Tournament Reports – Blue Marlin Release
For 60 years, the annual Blue Marlin Release Tournament, put together by the Hatteras Marlin Club, has been a highly competitive event in the North Carolina offshore fishing community. This year, even with restrictions due to the Covid-19 crisis, was no different.
“Sensation” took the top spot in the 2020 Hatteras Marlin Club’s Blue Marlin Release Tournament with a total of two blue marlin releases.
There were 35 boats that hit the bluewater off Cape Hatteras, NC, where the Gulf Stream runs parallel to the coast just 18 miles out. Nicknamed “Game Fish Junction,” the cold Labrador currents mix with temperate Gulf Stream waters, making the perfect setting for fishing of all kinds.
Tournament anglers chose 3 of 5 available days to fish the week of June 22-27. Blue marlin was the main money winner; any boat that brought in a blue marlin and properly photographed it scored 400 points for that catch. Any other billfish caught (white marlin, sailfish, spearfish, or swordfish) would award the team 125 points.
The tournament also features a Meat Fish TWT, where anglers can weigh in dolphin, yellowfin, or wahoo for a bonus payout.
This year, first place was secured by club member Captain Dale Britt of team “Sensation” for their two blue marlin releases, earning “Sensation” 800 points.
Second place was awarded to team “Qualifier” for one blue marlin and one white marlin release, giving them a total of 525 points.
Third place went to team “Outlaw” who fortunately reported their one blue marlin catch and release prior to fourth place “Release,” who also scored a single blue marlin,. Both teams finished with 400 points, but “Outlaw” took third based on time.
In the Meat Fish category, Harris Huddle from team “Builders Choice” took home the top spot with a hefty dolphin weighing in at 53.4 lbs. Second place was scored by Blaine Reese from “Carolina Time” for his 48.5 lb. dolphin, and third went to David Rowe of team “Sensation” for a 28.4 lb. dolphin.
To view the full leaderboard of this year’s event, or to see information about the 2021 HMC Blue Marlin Tournament, visit the tournament website at www.hmcbillfish.com.
