Article by Larry Jock
Huk Big Fish Classic
This was the 2nd year for the Big Fish Classic and the tournament saw a large increase in both boats and prize money. This year, 46 boats entered the tournament, up from 32 boats last year. Prize money really jumped from $92,000 to over $202,000. They were blessed with a good weather forecast this year and it looks like the 32 hour format is a hit with anglers.
Everyone expected bigeyes to dominate action at the scales, and that is exactly what happened. Right after the “Sea Prowler” weighed a 192.5 lb. swordfish to take the early lead for heaviest fish, the “Rum Runner” threw a 201.5 lb. bigeye on the scale that was going to be tough to beat. Several other bigeyes, in the 130 to 136 lb. range were weighed, but the “Rum Runner” stayed at the top after the close on Day 1.
On Sunday, the final day of the tournament, the “Rebel” arrived at the scale with a 201.5 lb. bigeye to tie the “Rum Runner”, but settled into 2nd place based on the time the fish was caught. They also weighed a pair of white marlin in addition to recording 8 white marlin releases and a spearfish release while fishing in the Norfolk Canyon.
All was calm until the local charter boat, “Pumpin Hard” arrived at the scale and took over 1st place in the tournament with a 77-inch, 276.5 lb. bigeye that was caught in 200 fathoms in the Norfolk Canyon by Adam Glushakow. Equally impressive was their 106.5 lb. yellowfin, also caught by Adam, while trolling a dink bait on their long rigger in 50 fathoms. Adam battled the bruiser on a TLD 30, which I’m sure made for some tense moments in the cockpit. Their two fish, totaling 383 lbs. also gave the “Pumpin’ Hard” team 1st place in the Heaviest Stringer Division.
We also saw some nice wahoo brought to the scale, led by Buddy Trala’s 62.5 pounder that barely nudged out the 61.5 lb. speedster caught on the “Backlash”.
Hats off to Sean Welsh, Brian Roberts and the Lewis family for a great tournament!
Marlin
Good numbers of white marlin were released throughout the week with most of the action happening in the Baltimore Canyon, where on Thursday, the “Billfisher” recorded 5 releases. For most boats, Friday was slow, but anglers on the “Moore Bills” went 11 for 15 in 500 to 1,000 fathoms in the Poor Man’s, all on naked ballyhoo. They followed that up with a 5 for 6 day on Saturday. On Sunday, whites were caught in the Baltimore, Poor Man’s and Norfolk Canyons.
We also saw quite a few blue marlin releases last week. On Wednesday, “Triggerfish” released a blue in the Wilmington Canyon in 82-degree water. On Saturday, the “Muff Diver” recorded a release at the Bigeye Hole, “Spring Mix” and “Susan’s Deal” each released one in the Poor Man’s Canyon and “Absolut Pleasure” released a pair of blue marlin in the Baltimore, where the “Odinspear” also recorded a release. On Sunday, we saw blue marlin release flags flying from the “Rebel” after they returned from the Norfolk Canyon and the “My Cin” and “Poore Sport” in the Poor Man’s.
Wahoo
The wahoo bite definitely picked up last week, with fish coming in from the 19 Fathom Lump, the Hot Dog, the Twin Wrecks and in the Baltimore, Poor Man’s and Washington Canyons. The largest wahoo of the week was caught by Rob Franz on the “Playtime” with a 72.5 pounder boated at the Hot Dog.
Swordfish
It was an interesting week for swordfish with 3 caught on the troll. In the Huk Big Fish Classic, the “Sea Prowler” weighed a 197.5 pounder caught at 10:20 PM at the Bigeye Hole on a ballyhoo dressed up with a Joe Shute lure. On Monday morning, the “Game Changer” returned from an overnight trip to the Bigeye Hole where they boated a pair of swordfish, weighing 89 lbs. and 129 lbs., after hooking them on ballyhoo with glow in the dark tracers.
Dolphin
Dolphin continue to be caught up and down the coast, both on the troll and by anglers chunking around floating objects. Several fish weighing over 20 lbs. were caught, but the action is still being dominated by bailors.
Tilefish
More and more anglers are getting in on the tilefish bite. Last week, we saw incredible catches come in from the Baltimore and Washington Canyons by the “Boss Hogg”, “Marli” and “Jezebel”. Typically, the best results have come from dropping squid or cut bait in 500 to 600-feet of water. Just remember, if you are going after a record, then no electric reels are allowed.
Yellowfin
Right now, we aren’t seeing a lot of yellowfin being caught and most of the ones being hooked are too small to keep. The best catches came from Massey’s Canyon, the 19 Fathom Lump, the Tea Cup and south at the Bigeye Hole. Some of the largest yellowfins came in from the Norfolk Canyon where the “Rebel” boxed a pair weighing 60.5 and 70.5 lbs. and the “Pumpin’ Hard” pulled the 106.5 lb. bruiser. On Sunday, anglers on the “Boss Hogg” caught yellowfins weighing 81 lbs. and 89 lbs. near the Rockpile.
Although many boats are still searching for yellowfins on the troll, the switch to chunking is in full gear.
Flounder
Flounder fishing in the bay is slow right now, which is very typical for this time of year. The best flounder bite, by far, is coming in off ocean structure. Anglers making the trip north to the Old Grounds or heading out to the Bass Grounds or south to the African Queen have returned with some excellent catches of flatties. Best results have come from those dropping 2 to 4 oz. bucktails tipped with flounder belly, but we also had a crew swing by office with their limit of flounder caught on cobia belly. I also heard that a local charter boat has had great results using tuna belly.
Saturday was a great day for flounder fishing in the ocean. We saw numerous limits caught on various structure and the two heaviest came in from Camryn Pepper with a 28-inch, 8 lb. 1 oz. flounder and David Steen with a 8 lb. 5 oz. flattie.
Upcoming Tournaments
On Friday and Saturday, the Ocean City Marlin Club is hosting their Heels & Reels Ladies Tournament. Weigh-ins are at Sunset Marina from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
On Monday, the big kahuna rolls into town with the start of the 42nd White Marlin Open. This is the premier event of the fishing season and based on the increased participation we have seen in other tournaments this year, we should see more boats in the tournament this year.
Weigh-ins are every night, Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM to 9:15 PM. You have to get there early if you want to get a prime seat near the scales. Last years winner took home over $1,290,000 and several other boats received big payouts as well. I would expect this year to be even better. Best of luck to all participants!
See you at the scales.