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Time Business News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
The Truth About TJ Ott and Marissa McLaughlin's Relationship
Reality TV has a way of drawing viewers not only for its action and drama but also for the intriguing personal lives of its stars. Among the most talked-about relationships in recent reality TV memory is the rumored romance between TJ Ott and Marissa McLaughlin, stars of the popular National Geographic series Wicked Tuna. Fans of the show have been curious: Are TJ Ott and Marissa McLaughlin really together? Are they married? Or is it all just speculation? In this article, we dive into the truth behind their relationship—covering their backgrounds, how the rumors started, and what we really know about their romantic connection. Timothy James Ott, popularly known as TJ Ott, is one of the prominent captains featured on Wicked Tuna . A native of New York, TJ captains the Hot Tuna , a vessel known for its fierce competition and consistent performance in the bluefin tuna fishing world. Beyond the camera, TJ is known for his deep love of fishing, his leadership style, and his loyal fanbase. With his rugged charisma, tattooed arms, and competitive nature, TJ Ott quickly became one of the show's most recognizable personalities. Marissa McLaughlin, affectionately known as 'Merm' by fans, is also a rising star on Wicked Tuna . She is the younger sister of Tyler McLaughlin, captain of the Pinwheel . Marissa often works alongside her brother on the boat, and her knowledge of fishing and strong on-screen presence have won her many fans. Despite her relatively recent addition to the show, Marissa has made a strong impression. She's confident, smart, and not afraid to go toe-to-toe with the experienced captains. The rumors about TJ Ott and Marissa McLaughlin's relationship began circulating when viewers started noticing the chemistry between the two on Wicked Tuna . While the show doesn't explicitly focus on personal relationships, observant fans picked up on flirty interactions, inside jokes, and body language that suggested more than just friendship or professional rivalry. In some episodes, it was clear that there was a bond between them that went beyond typical co-star camaraderie. This led to questions across social media and fan forums: Are TJ Ott and Marissa dating? And eventually, are they married? While neither TJ nor Marissa has officially confirmed their relationship publicly, multiple sources and fan observations strongly suggest that the two have been romantically involved. In 2020, reports surfaced that the two were indeed dating off-screen. Fans spotted them together outside the show, and some insiders close to the Wicked Tuna production hinted at their off-camera romance. However, both TJ and Marissa have kept things fairly private, choosing not to make a public spectacle of their personal lives. This level of privacy is refreshing in the age of overexposure, but it also leaves plenty of room for speculation. One of the most frequently asked questions about the pair is: 'Are TJ Ott and Marissa McLaughlin married?' As of now, there is no official record or statement confirming that TJ Ott and Marissa McLaughlin are married. They have not publicly acknowledged any engagement, wedding, or marriage license. Most available information suggests that, while they may have dated or continue to date, they are not currently married. It's possible that the rumors of marriage stem from fan assumptions or wishful thinking. Their on-screen chemistry certainly gives the impression of a couple that could have a lasting bond. But in reality, there's no concrete evidence to prove they've taken that step. The interest in TJ and Marissa's relationship goes beyond standard celebrity gossip. It's rooted in their shared love of the sea, their competitive yet warm dynamic on Wicked Tuna , and their contrasting personalities that somehow complement each other. TJ Ott is the seasoned, confident captain who's been part of the Wicked Tuna world for years, while Marissa brings youthful energy, intelligence, and an infectious enthusiasm. Their interactions feel genuine—playful yet respectful—and viewers naturally gravitate toward that authenticity. It also helps that both are single, attractive, and clearly passionate about what they do. That combination makes them one of reality TV's most shippable duos. One of the reasons fans don't know for sure about TJ and Marissa's relationship status is that they have chosen to keep things relatively private. Unlike many reality TV stars who share every aspect of their lives online, neither of them posts frequently about their personal relationships. On Instagram and other platforms, you'll find fishing photos, behind-the-scenes shots from the show, and promotional content—but not much about love or dating. This discretion is likely a conscious decision to keep their private lives separate from their professional personas, especially in a high-profile environment like reality television. Fans are divided—some believe they are secretly married or at least deeply committed, while others think the relationship may have ended or was never romantic to begin with. Fan forums like Reddit and Wicked Tuna Facebook groups are filled with discussions, screenshots, and theories. Some even believe that the producers of Wicked Tuna have encouraged a romantic angle to add to the show's entertainment value, while others insist the relationship is 100% real. Regardless of which side you're on, there's no denying that the Ott-McLaughlin pairing has added another layer of intrigue to the show. So, what is the real truth about TJ Ott and Marissa McLaughlin's relationship? Here's what we know: They share great on-screen chemistry and a deep respect for each other. Multiple reports have suggested they dated off-camera. There is no official confirmation that they are currently dating or married. that they are currently dating or married. Both TJ and Marissa have kept their private lives low-key and away from media frenzy. Until either TJ or Marissa decides to publicly share the details, much of the speculation will remain just that—speculation. But one thing is for sure: their connection, whether romantic or platonic, has captured the hearts of Wicked Tuna fans everywhere. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Chicago Tribune
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Column: Downloading Roku almost as difficult as watching the Chicago Cubs' 6-2 loss to the New York Mets
There will come a day when asking 'What's Roku?' sounds quaint. Sunday was not that day for some Chicago Cubs fans. Instead, it was a Mother's Day morning spent frantically searching for a way to watch the 11 a.m. start between the Cubs and New York Mets. It was all on the Roku app, which MLB assured fans was free and simple to use. Just download the app or watch on the website (as long as you create an account). Here's how it worked for some on Sunday: Download App. Check. Screen: 'Allow Roku to track your activity across other companies' apps and websites?' Hit 'No.' Or hit 'Yes.' It all depends on your tolerance of Roku ads popping up on the internet for the rest of your life. Screen: 'We've made important updates.' Hit 'Agree.' Or hit 'Don't Agree' and go listen to the game on WSCR-AM 670. Screen: 'The Roku Channel. Browse.' Hit 'Browse.' Begin browsing. Screen: 'On Now. MLB: Chicago Cubs at New York Mets.' Hit: 'Watch now on mobile.' Screen: 'Sign into your Roku account.' Wake up kids and ask: 'What's our Roku password?' Once signed in, you were able to hear Joe Girardi talk about his Cubs career and also a pretty interesting game, a 6-2 Cubs loss that turned on the Mets' four-run eighth inning. And now you can watch 'Wicked Tuna' or 'Best of Dr. Phil' or some other Roku show that you never knew existed. Sunday's Roku game capped off a momentous weekend for the Cubs and manager Craig Counsell, who sent rookie Cade Horton out Saturday for his major-league debut and also used closer Ryan Pressly in the sixth inning in Friday's loss, temporarily pacifying fans upset over his unsettling performance as closer. Porter Hodge closed the 6-5 win on Saturday, which seemingly buried the closer controversy behind Horton's debut, only to have it resurface Sunday when Hodge gave up three runs, including the go-ahead home run to Francisco Lindor in the four-run Mets' eighth. Counsell could've been accused of overthinking things Friday when he announced reliever Brad Keller would be the opener on Saturday, a move he never telegraphed. Counsell used an opener only twice in 2024, so it's not a big part of his playbook since coming to Chicago, though he employed it at times in Milwaukee, including during the postseason. Horton pitched well and got his first major-league win, allowing three runs on four hits over four innings and being removed after 77 pitches, in line with his average from his six starts at Triple-A Iowa. He's on tap to make his Wrigley Field debut next weekend against the White Sox in the first Cubs-Sox showdown since the crosstown rivals traded claims over ownership of Pope Leo XIV's fandom. Counsell's strategy, which meant Horton had one fewer matchup against the Mets' top three hitters — Lindor, Juan Soto and Pete Alonso — worked about as well as Counsell could've asked. The Cubs gave Counsell a record five-year, $40 million deal to make big decisions like this. I asked then-general manager Jed Hoyer back in 2015 if managing the Cubs was the most difficult job in sports, back when they had yet to break 'the curse.' 'Over the last 107 years it has proven to be the most difficult, and I think it's a job that certainly is challenging,' Hoyer said. 'You're in a major market. You've got a rabid fan base. But I certainly think it's a doable job. It's a job that's attainable. You have to have the best team and you have to get hot in October. I don't think there are inherent obstacles. Maybe there have been in the past.' Hoyer may have been throwing shade at his predecessors and their lack of success getting the Cubs to October, but he obviously believes great managers can make a strong team better. And he definitely thought Counsell was a significant upgrade from David Ross, or he wouldn't have fired the former Cubs cult hero. We saw no immediate benefits from the switch in 2024, but now we'll see whether the Counsell effect is real. Will Pressly's leash be as long as the one Counsell gave to Héctor Neris last season? Pressly was warming up in the seventh Sunday, but Counsell went with Keller in the bottom of the inning after the Cubs tied the game at 2-2. Counsell's handling of Horton will also be scrutinized the rest of the year, if Horton sticks, and the rookie's workload will be monitored after he came off shoulder issues that limited him to 29 innings at Iowa in '24. Horton's debut was comparable to Mark Prior's in 2002, at least in terms of memorable Cubs prospects. That doesn't say much for the development of Cubs pitching prospects over the last 23 years, but it is what it is. Prior threw 103 pitches in his debut, a 7-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 22, 2002, allowing two runs on four hits with 10 strikeouts over six innings. Coincidentally, Girardi was his catcher. Horton has the talent to become one of the better Cubs pitching prospects this century, which is why he'll be handled with care this season. Of players who primarily performed in the 21st century, the eight winningest pitchers while wearing a Cubs uniform are Carlos Zambrano (125 wins), Kyle Hendricks (97), Kerry Wood (80), Jon Lester (77), Jake Arrieta (73), Ryan Dempster (67), Jon Lieber (50) and Ted Lilly (47). Wood and Dempster, of course, were relievers at times in Chicago, which affected their win totals. Prior didn't last long due to injuries, and his 42 wins are tied for 71st on the Cubs' all-time wins list with Scott Sanderson. If he stays healthy, Horton should be able to eclipse Prior's career. Anxiety-ridden Cubs fans were left with the fact that the Cubs have lost two straight series heading into Monday's six-game homestand against the lowly Miami Marlins and White Sox. But at least they learned how to watch a game on Roku. Baby steps.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Pensacola anglers catch 721 lb. bluefin tuna, rivaling the length of Florida's largest
Editor's Note: This story was updated to correctly identify the fishing boat and accurately reflect the most current information regarding the fish's official weight. Pensacola angler David Shepard experienced the catch of a lifetime on Tuesday evening, reeling in a 107-inch bluefin tuna weighing in at 721 pounds. The fish is only a few inches short of Florida's largest bluefin tuna ever caught at 110 inches, or over nine feet long, last year. Advertisement Shepard was aboard Pensacola's Robin Lynn boat with owner Dan Hieronymus, boat captain Jeff Lacour, and first mate Gunnar Williamson. While Shepard has been a longtime fan of the television show 'Wicked Tuna' and goes out on expeditions about once or twice a year, he still considers himself a novice. Little did he know that Tuesday night, about 112 miles offshore of Pensacola, he would face a mighty challenge even for the most seasoned anglers – a face-off against a powerful bluefin tuna. Fisherman David Shepard with his massive bluefin tuna caught in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. When they first caught the fish, they weren't sure what they had until the bluefin surfaced after the first 45 minutes of the fight. Then, they realized they were in trouble. Advertisement 'After that, we knew we were in for a battle,' Lacour said. Lacour said that while he has been a captain for 20 years and an angler for 30 or more, he has hooked several bluefins but never caught one due to their heavy resistance to the line. Catching one was high on his bucket list. Check out these great catches: PHOTOS: Anglers catch big fish to fry during Pensacola Bud Light Fishing Rodeo 'It's the most prized fish in the water,' Lacour said. After a grueling three and a half hours of fighting starting at about 6 p.m., Shepard decided his best option was to hand the reel over to Heironymus, who finished the last leg. Advertisement 'It was more than I expected. I guess I thought I was a big, bad man, and I wasn't,' Shepard said. 'I just couldn't believe I fought that thing for three-and-a-half hours … we almost had it several times, it kept kicking my rear-end.' When they eventually managed to pull the fish up at about 11 p.m., all hands were on deck to wrangle the Gulf behemoth. Lacour said they felt 'utter amazement' after seeing the prized catch on their boat, and the sensation was 'absolutely crazy.' On Wednesday, they will find out just how prized their catch is when they take it in to be hung at Patti Marine Enterprises. It will then be transferred to Joe Patti's Seafood to be weighed. The fish will remain at Joe Patti's for a few days, and they will get a print made of the fish on canvas. Even with the art piece memorializing their prize, it's sure to be a night no one will ever forget. Do you need a permit to catch tuna in Florida? Yes, a federal Highly Migratory Species Angling Permit is required to fish for tuna in both state and federal waters, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The permit is issued to the fishing vessel, which covers everyone onboard. How big do bluefin tuna get? Bluefin tuna are huge fish that can live up to 20 years or longer, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The largest can reach up to 13 feet and weight up to 2,000 pounds. On average, they get to be around 6.5 feet in length and 550 pounds. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Giant bluefin tuna caught in Florida rivals state's largest
