A cold front swept over Cape May during the night and dropped temperatures by 20 degrees from yesterday’s 90-plus degree high. With it came a brisk northeast wind and for the 109 boats that headed offshore on Day One of the 34th Annual MidAtlantic depending on the canyon they were headed to dictated what sea conditions were encountered. The red-hot white marlin bite in the canyons to the north of Cape May, New Jersey continued and video feed from several tournament participants indicated those heading in that direction had a relatively decent ride out though conditions deteriorated by mid-morning. Participants who chose to fish the canyons to the south, especially much of the fleet from Ocean City, Maryland, were spared the rough seas for a little longer but they too saw conditions deteriorate by early afternoon. Needless to say, the ride home was a sporty one for the entire fleet and light rain covered both tournament venues by late afternoon. On the bright side, no chamois of the boat’s required today by the crews! Additionally, though final prize totals are still being verified, the total cash purse is set at around $3.2 million.

In today’s action at the scales the white marlin leader currently is a 71-pounder caught by angler James Quillen aboard Jimmy Hahn’s Tailchaser from Pocomoke, Maryland. Second and third place are vacant. No blue marlin was weighed on Day One though several were released. The tuna leader is Curtis Bay, Maryland’s Nick Neary with a 103-pound big eye caught aboard his Lit Up by angler Jason Cullum. Second place currently belongs to Matt Weber of Vero Beach, Florida aboard his Max Bet with a 97-pound yellowfin for angler Chris Wood. Third place is held by Joe Miele’s Manasquan, New Jersey-based Blue Runner with a 96-pound yellowfin for angler Pat Butera.

In the wahoo category Bobby Pastorius of Ocean City, Maryland aboard his Jenny Poo leads the category with a 60 pounder for angler Jennifer Pastorius. Second and third place are vacant. The dolphin category currently has a tie at 22 pounds between the Pegasus of Fanwood New Jersey’s John Schwab caught by angler John Kalimago and Chesapeake Beach, Maryland’s Shawn Gibson aboard his Wound Tight caught by angler Jeff Foster. Third place is vacant.

Boats with notable billfish releases on Day One include Jamie Diller’s Canyon Lady with 11 white marlin released. Charles Moore’s Mama Who, Michael Reeves’s Pachanga and John Gudelsky’s Reel Joy each released eight white marlin while Stuart Lackey’s Renegade, Tommy Hancock’s Dem Boys and Chad Moss’ Sandbob each released seven. Curtis Campbell’s Reel Estate and Brian Keith’s Luci Bri each released six white marlin. Thomas Healy’s Elizabeth Ann, Alan Sadler’s Intents, Richard Olson’s Wrecker, Steve Summer’s Christine Marie, Dave Anderson’s Krazy Salts, Pat Healey’s Viking 82 and George Robinson’s Polarizer each released five white marlin. Ken Hager’s Taylor Jean released a blue marlin and four white marlin while Bill Haugland’s Lights Out released three white marlin and one blue marlin.

Please note the MidAtlantic tournament is a private event. Nightly weigh-in sessions at Canyon Club Resort Marina and Sunset Marina as well as other tournament venues and sponsor displays are not open to the public and require credentials and/or prior arrangement for tour or entry.

For more information contact Tournament Director Aaron Hoffman at 609-884-0177 or visit the tournament’s web site at www.themidatlantic.com where you’ll find all the facts, figures and information about the 2025 MidAtlantic including a complete breakdown of calcuttas, rules, points, and a Tournament Week schedule. You can also follow the tournament on Facebook at The MidAtlantic Tournament, on Twitter @midatl and on Instagram @themidatlantictournament.