Tuna and cash took center stage in the Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament …
Another year in the Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament has come to a close and this one was record-setting. The 21st annual event featured more boats (115) and total prize winnings ($329,200) than ever. The three-day competition ran from Thursday through Saturday, but no teams fished on the opener becau
Another year in the Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament has come to a close and this one was record-setting.
The 21st annual event featured more boats (115) and total prize winnings ($329,200) than ever.
The three-day competition ran from Thursday through Saturday, but no teams fished on the opener because of winds and rough seas.
When the scales had cleared, local entry Albatross – with Capt. James Demaio’s team was declared the overall winner with a tournament-allowed three-fish weight of 154.6 pounds. The team banked $52,300 and member Owen Garvey won the junior angler division with a 71.7-pound tuna.
Attitude Adjustment II of Virginia Beach, with Capt. Ryan Self at the helm, was second with 138.8 pounds. The team also captured the overall title in the small boat division and took home $29,850.
Third place went to Waterman of Virginia Beach with 138.5 pounds. But Capt. Mike Standing’s team was the big money winner because of overall entry levels that awarded $105,350.
Oblivion, out of Virginia Beach and captained by Dave Trax, was fourth overall, but finished second in the money with $56,000.
Shade Tree of Virginia Beach, with Capt. Andy McSweeney, had the biggest wahoo with a 39.7-pounder to capture that division and win $16,3000.
Capt. David Cooper on hometown Recooper 8 won the dolphin division with a 15.6-pounder and also banked $16,300.
Fishing on Juniper out of Wanchese, N.C., and Capt. Michael Meredith had the top female angler in Lea DeMatteo.
