On July 10–13, 2025, the 38th annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament at the Ocean City Fishing Center in Maryland drew over 100 boats competing for a record-breaking prize pool exceeding $1 million. Known as the world’s largest tuna tournament, the event crowned winners in categories like heaviest fish, heaviest stringer, mahi, wahoo, lady angler, and junior angler. Alongside the tournament, exceptional flounder fishing in Ocean City waters produced a remarkable 10-pound catch, highlighting the area’s rich fishery.
Heaviest Fish and Stringer Winners
The Following Seas took first in the heaviest fish category with a 230-pound bigeye tuna, earning $411,335. Elizabeth Ann followed with a 216.5-pound bluefin, securing $184,910, while Something Simple claimed third with a 175.5-pound bigeye for $61,500. In the heaviest stringer category, Fly N’ Fish led with 408 pounds, winning $357,460. Elizabeth Ann earned second with 397.5 pounds, also collecting $184,910, and Sushi took third with 374 pounds for $58,430.
Additional Category Results
In the mahi category, Hopper won with a 27-pound fish, earning $55,200. The wahoo category saw Leslie Ann take first with a 45-pound catch, securing $178,120. For lady anglers, Amarula Sun led with a 46-pound fish, followed by Tidal Search (43.5 pounds) and Take Em (41.5 pounds). Junior anglers shone with Something Special topping the category with a 175.5-pound catch, followed by Absolut Pleasure (51.5 pounds), Godzilla (42 pounds), and Dirty Money (38 pounds).
Standout Flounder Catch
Away from the Ocean City Tuna Tournament, flounder fishing thrived. Tracey Drocella landed a 32-inch, 10-pound flounder at the OC Elementary Reef while fishing with her husband, Steve. Weighed at Bahia Marina, this “doormat” was a highlight of the season. Captain Kane Bounds of Fish Bound also reported success, guiding anglers to a limit of flounder up to 7.5 pounds and notable mahi catches, showcasing Ocean City’s productive inshore waters.
Tournament Atmosphere
Hosted at the Ocean City Fishing Center, the Ocean City Tuna Tournament offered a festive atmosphere with live music, dining at Micky Fins Bar & Grill, and vendor displays of boats, tackle, and jewelry. Daily weigh-ins drew crowds, creating excitement as anglers competed for substantial cash prizes. The event’s scale and entertainment options solidified Ocean City’s reputation as a top fishing destination.
Local Fishing Context
Ocean City’s back bay and reef areas, like the OC Elementary Reef, are renowned for flounder fishing. The 10-pound flounder caught by Drocella ranks among the largest in recent years. Other captains, including Jason Mumford of Lucky Break, reported keeper flounders of 19 and 21.5 inches, while Shawn “Nature Boy” Flaherty achieved a limit of flounder in the back bay, underscoring the area’s robust inshore fishing.
Future Outlook
The 2025 Ocean City Tuna Tournament’s success paves the way for upcoming events like the White Marlin Open and Bahia Marina Flounder Pounder, part of Ocean City’s packed 2025 fishing schedule. These tournaments continue to draw anglers and tourists, boosting the local economy and celebrating the region’s fishing heritage.
