Michael Jordan reels in a massive 442lb blue marlin during fishing tournament in North Carolina
It wasn’t the biggest catch of the day but it sure got the most attention!
NBA legend Michale Jordan and his Catch 23 crew reeled in a 442.3lb blue marlin on the second day of the 62nd Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in Morehead City, North Carolina on Tuesday.
Despite the massive catch, Jordan and company are currently in fifth place in the tournament that has $3.4 million in cash prizes up for grabs.
Jordan flashed a proud smile when he and his crew brought the big fish on to the dock for all to see.
The place went wild when his ‘Airness’, as he was known during his NBA playing days, put on his baseball cap to pose for photos alongside the massive fish that were taken by Grace Bell Photography.
In a post-catch interview posted on TMZ, Jordan revealed he was happy to come back near his home in Wilmington to compete in his first marlin tournament in North Carolina.
‘This was a chance for me to come back home and every chance I love to come back,’ he said.
‘I’d love to come back with a little bigger fish,’ he said in reference to it not being the biggest of the day.
The first place boat caught a 494.2lb blue marlin. The three other crews pacing ahead of MJ reeled in fish weighing 470.4lbs, 450.2lbs and 450lbs, according to USA Today.
Massive catch! Michael Jordan flashed his trademark smile when he reeled in a 442.3lb blue marlin on the second day of the 62nd Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in Morehead City, North Carolina; but still it is only good enough for fifth place
Despite being a number of pounds off the pace, Jordan, 57, was still feeling great about his big catch.
‘Even though I didn’t win right now, today, thanks for supporting the whole tournament because I think the tournament means a whole lot to the city.
Among the cash prizes up for grabs: the biggest marlin overall nets $1.4 million and the first boat to catch one over 500lbs will win $552,500.
The Chicago Bulls icon also revealed that he has competed in many blue marlin tournaments in the past but this was his first in his home state of North Carolina.