Tuna were the big winners at the weigh-ins on day one of the 50th Annual White Marlin Open. While 378 of the 400 registered boats fished, a lot of billfish were caught but all were released as none looked big enough to weigh. And while over $6 million is still reserved for billfish, the prize money for the weighed tuna was not shabby. Robert Wagner from Blue Bell, PA weighed a 199-pound bigeye tuna to claim first place and is now holding $1,000,000 for the fish that was caught off the Instigator out of Ocean City, MD. The BowDown out of Shark River, NJ weighed a 118-pound bigeye tuna caught by Angelo Ponte from New York, NY. Ponte’s tuna is currently winning $429,000. Nestled in third place with $38,000 is local Philip Houck from Ocean City, MD with a 64.5-pound yellowfin tuna caught off the Skid Row out of Ocean City, MD.
The Wahoo division saw one qualifying fish as Jeff Williams from Ft. Myers, FL landed a 55-pounder off Captain Deadley out of Ocean City, MD. Williams’ fish is currently worth $32,000.
Harley Smegal from St Augustine, FL took a 21-pound dolphin while fishing off the Hey Buddy out of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and is currently holding $32,000.
Long-time White Marlin Open observers understand that anything can and will happen with four fishing days left. There were 400 boats registered and each gets to choose any 3 of the 5 days to fish. 400 times 3 days equals 1,200 fishing days. On Monday, 378 boats fished which still leaves 822 boat fishing days still available.
With $9,000,000 still waiting to be claimed, you can bet the next four days will bring plenty of drama. The weigh-ins are held at Harbour Island each evening this week and are free to the public. The weigh-ins can also be viewed on the Jumbo Screen at Marlin Fest at the Inlet.
August 8, 2023
