VB Tuna Tournament another success

Good things sometimes come to those who wait.

Team Marlin Maniac fished its one allowed day in the 18th annual Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament and made it count – capturing the lead in the 107-team event.

Led by Capt. David Nova, the team decked a 258.3-pound bigeye tuna to take the top prize – bumping Team Lulu and Loriev down a notch in the final standings.

Marlin Maniac – a 34-foot Fountain center console – also won the small boat division.

Lulu decked a 222.4-pound bigeye on Saturday, while Loriev had a three-fish total weight of 173.0 pounds.

A record number of entries were competing for a record total payout of $290.950.

Prizes also were awarded for top female angler, top youth angler, biggest dolphin and biggest wahoo.

Wave Runner took the dolphin division with a 17.2-pounder, while Saving Grace took the wahoo with a 20.3.

Lily Metelsky was the top lady angler with a 58.7-pound tuna, while Gracelynn West had a 48.8-pounder to win the youth prize.

Some tuna were caught straight out of Virginia Beach, but most headed as far as they could to the southeast or north where tuna catches as of late have been outstanding.After payouts, proceeds will benefit the McLesky Memorial Marlin Tournament and Hooked on Hope.

Editor’s note: Official results and prize money awarded had not yet been posted by tournament officials.