Aboard the local charterboat “Blue Water,” the team “Buzz’s Beauties” took first place in the 7th Annual Reelin’ for Research Fishing Tournament, held May 2 out of the Morehead City Waterfront.
Along with Capt. Jimmy Hite and mate Patrick Dufour were Raleigh residents Molly Skinner, Mark Thompson, Mary Whitfield, Meghan Hawkins, and Alex Whitfield. A 21.8 lb. amberjack Molly landed also earned her the events’ Top Lady Angler honors.
Anglers Molly Skinner, Mark Thompson, Mary Whitfield, Meghan Hawkins, and Alex Whitfield–the “Buzz’s Beauties” crew–took first place in the 2015 Reelin’ for Research Blue Water Tournament, held May 2 out of the Morehead City waterfront. They fished with Capt. Jimmy Hite and mate Patrick Dufour aboard the charterboat “Blue Water.”
Fishing with Capt. Alan Willis and mate Joey Rivenbark, the “Shenandoah” crew of Robbie Stallings and Brent Mizzelle from New Bern secured the second place honors in the event.
Mizzelle also took home the tournament’s largest fish prize for a 28.6 lb. wahoo, and Stephen Ludwig, of Greensboro, scored Top Junior Angler for his 8.0 lb. false albacore.
The event was a great day for anglers, but even more importantly, a great day for the NC Children’s Hospital. Teams entering the tournament must raise at least $1,000 for the hospital’s pediatric cancer research program, and the event was able to donate a check for $410,000 to the Stuart Gould (director of hematology and oncology) from this year’s event.
Team “All In,” from Cary, NC, took home the tournament’s Buzz Skinner Award for raising the most money for the cause, a total of $69,010.