If history is proof, His Airness is not going to let a defeat pass. Over two decades after walking off the court, Michael Jordan’s competitive spirit now dominates the high seas. Now the owner of Catch 23, a custom built sportsfishing yacht, MJ is not one to skip out on a contest. He doesn’t have to be the one wrangling either. Catch 23 has had its highs and lows, and each time Jordan has returned to the docks between NASCAR races and golf days to back his team.
After coasting half of the European shoreline this past summer – from Croatia to Italy and with a massive Jordan Brand takeover of Greece in between – MJ’s homecoming is extra special. His return to Maryland is official for August 2025. The purpose – redemption.
The 52nd White Marlin Open will begin on August 4 through 8, 2025 at the Harbour Island Marina. Jordan’s attendance is confirmed although it’s unlikely he’ll be onboard the Catch 23. He’s returning for another week of high stakes angling after some major R&R for a massive eight figure prize.
When the White Marlin Open kickstarted in Ocean City – the white marlin capital of the world – in 1974, there were 57 boats, a $20,000 cash prize, and fierce competition. Over five decades later, with the surge in angling, the event now features over 300 boats, 3000 participants, and a staggering $8.59 million to be won by the #1 crew. There’s even an individual $3.7 million prize.
Michael Jordan visit Croatia NBA legend Michael Jordan is seen in Skradin, a small town near Krka National Park in Croatia, on June 25, 2025. Jordan is enjoying a visit to Croatia with his wife Yvette Prieto, daughters Victoria and Ysabel and mother Deloris Jordan. Their presence in Skradin attracted significant attention from both locals and tourists, many of whom recognized the famous athlete as he explored the picturesque Dalmatian town. Michael Jordan arrive in Croatia with a superyacht called M Brace, worth around $115 million. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxCROxBIHxSRBxMNExSLO DuskoxJaramaz/PIXSELL
Every year, the White Marlin Open draws massive crowds to Ocean City for the various sideshows too. But it’s not the entertainment or the money that Jordan is coming for.
Michael Jordan is the big fish of the season
Michael Jordan almost never misses angling season at the various venues. If Catch 23 is docked at a port, chances are its owner is attending. He did so in the 2024 White Marlin Open too (and also 2021). His 82-foot Bayliss yacht often competes in the dolphin category.
We’re less than TWO WEEKS out from the 52nd White Marlin Open!
The world-renowned tournament returns August 4-8. Catch the action with weigh ins at Harbor Island Marina and tons of fun happening at Marlin Fest in the Inlet.
Will we see you there?!#ocmd #150YearsofOCMD pic.twitter.com/wLi3ZLdWf7
— Ocean City, Maryland (@OCMaryland) July 23, 2025
Unfortunately Catch 23 fell short of the $8.5 million grand prize. In the billfish category, it tied with another vessel for third place with 770 points. Jordan’s boat only won $64,594.09 thanks to angler Patrick Fields who caught the winning 32.5 pound Mahi.
As the 6x NBA champion is known for, he always returns bigger and better. In 2024, Jordan also upgraded the Catch 23. Previously, it was an 80 foot custom yacht from Viking often seen in the Carolinas in the offseason. It was a whopping $8 million, almost as much as the White Marlin Open prize, complete with two full galleys, an electronic lift, a wet bar, sleeping accomodations for 10 guests, a top speed of 40 knots and a 60 inch flatscreen TV.
He’s since shifted to a Bayliss yacht with an elephant wrap that’s almost on every one of his luxury transportations including his Gulfstream private jet. This one’s worth a cool $15 million.
He’s probably anticipating a return on that investment. We’d have to wait for the White Marlin Open to kick off to see if that happens.
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