Angler from Ocean City clinches victory and $3.9 million prize at 2025 White Marlin Open tournament.
The 2025 edition of the White Marlin Open, a prestigious fishing tournament held annually in Ocean City, Maryland, has come to a thrilling conclusion. This year's event, which has been attracting hundreds of boats and elite anglers, has been marked by fierce competition and significant cash prizes.
The winner of the 2025 tournament is none other than Dan Gough, a longtime Montgomery County resident who now calls Ocean City home. Gough's winning catch was a 72-pound white marlin, the heaviest in that category for the event, earning him the top prize and a $3.9 million payout. This victory adds to the tournament's prestigious list of champions and exemplifies a lifetime passion for fishing turned monumental accomplishment.
Gough's success comes after a close battle with Jordan's team, who finished second with a 71-pound marlin, reportedly worth about $400,000. The Billfisher, Gough's boat, out-fished NBA legend Michael Jordan's boat, Catch 23, in the tournament. Gough has been participating in the White Marlin Open for 36 years and expressed enthusiasm about his win, stating, "I've been fishing this tournament for 36 years - and to finally win it, it's just incredible."
The White Marlin Open, founded in 1974, has evolved from a small local event into the world’s largest billfish tournament, emphasizing conservation through catch-and-release practices while allowing qualified fish to be weighed. It significantly boosts the local economy, attracting thousands of anglers and spectators, with proceeds supporting scholarships and community programs via the White Marlin Open Foundation.
The tournament highlights Ocean City's reputation as the "White Marlin Capital of the World" due to its prime offshore fishing grounds. It is a significant contributor to big business in the area, with over $10.5 million in total prizes awarded in 2025, reinforcing its status as a major economic and sporting highlight.
Gough expressed gratitude towards the Duffy family and the Montgomery County family, acknowledging the support that helped him achieve this monumental win. As the tournament continues, with a 929.5-pound blue marlin currently leading, the excitement and anticipation for next year's event are already building.
Sports and fishing intertwined as Dan Gough, a seasoned angler from Montgomery County, emerged victorious in the prestigious 2025 White Marlin Open, a renowned sporting event held in Ocean City, Maryland. His winning catch of a 72-pound white marlin, the heaviest in its category, landed him a $3.9 million payout.
