Page 66 - 52nd Annual White Marlin Open

down at us as to what to do, and believe me Charlie did some
yelling, and we were already doing it.”
Of course, from 2002 to 2008 to 2019, there were life changes
which meant the significant winnings were used for different Charlie Horning has played an outsized role in Hinkle’s fishing
purposes. Hinkle elaborates, “We were relatively new parents journey. “Charlie is an amazing competitor”, says Hinkle. “He
in 2008 so all the winnings that year went into a college fund loves fishing on smaller boats and takes pride in that. The first
for my two children. By 2019 we were a bit more settled and Fish Whistle was a 31” Chris Craft and we were squeezed in
able to use the proceeds to do things around the house and like sardines. He took the winnings from 2008 and bought a
treat ourselves to a few nice things.” 38’ Dawson. If it wasn’t for Charlie and his incredible generos-
ity, none of this would have happened. He has provided a life
There is no escaping that catching the largest white marlin in altering opportunity for me.”
the WMO brings an immediate influx of cash, but money is
not what pleases Hinkle the most, “Money is one thing but I Teamwork and a Big Purse
wouldn’t trade the feeling of being a two-time winner of the Rob Belcher has fished in almost every White Marlin Open
world’s most prestigious billfish tournament for anything.” since the early 80’s. He has fished with some of the best cap-
tains and anglers in tournament history including his mentor
As with most fisherman, Hinkle is quick to point out that al- Butch Cox of the Prime Time and Richard Benn on Wound Up.
though he was the angler on those two fish, it is truly a team He has even placed in several categories including top dolphin,
win. “I have been fishing with the same crew for 25 years. 3rd place white and winning the E Calcutta with a tuna in the
Capt. Charlie Horning, Calvert Hall classmate Steve Schwing late 80’s. Still, none of that could compare to the win in the
(who introduced me to Charlie), Pat Horning, Dave Gorelick. 2023 WMO aboard the Floor Reel. “The most incredible and
and Walt “McGuyver” Schrade who can fix anything on the most rewarding experience I have ever had in fishing”, says
boat” says Hinkle. “Tournament fishing is all about the team Belcher. “It is the pinnacle of teamwork to win a tournament
you are fishing with. Everyone must know what they are doing like the White Marlin Open.”
and what their role is. When a fish hits, Charlie would yell

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