You’ve seen the highlights. The shrug. The flu game. The six rings. But if you’re looking for Michael Jordan these days, he isn’t on a hardwood court in Chicago. He’s usually miles offshore, chomping a cigar on the deck of a boat that looks like a giant sneaker.
Michael Jordan Catch 23 isn’t just a boat name; it’s a floating statement of intent.
Most retired legends take up golf. MJ did that, of course, but then he found something that requires even more patience and significantly more diesel fuel. He got hooked on competitive billfishing. And in typical Jordan fashion, he didn't just buy a weekend cruiser. He commissioned a series of custom "warships" designed to hunt marlin with the same cold-blooded efficiency he used to hunt championships.
The Evolution of a Floating Legend
People often get confused because there’s more than one Catch 23. It’s kinda like his jersey numbers—he started with 23, dabbled in 45, then went back to 23.
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Originally, the world met the Catch 23 as an 80-foot Viking. It was a beast. It cost somewhere around $8 million and featured a custom wrap that had every sneakerhead on the planet drooling. We’re talking about the iconic "elephant print" from the Air Jordan 3, draped across the hull in a sleek grey and white pattern. It wasn't just for show. That Viking could hit 40 knots, which is basically flying when you're moving that much fiberglass through saltwater.
But Michael Jordan doesn't stay static.
In early 2024, he leveled up. He took delivery of a brand-new, fully custom 82-foot Bayliss. For those who aren't boat nerds, Bayliss Boatworks in North Carolina is like the Ferrari of the fishing world. They build "cold-molded" wood hulls that are lighter, stronger, and smoother than almost anything else on the market. This new iteration of Catch 23 reportedly pushed the price tag toward the $15 million mark.
It still has the elephant print. Obviously.
What’s Actually Inside Michael Jordan Catch 23?
Let’s be real: most of us will never step foot on this thing. But the specs are public enough to make any angler weep.
The new Bayliss version is powered by twin MTU 16-cylinder engines. We are talking 2,600 horsepower each. That’s 5,200 total horses pushing a boat that weighs as much as a small house. It carries 3,100 gallons of fuel. If you're doing the math at the pump, just don't. It’s depressing.
Inside, it’s basically a high-end North Carolina mansion that happens to float.
- Custom Walnut Joinery: Everything is satin-finished wood and leather.
- The "Great Room" Layout: Because of its 21-foot beam, the salon feels massive.
- Hidden Tech: There's a 60-inch flat screen on an electric lift, but MJ usually cares more about the sonar.
- Stabilization: He spent roughly $350,000 just on a Seakeeper 40 gyro stabilizer. It keeps the boat from rocking, so your drink (or your stomach) stays level in heavy seas.
Honestly, the most impressive part isn't the leather or the TVs. It's the cockpit. This area is a 216-square-foot arena built for battle. It has specialized freezers, tackle storage, and a "fighting chair" where the magic happens.
Does MJ Actually Catch Anything?
It’s easy to assume this is just a rich guy's hobby, but the results say otherwise. Jordan is competitive to a fault. You've heard the stories about him playing cards for 24 hours straight? He brings that same energy to the Atlantic.
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The Catch 23 crew is a regular fixture at the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament and the White Marlin Open. In 2020, they stunned everyone at the Big Rock by hauling in a 442.3-pound blue marlin. MJ was right there on the dock, looking like he’d just won a playoff game, even though that fish only put them in sixth place at the time.
More recently, in August 2025, the team had a massive showing at the White Marlin Open in Ocean City. They hooked a 71-pound white marlin. They held the lead for a while but eventually got bumped to second place by a fish that was literally one pound heavier. They walked away with about $400,000 in prize money.
For a guy worth billions, 400k is pocket change. But for Michael Jordan, the thrill is in the leaderboard.
Why the Catch 23 Matters Beyond the Fish
There is a reason this boat goes viral every time it hits a port like Jupiter, Florida, or Morehead City. It represents the ultimate fusion of sports culture and maritime luxury.
Most sportfish boats are white and boring. Catch 23 is a rolling advertisement for the Jordan Brand. It matches his private jet (a Gulfstream G650ER, if you're keeping track). The "elephant print" hull and the "Jumpman" logos aren't just branding; they are a bridge between the basketball world and a very exclusive, often stuffy, fishing community.
He’s also using his platform for good. Most of these tournaments have massive charitable components. The Big Rock, for example, has donated millions to local North Carolina charities over the years. MJ’s presence brings cameras, and cameras bring sponsors and more money for those causes.
How to Follow the Catch 23 Action
If you want to track the boat or see what MJ is up to in the tournament circuit, keep these tips in mind:
- Watch the Leaderboards: During the summer months, keep an eye on the "Big Rock" (June) and "White Marlin Open" (August) live scoring apps. They list every boat, and Catch 23 is always a fan favorite.
- Jupiter Inlet: If you're ever in South Florida during sailfish season (winter), the boat is often spotted heading out through the Jupiter Inlet.
- Social Media Sighting: Don't look for MJ on Instagram—he doesn't have it. Instead, follow the tournament pages like @whitemarlinopen or @bigrockfishing. They post the weigh-ins where you can see the boat up close.
The Michael Jordan Catch 23 isn't going anywhere. Whether it's the 80-foot Viking or the new 82-foot Bayliss, MJ has proven that his "retirement" is just a transition to a different kind of court. One made of saltwater, where the opponents are 500-pound monsters and the clock never really stops.
If you're looking to get into the world of sportfishing yourself, start by researching "Custom vs. Production boats" to understand why MJ made the switch to a Bayliss. You might not have $15 million, but the physics of a cold-molded hull apply whether you're a GOAT or just a guy with a rod and a dream.
Actionable Insight: If you're planning a trip to see these boats in person, book your Ocean City or Morehead City accommodations at least six months in advance of the major tournaments. These towns completely sell out when No. 23 rolls into the harbor.