Day three, the final day of fishing for the 8th Annual Mid-Atlantic Tuna Tournament, would again create some movement on the leader board as 22 boats headed offshore for their 2nd day of fishing. Several boats increased their stringer weights, but no one was able to out do the Trust Me’s 68 lb. yellowfin caught on Friday. In the bluefin category however, the Liguidity was able to boat a 163 pounder that edged out Over The Top’s 159 pounder to put them in second place. The Moore Bills’ 169 lb bluefin caught on Friday held up for heaviest bluefin and tuna honors.
At the awards ceremony Saturday evening, participants were treated to the rock’n song stylings of The Robert Murdock Band and dined on fresh seafood from the Lobster House Restaurant. Checks were handed out along with special Guy Harvey prints to the winners and there was plenty of celebration and even a little dancing going on!
Tournament Director Bob Glover said it certainly looked like everyone was relaxing and having a great time and that’s pretty much what it’s all about!
On Day Two, the first tuna was hoisted onto the scales at exactly 5:00 P.M. By 7:00 P.M 19 additional boats had followed suit and Weighmaster, Chris Booth, was screaming for nourishment. Not only was the parade of tuna arriving at the scales continuously, but the size of Friday’s catch was impressive. This fact was reflected by the Leader Board that saw changes in almost every single category. By the end of Day Two, a 169 pounder, boated by the boys on the Moore Bills stood above the pack as the tournament’s heaviest tuna so far.
23 boats of the fleet of 40 decided to use Thursday as their first of two available days to try and win this trolling and chunking event. According to tournament director Bob Glover, I was surprised to see so many go as the forecast was iffy last night at the Captain’s meeting. Apparently, the forecast improved and it’s nicer out there than expected. That happens a lot down here on the Cape. We’re anxious to see the results when the weigh-in begins at 5pm. Video of the weigh-in as it happens will be available here courtesy of Sportfishermen.com Make sure to tune in and share the excitement with us!”
34 Oceans and 27 Vikings turned out for the 20th Annual Viking / Ocean Showdown at Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, NJ. According to Tournament Director, Bob Glover, we've got a few more boats than last year and a great forecast, so everyone's looking forward to a fun couple of days.
It goes without saying that John Leek of Ocean and Pat Healey of Viking are both eager to win this 20th Anniversary event. We'll all have to wait until the last line is pulled from the water to see who owns the bragging rights for 2009!
Viking-Ocean, Ocean-Viking… no matter what you call it, this year, the Showdownwill mark it’s 20th year! Enthusiasm for the event has not waned in the least. Early indications point to a possible record turn-out, with 30 to 35 members from each team expected to participate. It’s not too late to get in on the fun and offshore action. Check out the Showdown links for additional information including entry forms and schedule. Dockmaster, Chris Booth is always available for transient slip information and questions. Contact info is under the Info link, of course. See you there.
It’s Tuna Time and there’s no better opportunity for the tuna fisherman in our area to compete for substantial cash prizes than the 8th Annual Mid-Atlantic Tuna Tournament. Participants can troll or chunk their way to big cash (the average purse has been above $250,000) for yellowfin and/or bluefin and can do it with a captain’s choice, fish two out of three format. The best part of this event is the fact that its format allows boats of all sizes to compete competitively. Throw in our well known South Jersey hospitality and a great time is guaranteed!
The tuna fishing has historically been exceptional around these dates and there’s no reason it won’t be the same this year. If you’re interested in testing your angling skills in a tried and true tuna fishing event, then don’t miss it. It’s coming up shortly, so make your reservations today and take advantage of the early entry fee discount.
Big game fishing tournaments require several key ingredients which, when properly mixed together, yield an event that consistently ranks among the best by those who travel the tournament circuit. First, select an ideal location, not only for tournament participants, but for their families as well. Next, blend-in a convenient fishing schedule that offers the best possible way for participants to select their fishing days. Add a liberal amount of nightly dockside hospitality and entertainment. Sprinkle in the best fishing opportunities of the season along the fertile canyons of the mid-Atlantic region and serve with a prize structure that offers a substantial payout to as many participants as possible. Sound like a gold medal winning recipe? It surely is and that’s why the best big game tournament anglers from up and down the Atlantic coast and beyond will gather August 16-21 at the Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, New Jersey and Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland for the 2009 Mid-Atlantic $500,000!
Although the forecast for Friday looked bleak last night, the Weather Committee decided to wait for the morning before making a final decision. Turns out they made a great call, with the front moving through quickly and Friday morning breaking clear. The Committee cleared the inlet at 6 AM and had made the decision to fish by 6:30.
Good Luck to every one fishing.
The webcam will be turned on at 3:30 for today's weigh-in. Boats entered, total prize money and Calcutta breakdowns are being compiled and will be posted above this story shortly.
With a last minute entry or two as the weather cleared, the total field of boats in the 29th Annual South Jersey Shark Tournament hit 144. Although this is a bit off of past record highs, the Tournament Directors are thrilled with the number. "With the economy where it is and the uncertainty in the air, it seems many people are using fishing as a chance to relax and reconnect with friends", said Rick Weber, "we're honored they see our events as an important part of that."
The total purse, including Tournament Prizes and Calcuttas, remains well over a quarter of a million dollars.
Check under the "Shark Tourney" link for a list of 2009 PARTICIPANTS available now.
The 2009 South Jersey big game tournament season is just about here and everyone has been telling me how anxious they are to get out on the rip, compete, and have some fun. It is our intention to accommodate that desire in the most enjoyable way possible and that includes giving you the best tournament experience found anywhere, and the biggest bang for your tournament buck!
Again for 2009 we have several great events to choose from. Whether you like lunk’n for stripers or hunting those crazy white marlin, it’s time to have some fun and get back to what we all love doing – chasing fish!
