open?
Typically the first full week of August in Ocean City, Maryland. The tournament has moved to a six-day format, giving boats more flexibility around weather and offshore conditions. For 2026, the White Marlin Open runs from August 3 - August 8th, 2026.
What are the Best Places to Stay during the White Marlin Open?
f you are coming from out of town, book early. Tournament week is popular with anglers, families, and spectators, and hotels can fill up fast.
Staying near the Boardwalk, downtown Ocean City, or the bay can make it easier to get to the Inlet, Harbour Island (at 14th St.) , restaurants, and nightlife.
If you want a quieter stay, midtown and uptown hotels can be good options, but expect traffic during peak times.
Book well in advance, as hotels and rentals tend to fill up quickly during the White Marlin Open. You can find Ocean City hotels here. You can search for availability and rates here: https://hotels.oceancity.com/ If you can’t find a hotel in Ocean City, you might try Salisbury.
How can I watch the weigh-ins?
The official weigh-ins are held at Harbour Island Marina, a private gated community at 14th Street and the bay in Ocean City, Maryland. This is where spectators gather to watch boats return, see the fish come to the scales, and follow the leaderboard. Weigh-ins are typically from 4:00 PM to 9:15 PM and are free and open to the public.
The weigh-ins are one of the most exciting parts of the week. Even if you know nothing about fishing, it is easy to get caught up in the energy when a big fish arrives and the crowd starts buzzing.
You can also watch the weigh-ins on the live screen at Marlin Fest in the inlet parking lot.
Are there any articles I can read to learn more about the WMO?
Yes, absolutely. Katie Ruskey has come up with several articles to educate readers about the WMO. Here are just a few for 2026:
All White Marlin Open articles are linked from the White Marlin Open Guide.
Can I participate in the tournament as an angler?
Yes, but there’s a registration fee and limited space. Registration details are usually available on the White Marlin Open’s official website.What are the prizes?
The prize money varies depending on the number of boats entered and the categories won. The purse can reach millions of dollars. For 2026, the purse is $9.9 Million!
Are there any other events during the White Marlin Open?
Yes, there are often associated events like the Marlin Fest at the Inlet, which features vendors, live music, and food.Where can I find more information about the tournament?
OceanCity.com will have lots of great original content on the tournament throughout the week. In addition, the official website (whitemarlinopen.com) is the best source for up-to-date information.
Is there parking available near the weigh-in location?
Parking can be limited, especially during peak weigh-in times. Consider alternative transportation options like the Ocean City bus system. There is parking at the Ocean City Convention Center and the Town of Ocean City frequently runs shuttles from there to Harbour Island.What should I bring to the weigh-ins?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. It can get hot and sunny on the docks. Also, bring your camera or phone to capture the action. You can bring water – but you may also be able to buy water from entrepreneurial vendors. As usual, bring money if you want to buy an iconic White Marlin Open t-shirt or other cool stuff from vendors.
Can I bring my pet to Ocean City and watch the White Marlin Open on the Big Screen?
We have gotten this question and there is no sanctioned area. However, if you have a leashed pet, you will not be turned away from the Marlin Fest area at the Inlet.What are the 5 best ways to Experience the White Marlin Open?
1. Watch the Weigh-Ins
If you only do one thing during White Marlin Open week, go to the weigh-ins. Arrive early if you want a good spot, especially later in the week when the competition gets tighter and the crowds grow.Bring patience, comfortable shoes, and a camera. The atmosphere is part fishing tournament, part summer festival, and part Ocean City tradition.
2. Visit Marlin Fest
Marlin Fest gives visitors another way to enjoy the tournament without fighting the biggest crowds at the marina. Held on the beach at the Ocean City Inlet, Marlin Fest includes live music, food and drinks, vendors, merchandise, and a livestream of the White Marlin Open weigh-ins.For 2026, Marlin Fest runs August 3–8 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
This is a great option for families, groups, and anyone who wants the White Marlin Open atmosphere with a beach setting.
3. Watch the Boats Head Out
Early risers can catch one of the most beautiful sights of tournament week: boats heading offshore before sunrise. The Ocean City Inlet is a favorite place to watch the fleet leave. The Wedge should be open to get coffee and breakfast.
It is quiet, dramatic, and very Ocean City.
4. Follow the Leaderboard
The leaderboard can change quickly. A fish that looks like the winner early in the week may get knocked out of the top spot days later. Keep checking updates throughout the week, especially near the final weigh-ins.
5. Make Dinner Plans Early
White Marlin Open week is one of the busiest weeks of the summer. Restaurants, bars, hotels, and waterfront spots fill quickly. If you want dinner after the weigh-ins or a table near the water, plan ahead.
You can check out your restaurant options here: https://oceancity.com/restaurants-and-bars
What are some Tips for First-Time Spectators at the White Marlin Open?
If this is your first White Marlin Open, here are a few things to know:
The biggest crowds usually build later in the week.
The weigh-ins can get hot, so dress for summer weather.
Parking can be limited near major viewing areas.
Marlin Fest is a great family-friendly alternative.
You do not need to know fishing to enjoy the event.
Bring your phone or camera — big fish, big boats, and big reactions make great photos.
Make restaurant reservations where possible.
From the blog
Where to stay
Walk to the inlet from these nearby properties.
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