Michael Jordan’s “Catch 23” Nets $400K at White Marlin Open with 71-Pound Fish
By Christian Arnold | August 10, 2025
Michael Jordan is no stranger to winning, whether it be on the basketball court or in his ventures beyond the game. This past weekend, the six-time NBA champion added another chapter to his eclectic legacy—not with a basketball in hand, but aboard his luxury fishing yacht, Catch 23.
At the 52nd annual White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Maryland, the most prestigious deep-sea fishing competition in the world, Jordan’s boat secured second place and a $400,000 prize after angler Trey “Cricket” McMillan reeled in a 71-pound white marlin on the sixth day of the tournament.
The White Marlin Open, often dubbed “the Super Bowl of fishing,” attracts hundreds of boats, millions in prize money, and some of the best anglers on the planet. This year, it also drew the attention of fans and spectators eager to catch a glimpse of Jordan, whose competitive fire continues to burn brightly, even in retirement.
A Legendary Entrance
Jordan made sure his arrival matched his reputation. When the Catch 23 returned to the Ocean City harbor with the prized marlin on board, the iconic Chicago Bulls’ entrance song “Sirius” by The Alan Parsons Project blasted over the loudspeakers. The crowd erupted, recognizing instantly the soundtrack synonymous with Jordan’s dominance in the NBA during the 1990s.
Standing tall among his crew, Jordan looked every bit the proud captain. Though McMillan was the angler who caught the fish, the collective effort of the crew and the thrill of competition mirrored the team-first mentality that made Jordan a legend in basketball.
“When we heard the number on the scale, the boat just erupted,” one crew member said. “It felt like hitting a buzzer-beater in the playoffs. Everyone knew we had a shot at the top.”
Narrowly Missing First
Despite the celebration, Catch 23 fell just short of the ultimate prize. Angler Dan Gough aboard the Billfisher edged them out by a single pound, catching a 72-pound white marlin that earned his team the staggering $4.27 million first-place prize.
For Jordan, however, second place was hardly a disappointment. The $400,000 purse was substantial, and more importantly, his crew’s success proved that they belonged among the elite competitors in a tournament known for its difficulty and prestige.
“This is the biggest fishing event in the world,” said veteran competitor Jimmy David. “It’s like the Super Bowl. You’ve got the best captains, the best boats, the biggest names. And when you’ve got Michael Jordan out here? It just adds to the spectacle.”
Social Media Buzz
As soon as Jordan’s boat docked, images and videos of the NBA legend spread across social media. One picture captured him standing proudly with his crew, smiling alongside the massive marlin. Another showed Jordan seated aboard Catch 23, while a reflection in the boat’s window revealed a crowd of onlookers craning for a better view of the superstar.
For locals and tourists alike, the chance to see Jordan in such an intimate, down-to-earth setting was surreal. “It’s not every day you see the greatest basketball player of all time hanging out in Ocean City,” one fan said. “And then to see him win? That’s a story you tell forever.”
Weather Delays and Dramatic Final Day
This year’s tournament faced weather challenges, forcing organizers to extend fishing to both Saturday and Sunday. Out of 282 boats registered, 211 took advantage of the final day, creating one of the most dramatic finishes in White Marlin Open history.
The packed harbor was electric as weigh-ins unfolded, each fish potentially altering the leaderboard. For Catch 23, the suspense peaked when McMillan’s marlin tipped the scales at 71 pounds, temporarily catapulting Jordan’s team into contention for the top prize.
“It was edge-of-your-seat stuff,” said one spectator. “You could feel the tension with every fish that came in. It felt like a playoff game.”
Jordan’s Love for Fishing
While many still associate Jordan solely with basketball, fishing has long been one of his passions. The Catch 23, a 80-foot Viking sportfishing yacht, is a reflection of his dedication to the sport. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and manned by an experienced crew, the boat is both a luxury vessel and a competitive weapon in tournaments.
Jordan has participated in several fishing events before, but the White Marlin Open is the crown jewel. Winning—or even placing—here is a mark of excellence. His presence not only elevated the tournament’s visibility but also highlighted his relentless pursuit of competition in every arena.
“He’s always been about winning,” a close friend of Jordan’s explained. “It doesn’t matter if it’s cards, golf, or fishing. If there’s a scoreboard, Michael wants to be at the top of it.”
A Community Celebration
Ocean City thrives on the annual White Marlin Open, which brings in millions in tourism revenue and cements the town’s reputation as the sportfishing capital of the East Coast. For the community, having Michael Jordan participate added an extra layer of excitement.
Restaurants, bars, and shops were buzzing all week with stories of Jordan sightings. His involvement not only boosted attendance but also drew national media coverage, giving local businesses a rare spotlight.
“Having MJ here is priceless,” said one local business owner. “This event already puts Ocean City on the map, but he brings global attention. People came just to see him, even if they didn’t know anything about fishing.”
The Super Bowl of Fishing
The White Marlin Open has earned its reputation as the world’s largest and richest billfishing tournament. Over its 52-year history, it has distributed hundreds of millions in prize money and attracted competitors from across the globe.
The tournament’s prestige lies not just in its payouts, but in the level of competition. The best captains, anglers, and crews converge each August, hoping to land the elusive “winning fish.” For participants, even making it onto the leaderboard is a badge of honor.
“This is the place to prove yourself,” said David. “Everyone wants to win the White Marlin Open. And now Jordan’s team showed they can hang with the best.”
Looking Ahead
Though Jordan and the Catch 23 crew walked away with second place, their strong showing has already sparked speculation about future tournaments. Will Jordan return next year for another shot at first? Given his competitive nature, few doubt he will.
For Jordan, fishing represents more than just a hobby—it’s another outlet for his insatiable drive. Whether in basketball, business, or sportfishing, he continues to chase excellence. And as this weekend proved, the world still loves to watch him do it.
Legacy Beyond Basketball
Michael Jordan’s basketball career will always define him: six championships, five MVPs, two Olympic gold medals, and a legacy that transformed the NBA. Yet, moments like this remind fans that Jordan’s story extends far beyond the court.
From ownership of the Charlotte Hornets (now Hornets Basketball Holdings) to his Jordan Brand empire, and now his pursuits in fishing, Jordan embodies the idea that greatness is not confined to one arena.
As he stood on the dock in Ocean City, surrounded by teammates, fans, and the weight of a 71-pound marlin, the image was strikingly familiar: the champion basking in the thrill of competition.
Conclusion
Michael Jordan’s Catch 23 may not have landed the top prize at the White Marlin Open, but the $400,000 second-place finish was another testament to his enduring spirit. In an event hailed as the “Super Bowl of fishing,” Jordan once again proved why his name is synonymous with greatness.
Whether reeling in a championship trophy or a record-setting marlin, one truth remains: Michael Jordan was born to compete—and more often than not, to win.
