Wrightsville Beach Spring Challenge 2006
After being postponed due to bad weather, the 2nd annual Wrightsville Beach Marina Spring Challenge was held the weekend of April 27-29, with Saturday as the one day of fishing. Unlike the previous weekend, the tournament’s rain date proved to be a beautiful day offshore.
Winds were out of the west most of the day at around 10 knots. Seas started off 4-6 feet, but laid down to 2-3 feet, with mainly swells. Water temperatures were mid-70s in the gulf stream. The pleasant weather and warm waters provided the 13 participating Spring Challenge boats with a good amount of winning fish to brag about.
Payout in this event was for the two biggest fish in each category, including tuna, wahoo, and mahi. There was also a prize awarded for biggest catch overall and for the biggest fish from an outboard-powered boat.
The heaviest wahoo was caught by “Double Shot,” a 64’ Spencer Yacht from Wrightsville Beach. The boat is owned by Jay Mouser and captained by Tom Ronner. Mates Chris Nealon and Stewart Merritt were onboard to help land the 44 lb. winning wahoo. Ronner reported that the fish was caught at 1:00 pm using a blue and white Islander out at the 380s. He also said it took no more than 5 minutes to land their prize fish.
“Cut-N-Dry,” Jeff Scott’s boat, took second place in the heaviest wahoo category with a 35.45 pounder. He also won first place in the heaviest mahi category, with a 29.25 lb. fish.
Closely following “Cut-N-Dry” was “Blue Dog,” a boat belonging to Greg Stevens. He and his crew weighed in a 28.70 lb. mahi.
Beaufort resident Randy Bryant, fishing on his “Maggie,” took second place in the tuna category with a 50.70 pounder.
Big congratulations go to the “Thunder” fishing team, the big winner of the tournament. The 55’ East Bay yacht, owned by Allan Toomer and captained by Scott Toomer of Wilmington, weighed in the biggest tuna. They also took home the honor of biggest catch overall. Their winning yellowfin was 51 pounds.
“Silver II” won $1500 in the tournament for having the heaviest fish caught from a boat with outboard motors. Their crew brought in a 16 lb. mahi.
Sam Clary, Tournament Director of the Spring Challenge, was proud and overjoyed with the turnout. He stated that the top payout was $3500. He also wanted to reaffirm that 10% of this year’s total prize money went to Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center.
