White Marlin Open winner from Pasadena catches $1.4 million fish

72-pound white marlin draws highest prize money since 2007

The winner of the 39th annual White Marlin Open in Ocean City is set to receive an estimated prize of $1.4 million after reeling in the only white marlin to qualify in the five-day tournament.

William "Bill" Woody, of Pasadena, caught the 72-pound white marlin last Wednesday aboard the Blew Bayou. The payout is expected to be $1,429,092, slightly higher than the payout of $1,394,480.50 made in 2007 for an 83-pound white marlin.

Woody caught the only white marlin that met the minimum requirements of measuring at least 67 inches and weighing at least 70 pounds. There were no qualifying blue marlins in this year's tournament, which included more than 250 boats and total prize money of more than $2.3 million.

Next year's 40th White Marlin Open is set for Aug. 5-9 in Ocean City.