The Storied History of the Ocean City Marlin Club

Origins in a Storm

When a strong nor'easter carved a new inlet at Ocean City's southernmost point in 1933, the story of the Ocean City Marlin Club was born. The coastline was permanently altered by this natural occurrence, giving local captains direct access to billfish-rich offshore canyons.

In order to investigate these waters, early captains such as Frank Parsons and brothers Jack and Paul Townsend soon made their way through the inlet. To safeguard the area's expanding white marlin fishery, the Townsends even established a Game Fish Association in 1934. These early initiatives were replaced by the Ocean City Marlin Club's official founding in 1936. The club is dedicated to sportfishing, friendship, and conservation.

Ocean City: The “White Marlin Capital”

Meticulous records were maintained from the beginning. The Club recorded 175 offshore white marlin in 1936. That figure soared to 1,343 just three years later, making Ocean City the "White Marlin Capital of the World."

On July 29, 1939, 171 white marlin were landed in a single day, making it a legendary day. In addition to solidifying Ocean City's standing, these landmarks accelerated the development of piers, marinas, and sportfishing facilities along the waterfront.

Growth, Conservation, and the White Marlin Open

Even larger catches were made in the years following World War II, with seasonal totals frequently surpassing 2,000 marlin in the 1960s and 1970s. The inaugural White Marlin Open took place in 1974 and has grown to become one of the most prominent sportfishing competitions in the world, drawing anglers and offering prize pools in the millions.

The Club never lost sight of its conservation roots as it grew. The sustainability of the fishery for future generations was guaranteed by the adoption of catch-and-release methods, thorough fish counts, and environmental stewardship as guiding principles.

From Talbot Street to West Ocean City

The Club’s early home was Talbot Street Pier, a hub of activity for the fledgling sportfishing community. It was later relocated to the Ocean City Fishing Center before settling into its current home in West Ocean City.

Today’s clubhouse is a 5,200-square-foot facility with sweeping views of the inlet, Assateague Island, and the Atlantic. With a banquet hall, fireplaces, bar, and a seafood-inspired menu, it serves as both a gathering place and a monument to Ocean City’s sportfishing heritage.

Leaders Who Shaped the Legacy

The Club’s story is also the story of the people who guided it:

A Heritage of Sport, Stewardship, and Community

From its storm-born origins to its current status as a pillar of Ocean City's sportfishing culture, the Ocean City Marlin Club has never wavered from its goal of combining a love of the ocean with resource stewardship. It has seen the evolution of Ocean City, from modest charter boats to opulent fleets, from world-class tournaments to record-breaking marlin days. However, the Club's core values have always been community, preservation, and the timeless coastal way of life.

Tied to the Coastal Lifestyle Today

For many, the Ocean City Marlin Club embodies the essence of life by the water and is more than just a place to go fishing. The Club's history is ingrained in Ocean City's identity, whether you're a local who values the waterfront community, a visitor taking in the White Marlin Open, or an angler pursuing billfish.

Additionally, The Windrow Group works to preserve and spread that same spirit of tradition and lifestyle to today's buyers and homeowners. From contemporary coastal communities to historic fishing towns, The Windrow Group is aware that beach life is about more than just owning real estate; it's about being a part of a legacy.