Pirate’s Cove anglers are looking for tournament billfish in annual event.

The 41st annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament out of Manteo in Oregon Inlet is off and fishing, holding the first day of angling on Tuesday.

The event, which concludes Friday and holds a breakfast sendoff on Saturday, this year features 84 teams competing for $1,263,125.

After the first day, in which 77 teams competed, 45 billfish were caught and released – along with 10 gamefish. Of the billfish, sailfish were the most prevalent, with 26 being released. There were 13 blue marlin and six white marlin.

Viking 82, captained by Sean Dooley, leads the way with a pair of blue marlin and two sailfish for 700 points.

Capt. Arch Bracher has Pelican in second with one blue and one sail released for 350 points.

Annie O with Capt. Nate Newlin also has 350 points, but is in third on time of catch.

Seven other teams wrap up the top 10 with 250 points each.

Gary Fitch, fishing on A-Salt-Weapon with Capt. Darrin Callahan, leads the dolphin division with a 24.3 beauty.

David Logan, fishing with Capt. Jim Garrett on the Low Profile, leads the tuna category with a 43.5-pound yellowfin.

And Elizabeth Montaque on Bankwalker with capt. Bryant Montaque has the top wahoo with a 39.2-pounder.

Many teams will no doubt try to get their fishing days in early to avoid a potentially large ground swell as Tropical Storm Ernesto begins its push to the north. Ernesto is nearly a hurricane and forecasters are calling for it to become a major (Cat 3 of higher) storm as it nears Bermuda.

Keep a tight line, ‘cause this tournament has plenty more to come.