With winter fast approaching and the fleet headed south for the year, we wanted to take a quick minute to reminisce about warmer days and recap the action from the 2014 White Marlin Open. This year, for the 41st annual running of the event, 288 boats from up and down the East coast competed for $2.77 Million in prize money. On day 5 of the tournament, Ron Bayliss of Bayliss Boatworks, brought the winning White Marlin to the docks weighing in at 78lbs. Prize money for the top catch totaled $1,290,411. In addition to the top White Marlin, boats brought in impressive catches of Blue Marlin, Tuna and Dolphin. Our partner boat, Rhonda’s Osprey hemled by Capt. Joe Drosey, posted a 2nd place 723.5lb Blue Marlin bringing home $105,539 for the team.
As impressive as the catches throughout the week were the boats and crews. Ron’s boat, Dream Time, may have taken the prize. Maneuvering the massive 80′ vessel in for weigh-in was a feat to experience. It’s testament to the skill of the captains and crews participating in the 5 day event.
At Fin & Field, we’re excited to monitor the tournament action heating up throughout the south and are already planning for next year’s trip to Ocean City, MD. There’s a reason they call it the White Marlin Capital of the World!
