OCEAN CITY, Md. - The 45th Annual White Marlin Open kicked off Monday morning in Ocean City. Warm and sunny weather drew many boats onto the water in hopes of taking home a piece of about $5.4 million in prize money.
"It's going to be beautiful weather today. That's what we're most looking forward to, having a real nice day to get out and fish. Get the first day going," said Stephen Wagner of Severna Park, Md. who is competing.
His boat was one of many that set off before sunrise at Harbour Island.
More than 380 boats are registered for this year's White Marlin Open. According to the White Marlin website as of 10 a.m., 319 boats are fishing Monday.
While the focus of the tournament is on catching the winning white marlin, prize money is also awarded for catches of blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, dolphin, and shark.
"We try to keep the money side of it out of it and focus on fishing, but when you see that number it definitely helps," said Wagner.
The White Marlin Open wraps up on Friday in Ocean City. Boaters choose three of the five days to fish.
Weigh-ins take place daily at 4 p.m. at Harbour Island.
