Fresh off a triumphant showing at the White Marlin Open, basketball legend Michael Jordan is back in Ocean City, Maryland, to try his hand at another of the area’s premier fishing events, the MidAtlantic Tournament. Jordan and his crew aboard the “Catch 23” are hoping to build on their recent success as they compete in a new field of elite anglers.
Earlier this month, Jordan’s team secured a memorable second-place finish in the 2025 White Marlin Open. The team’s angler, Trey “Cricket” McMillan, reeled in a 71-pound white marlin, just a single pound shy of the winning fish (caught by longtime Montgomery County resident Dan Gough). The impressive catch netted the crew a substantial prize of over $385,000 and was a major highlight of the tournament’s final days. Jordan himself was spotted at the scales, posing for photos with his team and delighting the crowds that had gathered to see the legendary athlete.
Jordan’s frequent participation in Ocean City’s major fishing tournaments has become a tradition, with his private jet’s arrival at the Salisbury Regional Airport signaling the start of the competition for many local fans. His presence brings national and international attention to the events and the “White Marlin Capital of the World,” highlighting the serious and highly competitive nature of the sport.
The MidAtlantic Tournament, which runs from August 18-23, is a five-day, two-port event with weigh-ins in both Ocean City, MD and Cape May, New Jersey. The tournament is known for its high stakes and intense competition, drawing some of the best fishing teams on the East Coast. Jordan and the “Catch 23” team have had success at this tournament before, including a first-place finish in the white marlin category in 2022 and a third-place finish in 2023.
