Michael Jordan Catches Humongous Blue Marlin In Fishing Tournament

• Basketball legend Michael Jordan caught a 442.3-pound blue marlin in a fishing tournament in Morehead, North Carolina.
• He joined the fishing competition together with his Catch 23 boat team.

Michael Jordan just conquered another element: water. The NBA icon impressed fishing enthusiasts across the world when he caught a 442.3-pound blue marlin in an ongoing fishing tournament.

The 62nd Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament was held in his hometown in Morehead City, North Carolina. The 6-day fishing tournament offered a total of $3.3-million pot money for the three winners. In addition, the team to catch the largest fish get to take home a $1.1million prize.

Jordan and his Catch 23 boat team went back bringing a humongous blue marlin for weighing. The owner of the Charlotte Hornets was all smiles when he brought a 442.3lbs blue marlin to the shore.

“For Michael Jordan to be in our same air space is exciting and thrilling enough. But for him to land a fish at out tournament and bring it in is thrilling for the entire town,” said the tournament’s executive director Crystla Hesmer.

Michael Jordan, the fisherman

According to the Chicago Bulls star, he has been enjoying spending time fishing.

Jordan also previously participated in a blue marlin tournament outside of North Carolina, although this is the first time he joined in the state where he grew up.

“It’s been a while since I have been to Morehead city. It’s always great to be able to come back and see some friends,” Jordan also said.

The 442.3 pounder blue marlin was the 6th largest fish caught so far in the 6-day fishing tournament.

Prior to that, Jordan’s 80ft fishing boat and his team had been in 5th place. However, a boat came in after Jordan and brought back a 450lbs blue marlin. The leading marlin, on the other hand, weighed in at 494.2lbs.

Jordan’s fish was not big enough to make it to top three. However, he and his crew still have two more days to catch a bigger one.

“I would love to be back with a little bit bigger fish,” Jordan said in a video interview posted in The Big Rock Tournament Facebook page.

The Big Rock Tournament

The 6-day tournament started in 1957 joined by 205 boats from around the world. The Big Rock Tournament is a non-profit fishing tournament donating over $5-million dollars to charity.

In its official website, Big Rock shared that their mission is to represent the sport-fishing community and to generate funds for various charities and organizations.

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The top three largest blue marlins can take home $1.1-million each. Aside from that, there is also a $550,000 prize for the first boat to return off shore and catch a 500 pound blue marlin.