Michael Jordan is an expert in triumphant comebacks. More than two decades after leaving the NBA, his competitive spirit is back. But this time, not on the basketball courts, but out at sea. After sailing along half of Europe’s coast aboard his sport fishing boat, Catch 23, Jordan is heading back home.
His journey across Europe last summer took him from Croatia to Italy. Now, he has confirmed his return to Maryland in August. The reason? To participate in the 52nd White Marlin Open, which will take place from August 4 to 8, 2025.
He’s in the big leagues of sport fishing
According to a report by Essentiallysports, Michael Jordan is returning to sport fishing competitions after a major R&R, during which he earned an eight-figure prize. However, it’s unlikely he will appear aboard the Catch 23.
The White Marlin Open in Ocean City will feature over 300 boats, 3,000 participants, and an impressive prize for the #1 crew: $8.59 million. There is also an individual prize of $3.7 million.
Michael Jordan and his crew caught a 442-pound marlin during a fishing tournament 🎣
(via @KWOnAir)pic.twitter.com/gnNGkwQ7rD— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 9, 2020
In the 2024 White Marlin Open, the Catch 23 tied for third place with another boat, so it missed out on the $8.5 million grand prize in the marlin category. However, it still took home $64,594.09, thanks to angler Patrick Fields, who caught the winning Mahi, weighing 32.5 pounds.
Last year, Michael Jordan upgraded the Catch 23, transforming it from a fully customized yacht into a Bayliss with an elephant-themed wrap. It’s one of the luxury transports of the 6-time NBA champion. Will he invest even more into it this year for the White Marlin Open? That’s what many of his fans are wondering.
