Article by Larry Budd
This Week Last Year
• It was a beautiful week offshore with boats from Lewes to Cape Charles getting out. The word for the bite this time last year was consistent, but no exceptional.
• Tuna captains were beginning the shift to chunking the inshore lumps with the Hambone being the best. Those still trolling were finding yellowfins in the 50 to 60 pound range being common in the southern Poor Man’s as the hot spot. Little tunny’s and bonitos were common.
• The “Blood Money” reported the first sailfish release of the season from outside the Washington in 1100 fathoms. They also went 3 for 4 on whites.
Last week in the canyons the weather began beautifully, despite the intense heat, and presented some excellent fishing opportunities. There were several remarkable catches of tuna, with some breaking records. While reports of blue or white marlin releases were scarce, there were two sailfish catches and a notable swordfish capture. However, on Thursday afternoon, Mother Nature unleashed her wrath, bringing about wild weather conditions. These tumultuous elements provided many captivating stories from the boats participating in the 36th Annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament.
Although technically from the previous week, we received news of an exceptional catch by the crew of the “No Woke Zone”. On July 7th, in the Wilmington Canyon, owner Sen Walker, along with Chad Fenstermacher and mate Traye Coop Matthes, had an unforgettable day. They successfully caught and released the first sailfish of the season, landed a yellowfin while also releasing a white marlin.
Now, let’s delve into some details from earlier in the week. The charter boat “Spring Mix II” ventured further south into the Norfolk Canyon and hooked a white marlin, but it jumped off. However, they did manage to bring in a robust yellowfin tuna and a few bailer mahi. On Tuesday, the charter boat “MARLI” had an interesting report. While trolling in the Baltimore Canyon, Capt. Mark Hoos and his crew hooked two yellowfin tuna. As they prepared to drift and fight the tuna, a swordfish unexpectedly emerged and struck one of the baited tuna lines, which was now freely floating. It was quite an unusual occurrence, especially in the middle of the day. Angler Brian Eder fought the swordfish for 2.5 hours until they successfully brought in the 284-pounder. The day held special significance as it was both Brian’s and Capt. Mark’s birthdays, making it a truly remarkable gift. On Wednesday, we received our second report of a sailfish release, this time from the private boat “Grande Pez”. Angler Kirk Taylor released the sailfish while trolling along the 1000 fathom line outside the Norfolk Canyon. Reports of billfish sightings diminished after Wednesday as boats prepared for the Tuna Tournament.
Speaking of the tuna bite, we witnessed a week full of action. In the first half of the week, a new record was set for yellowfins. The aforementioned “Spring Mix II” caught an enormous 97 lb. yellowfin in the Norfolk Canyon, establishing a new seasonal record. Several other large yellowfin tuna were also reported. Dutch Workman landed two weighing over 75 pounds aboard the “Take Em,” while the “Blue Hen” brought in a 74.7 lb. yellowfin at the 19 Fathom Lump. Laszo Kacso reeled in a massive 88.9 lb. yellowfin from the Hot Dog after an overnight excursion on the charter boat “No Limit.” Our thanks to Hook’em and Cook’em for these reports.
Bigeye tuna also made their presence known. On the same day that “Spring Mix II” set the new yellowfin record, the charter boat “Ro Sham Bo” brought a 246.4 lb. bigeye to the scale at the Ocean City Fishing Center. This catch broke the seasonal record by over 55 pounds. Catches in the low single digits were typical during these days, with the Poor Man’s Canyon to the Washington Canyon being the most frequently reported locations. The remaining action was centered around the Tuna Tournament, so let’s delve into the details.
Not only is the Ocean City Fishing Center Tuna Tournament the largest tuna tournament in the world, but it also serves as our first big money event of the season. Like any tournament, participation is subject to weather conditions. Although the onshore forecast predicted mild weather with the usual afternoon thunderstorms of the summer, the outlook for the canyons was considerably more severe. The wind forecast for Friday through Sunday indicated widespread red alerts with gusts of high intensity. Consequently, many smaller boats decided to take a pass. Nonetheless, 74 boats accepted the challenge, resulting in a total purse of $990,570.
On Friday, 35 boats ventured out, but several others turned back shortly after leaving the Inlet upon encountering the conditions that awaited them. Despite the challenging circumstances, 19 boats made it to the tournament scales at the Fishing Center. The first boat to arrive was the “Full Service,” bringing an impressive 209 lb. bluefin tuna caught by Danny Brandt at the Jack Spot. This catch set the tone for the event, not only as a substantial tuna but also as the largest bluefin caught thus far this year. Subsequently, a series of boats arrived with yellowfins weighing in the mid-40-pound range. The streak was broken by the “Ro Sham Bo,” which brought the first bigeye tuna to the scales that day weighing 195 lbs. Next came the “MARLI,” which left the dock exceptionally early at 3:15 AM due to the weather conditions. Despite not getting their lines in the water until 8 AM, they managed to hook a 219 lb. bigeye from the Washington Canyon at 9 AM. However, it was the “Cabana” that claimed the top spot on the first day. They arrived at the scales at 7:30 PM with a 236 lb. bigeye and four sizable yellowfin tuna. Their performance positioned them on top of both the Heavy Tuna and Stringer categories. The only qualifying mahi was also brought in on the first day. The “Lucky Duck” landed a 32” dolphin in the Washington Canyon, thereby securing the prize money for mahi and wahoo catches, resulting in a generous payout. Their mahi is also the Heaviest to date.
Saturday saw 69 out of the 74 boats head out, as Sunday’s forecast appeared to be the worst of the three tournament days. In keeping with tradition, the “Myra HT” was waiting at the dock for the scales to open. They proudly displayed a substantial 108 lb. bluefin tuna caught by angler JL Cropper in the Massey’s Canyon. JL’s achievement earned her the Top Lady Angler Award. Once again, the majority of tuna caught were yellowfin, ranging from 40 to 55 pounds. The “Zippy,” competing in the 35’ and Under Category, managed to land a 65 lb. yellowfin, securing them the Heaviest Tuna award in that division. The “MARLI” returned with five robust yellowfin tuna to bolster their stringer total. However, they were closely followed by the “Cabana,” which added another bigeye tuna to their haul, along with four yellowfin tuna, accumulating an impressive 325 lbs. to their two-day stringer total of 763 lbs. Once again, they concluded the day at the top of both the Heavy and Stringer categories. The final boat to arrive at the scales was the “Boss Hogg.” They presented a 73” bigeye that weighed 230 lbs., propelling them into 2nd place.
Sunday, the final day of the tournament, unfolded exactly as predicted. Storms swept through the region, and rain poured down on the scales until around 6 PM. Out of the 44 boats that ventured out, only 8 managed to bring fish to the scales. Only one boat, the “Bar South,” made a significant impact on the primary leaderboard, with a 209 lb. bigeye tuna caught by Rusty Reddish in the Norfolk Canyon. This catch secured the team’s 3rd place finish for Heaviest Tuna.
When all was said and done, the “Cabana” remained unrivaled, claiming 1st place in both the Heaviest Tuna and Stringer divisions, marking a tournament first! The “Boss Hogg” secured 2nd place for Heaviest Tuna, while the “MARLI” took 2nd place in the Stringer Division as well as 3rd Place for Heaviest Tuna. The “Bar South,” aided by their 209 lb. bigeye tuna, secured 3rd place for the Heaviest Stringer. Complete results, payout details, and pictures can be found starting on page 58.
So until next time I will see you at the scales! §
Upcoming Tournaments
• The 19th Annual Marlin Club Kid’s Classic will be held on July 22-23. This event benefits the Wish-a-Fish Foundation and is always a blast for the kids. You do not have to be a member to participate.
More at OCMarlinClub.com.
• Marina madness is headed to the Talbot Street Pier as they host the 10th Annual Big Fish Classic on July 28-30. Always a fun event with of course, big fish! This unique tournament allows for two 32 hour windows to fish. Friday thru Saturday or Saturday to Sunday. This allows the crews to stay overnight for more action or run in early if they have a big fish! Scales and the vendor village are open from 4-9PM on Friday and Saturday and 4-8PM on Sunday. Of course MR Ducks is right there too!
More at BigFishClassic.com.
