The White Marlin Open in Ocean City, MD kicked off on Monday and after the first two weigh-ins the competition is red hot. This is shaping up to be the most exciting tournament in the events history with a record number (329) of boats and prize money (over $4.4M) at stake. Check out these highlights from just the first two days.
The most exciting fish weighed in on the first day was a 790 lb blue marlin. It was a huge fish caught on a small boat, they had to tow the fish back rather than hoist it aboard, the trip home took 7 hours! They nearly missed the weight-in but the fish was finally put on the scales and was the first billfish on the board. If it holds up this fish could be worth $150,000
After the second day just one white marlin was weight-in over the 70lb minimum. It is the talk of the town and the entire billfish tournament circuit as it has the potential to set a prize money record. A 76.5 lb white marlin weighed on day 2 is worth $2.4 Million dollars unless someone bring in a bigger fish later this week. And with this much money on the line, hundreds of boats and crews are trying their hardest to do just that.
A notable 233lb tuna is leading the tuna division and could be worth $400,000.
Finally, a major battle is being waged for the prize money AND the bragging rights in the release division. Local legend John Duffie on the Billfisher is fishing hard for that title, and the fishing has been good! The three boats leading the release division are:
- Krazy Salts – 22 white marlin released
- Billfisher- 18 white marlin released
- Bullwinkle- 16 white marlin released
The white marlin bite has been hot, so far the fleet has released 850 white marlin in total. There are 185 boats fishing today and it is safe to say the leaderboard will change a lot before the final weigh in on Friday. Who will win and lose fortunes by the end of the week? Stay up to date with Fin & Field on our Facebook page.
About Fin & Field
#FinandField #FYNA #DreamBig2016
Fin & Field is all about finding your next adventure. We’re working hard to provide the most comprehensive listing of services, reviews, and far reaching community available to help you take the guesswork out of planning your next adventure.
We believe in the ethical pursuit of hunting and fishing adventures and support taking from the land only what you can use and leaving it in better shape than you found it.
Tight Lines & Happy Hunting!
Visit us at www.finandfield.com