Ocean City in Worcester County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

"The White Marlin Capital of the World"

Ocean City, Maryland

Photographed By Don Morfe, May 30, 2013

1. "The White Marlin Capital of the World" Marker

This marker is in the case on the left side.

Inscription. Ocean City, Maryland has long been known as the “The White Marlin Capital of the World.” Of all the thousands of white marlin caught off the Maryland coast, the one encased here is the largest. The Maryland state record white weighed 135 pounds and was caught on August 29, 1980. To give you an idea of just how large this fish is, an average white marlin probably weighs just 45 to 50 pounds. Capt. Charles Kratz, Angler George Pierson and Mate John Ingram caught the record white on his boat “Five Cs” during the Ocean City Marlin Club Tournament that year. All three men were members of the Marlin Club.

The fish featured here is the original “skin mount”, donated by Capt. Charles Kratz so that visitors and residents of Ocean City could enjoy this “historic” White Marlin for years to come. In 1980 taxidermists utilized the actual skin of the marlin, which was cured, then hand painted after being put on a mold of the original fish. Today well over 90 percent of White Marlin are released to fight another day. If an angler wants a “mount”, they can either measure or estimate the length of the fish and a taxidermist makes a fiberglass replica. This process helps preserve the great White Marlin for future generations to enjoy.
Charles E. Kratz, WWII, VFW Veteran.

Topics. This

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historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1980.

Location. 38° 19.533′ N, 75° 5.267′ W. Marker is in Ocean City, Maryland, in Worcester County. Marker is on South 2nd Street. This marker is on the Boardwalk near the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ocean City MD 21842, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. British Manufactured Cannon (here, next to this marker); Anchor from the Sailboat Wreck (here, next to this marker); Largest Fish (a few steps from this marker); Treasures From The Past (within shouting distance of this marker); Beach to Bay Indian Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Island on the Move (within shouting distance of this marker); Boardwalk Construction 2000 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Blue Crab (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ocean City.

Photographed By Don Morfe, May 30, 2013

2. "The White Marlin Capital of the World" Marker

This marker is in the case on the right side.

Photographed By Don Morfe, May 30, 2013

3. "The White Marlin Capital of the World" Marker

This is photo of the case showing the markers and the record catch White Marlin.

Photographed By Don Morfe, May 30, 2013

4. "The White Marlin Capital of the World" Marker

This is a distant shot showing the case with the White Marlin in it.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 654 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 7, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.