WMO is a wrap … and some are going home rich after world record payout
It’s a wrap. The 49th annual White Marlin Open out of Ocean City, Md., is in the books and the event has broken its own record for single-fish payout with a tournament-winning 77.5-pound white caught on the hometown-based Billfisher, taking home $4.5-Plus million. The event featured 408 entries and
It’s a wrap.
The 49th annual White Marlin Open out of Ocean City, Md., is in the books and the event has broken its own record for single-fish payout with a tournament-winning 77.5-pound white caught on the hometown-based Billfisher, taking home $4.5-Plus million.
The event featured 408 entries and a total prize purse of $8.6 million.
Winning the blue marlin division was Fenwick island, Del.’s Cabana for a 511-pounder worth $1.2-plus million.
The tuna division had dominated the tournament for three days – at first with big yellowfin and then bigeye tuna. Winning that division and $1.2-plus million was hometown team Southern C’s. Manteo-passed Komotose was third with a 242.5-pounder north $437,918.
Jenny Poo of Palm Beach, Fla., won the wahoo division with a 71-pounder worth $24,566.
Irene from Stuart, Fla., captured $31,297 in the dolphin division with a 59.5-pounder. Chincoteague-based 10-4 Joke was second in the division with a 29-pounder worth $104,447. The team won more money than the winner because it had entered more categories.
Keep in mind, the WMO isn’t the only game in town, as we’re deep into the mid-Atlantic offshore tournament season.
The 26th annual Virginia Beach Open Marlin Tournament was held the week prior to the WMO and the team on Sniper was the overall winner based on billfish releases. Mercenaria won the dolphin division, with Desperado taking the win in wahoo and Sniper the victory in tuna.
Next up is the 39th annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament, Aug. 15-19, out of Manteo. The event is proceeded by the 33rd annual Alice Kelley Memorial All-Ladies Tournament. Just after the conclusion of both tournaments, the marina will host the fifth annual Sheep Dog Veterans Challenge for first responders, veterans and active duty personnel.
After everybody takes a deep breath, fills up on fuel and loads the bait cooler with new balao (ballyhoo) baits, it will be time for the 19th annual Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament out of Rudee Inlet, Aug. 24-27. That event also is proceeded by a women’s event – the 20th annual Wine, Women and Fishing Ladies-Only Charity Billfish Tournament, Aug 20-21, also out of Rudee Inlet.
So get to the edge of your seats, wait to see what happens today in Ocean City, Md., and stay in fishing mode for action through the end of the month.
