Severna Park Man May Have Hooked A Million Dollar Fish

OCEAN CITY, Md. (WJZ) -- All eyes are on Ocean City, where a nationwide fishing tournament has just ended with more than a million dollars at stake.

And an Anne Arundel County man may win it all.

Alex DeMetrick has details of one of the richest fishing tournaments in the country.

It's the White Marlin Open--with an estimated top prize of $1.2 million. Tommy Jones of Severna Park finds out Friday night if he's hooked it.

Who knew fishing was a spectator sport? But every summer it turns into one in Ocean City--with nearly $1.5 million in prize money at stake.

The biggest sport fish from tunas to sharks draw prizes, but it's the largest white marlin that earns big money.

Friday night, the tournament ends. And so far, the front runner is an 83 pounder caught Thursday.

Tommy Jones of Severna Park caught it.

"Very happy to be here. Been fishing this tournament a long time with my dad and family. So, really happy to be here and enjoy this moment with everybody," Jones said.

But the tournament also stretches beyond Ocean City. The fish are donated to the Maryland Food Bank.

"It was 262 boats participating and about 8,000 pounds of marlin, tuna and wahoo are going to the food bank," said John May, Vice President, Maryland Food Bank.

Anglers are given three days to catch what they can. Jones underestimated the one he hooked.

"High 70s, probably 78. So we're very, very excited, obviously, to be where we are right now," he said.

Because if no one tops 83 pounds, it's a $1.2 million catch.

As of 10 p.m., it looks like Tommy Jones does has something to cheer about. He's been declared the unofficial winner.

It's expected Tommy Jones will become the official winner at a prize ceremony Saturday.