Just 35 boats hit the water on Wednesday for the third day of the White Marlin Open – the world’s largest billfish tournament.
But that didn’t slow the action at Harbour Island Marina as anglers rushed to the scales with catches they hoped would earn thousands of dollars in prize money.
Multiple categories saw new leaders, and some boats brought in white marlins, the tournament’s signature fish. With 433 boats registered and $6.7 million in prize money, anglers were eager to get their names on the leaderboard.
Four days remain in the 47th annual White Marlin Open – the tournament was extended two days to adjust to Tropical Storm Isaias – but Day 3 saw the most action yet.
106-pound tuna leads off the day
The scales opened at 4 p.m., but it took nearly two hours for the first boat to appear at the marina.
The Blue Runner out of New Jersey came to Harbour Island with three tuna aboard. However, the first two weighed were deemed ineligible, unable to make the tournament’s qualifying weight.
But Jarod Keely was confident his tuna was a contender, and as White Marlin Open officials brought it to the scales, 106 pounds flashed on the screen.
Keely moved into second place just behind Travis Ort who caught a 114.5-pound tuna on Monday. Keely’s catch is currently valued at $395,000.
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Dolphin, wahoo categories finally see action
Coming into Wednesday, the tuna category was the only division that featured qualifying catches.
On Monday, three tunas were brought to the scales after 42 boats hit the water. No anglers fished on Tuesday due to rough waters caused by Tropical Storm Isaias. Tournament official Andy Motsko said it was the first time in recent history no boats fished during the White Marlin Open.
On Wednesday, two dolphins were brought to the scales, led by Chad Helfenbein’s catch of a 35.5-pounder. Helfenbein is a member of the Salt Lick out of Ocean City. His catch is currently valued at $20,000.
Rob Gothier of the BAR South currently holds second in the dolphin category, landing a 27-pounder on Wednesday valued at $2,000.
Mark Hutchinson of the Magic Moment caught the tournament’s only qualifying wahoo. The 60.5-pound catch is valued at $20,000.
Hutchinson said the wahoo was the crew’s only bite of the day.
Pair of white marlin deemed ineligible
The white marlin is the most sought after fish in Ocean City’s annual tournament.
While many are caught, the White Marlin Open has strict requirements for eligibility.
Length and weight are the two key factors. White marlins must measure at least 68 inches and weigh in at 70 pounds to be eligible for any prize money. Each category has its own designated size requirements.
A pair of white marlin came to the scales on Wednesday, and though both met the tournament’s length requirement, neither could top 70 pounds.
The white marlin category remains open heading into Day 4 along with the blue marlin and shark divisions.
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The Link LonkAugust 06, 2020 at 08:25AM
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White Marlin Open: Tuna, wahoo, dolphin highlight Day 3 - Delmarva Now
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