The White Marlin Open, or maybe better known nationally as the “World’s Largest Billfish Tournament”, begins August 7th and it's exciting for everyone, whether you are fishing in the tournament or a spectator following the weigh-ins. This year will mark the 44th Annual tournament in Ocean City and will take place from August 7-11. Last summer’s tournament registered 328 boats that caught over 1,300 white marlin. This year’s event is expecting even more, to fit in perfectly with the tournament’s tagline: Records are meant to be broken!
Official weigh-ins are located at Harbour Island on 14th St. and the bay, from 4-9:15pm. Since the weigh-ins are free of charge and open to the public, be sure to expect crowds each day!
As far as transportation goes, there is no parking available at Harbour Island, but there is ample parking within walking distance. The Presbyterian Church on 14th Street, just a block from the weigh-ins, offers parking for a small donation. Parking is also available at Holy Savior Church on 17th Street. If you’re looking to avoid driving downtown altogether, there will be a “Park and Ride Shuttle Service” offered from the Convention Center parking lot on 40th St.
During this happening time in a happening place, make the most of your visit downtown at some of Ocean City’s best restaurants near the excitement. We’ve found some great happy hours and specials for you to check out! We’ve also got some Explore OC exclusive Super Deals hand-selected to enhance your White Marlin Open vacation experience!
Happy Hours/Specials
A family-owned restaurant on 23rd street that brings both vacationers and locals some of the best steamed Maryland blue crabs, shrimp, clams, and crab cakes on the shore. Their Raw Bar has a rotating oyster selection with everything from Chincoteague’s to Blue Points. Their happy hour consists of...
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$5 Crushes
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$3 Domestic Drafts
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$3.50 Rails
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1/2 Price Wine by the Glass
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Discounted Food Menu
14th street and the Bay… sound familiar? The Reel Inn is right in the heart of the White Marlin Open Weigh-ins! Their happy hour, from 2-6pm daily, includes...
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$5 Orange Crush
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$3.75 Rail Drinks
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$2 Domestic Beers
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$3.25 Michelob Ultra & Yuengling
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$3.50 Corona & Corona Light
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Reel Steamed Shrimp 8 for $7.50
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Old Bay & Buffalo Wings 6 for $5, 12 for $12
With 22 Beers on Draft, beer is one of the biggest attractions at the 9th Street Taphouse Bar and Grille. With unique foods, a great staff, and an ideal location right off of the Ocean City boardwalk, they offer happy hour specials from 3-6pm daily, including...
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$3 Domestic
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$4 Twisted Tea
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$5 Crushes
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$6 Hoop Tea
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$2 Natty Boh
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$2.25 Natural Light Cans
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$4 Assawoman Bay Drafts
Although The Angler is about 14 blocks away, their business thrives during the White Marlin Open! Daily from 3-6pm, The Angler’s bar features happy hour drink specials including...
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$1.50 Natural Light (All Day Everyday)
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$2.00 Domestic Cans
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$2.50 Landshark & Bud Light Drafts
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$3.00 Rails
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$4.00 House Wines
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$5.00 Goombay Smash
As well as food specials including...
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$.75 Wings
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$.75 Clams
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$1.00 Oysters
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$5.99 1/2 lb. Steamed Shrimp
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$5.00 Grouper Fingers
The Angler also welcomes dogs on their outside deck, offering specials for their customers’ four-legged friends! A Weiner Dog (plain hot dog) for $3, Quarter Hounder (plain hamburger patty) for $5, or a Bow Wow Chicken (plain grilled chicken breast) for $5. All items served chopped up into bite size pieces.
A little farther away from the action of the White Marlin Open, located in West OC, Harborside draws in endless crowds. Home to the freshly squeezed Orange Crush, Harborside offers happy hour specials Monday-Friday from 4-7pm consisting of...
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$2 Domestic Bottles & 16oz. Drafts
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$2 Tecate & Tecate Light Cans
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$2 Rail Drinks
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$5.50 Orange Crush
The Cluckin’ Crab 2 for 1 Drinks
Explore this brand new restaurant on 15th St. to find flavorful appetizers, tacos, seafood platters, and all-you-can-eat servings of fried chicken, ribs, steamed shrimp, or crabs. While you’re there, enjoy their 2 for 1 drinks from noon-5pm (bar only), this week of the White Marlin Open only! 20% off any appetizer (bar only) during this time, too!
Super Deals!
Happy Hours aren’t the only specials going on during the White Marlin Open!
Free Small Bucket of Thrashers
Who doesn’t love a bucket of the one-and-only Thrashers french fries? It’s an Ocean City tradition! Valid at Inlet, 2nd St. and 8th St. locations in Ocean City.
Free Crab Dip at Sunset Grille
From 3-6m, when you purchase an entree, you will receive a free appetizer of their delicious Crab Dip.
$5 Off a Monsterita at Guido's Burritos
At the location on the boardwalk, get $5 off Guido’s 62 oz. Margarita!
Half Price Breakfast at Pit and Pub 28th
Buy one breakfast entree or sandwich, receive the second half off!
To find more super deals like these, and get the most for your money during your vacation, check out our full list of deals here!
Additional Restaurants to Check Out Nearby
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Phillips Crab House (20th St.)
Voted the Best Seafood in the “Best of Ocean City 2015,” check out Phillips’ breakfast and dinner buffets.
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OC Wasabi Express (16th St.)
In the mood for sushi, kimchi, or bubble tea? OC Wasabi is the place to go!
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Captain’s Table (15th St.)
Visit Captain’s Table for a modern dining experience that has been perfected over the past 55 years. Make sure to try their delicious stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer.
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Hammerheads Bar and Grille (10th St.)
Stop into Hammerheads on the boardwalk for a seafood steampot, or a mouthwatering specialty drink like the shark tank or the rum punch bucket!
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Backshore Brewing Company (10th St.)
Check out this hidden treasure on the boardwalk where they brew their beers on the premises. Their unique beer flights and fresh foods are within walking distance from the WMO.
Who’s Streaming Live?
If you, your family and friends are unable to attend the White Marlin Open this year, or if you’d prefer to watch from home, tune in to a livestream of the weigh-ins online courtesy of De Lazy Lizard!
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