A Montgomery County resident caught a marlin for a record-breaking $6.2 million prize during the annual White Marlin Open in Ocean City.
John Ols, of Laytonsville, weighed a 640.5-pound blue marlin he caught Friday as part of the “Floor Reel,” according to the tournament website.
The $6.2 million prize sets a new world record breaking the previous record of $4.45 million, which was won last year for a 77.5-pound white marlin.
The blue marlin measured at 118 inches and was the only qualifying billfish.
Friday was the last day of the 50th White Marlin Open.
NBA icon Michael Jordan came to Ocean City to compete in the tournament. His catch may have been among the 551 white marlin and 46 blue marlin caught during the competition.
In case this fish tale proves intriguing here’s more about marlins, courtesy NOAA Fisheries: “Blue marlin may grow to be more than 12 feet long and may weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Female blue marlin grow larger than males and may live 20 years. Male blue marlin reach 7 feet in length and may live up to 10 years. They grow fast and may reach 3 to 6 feet in the first 1 to 2 years of life.”
Photo via White Marlin Open website.
