The 27th Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament (Part 2)
Now that the prize schedule and point system is understood, the 27th Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament has officially started. The tournament has many hopefuls who would like nothing better than to set a new State record and win the grand prize.
But only after the fourth day will they know.
Note that although there are four days in the tournament, each boat is only allowed to fish on three days. It is their choice as to which day they would like to use as a lay day.
As the boats headed out of the Oregon Inlet on August 9th which marked the first day of the event, hunters had to decide whether to go north or south. Over the past few weeks, there have been a good number of sailfish in the south, while the north
has seen an increase in the number of Blue Marlin. A great deal of experienced fisherman headed out, as well as many amateurs who came out at a feeble attempt at the grand prize. But by the second day, half attempts turned into professional rivalry. Amazingly,
a crew of all 9 to 15 year olds clinched the second place with 490 points aboard the “Stefanie Ann.” The first place was held by boat “Uno Mas”, with 490 points. “Waste Knot” managed to win the third spot. In total, 39 Marlin were released on the second day.
The third day brought the best out of all the athletes. “Uno Mas” led the pack with 700 points with only one more day left to fish. Still holding second place was “Stefanie Ann” with her crew of 9 to 15 year olds at 630 points. “Secotan” was third with 490
points. “PentaGone” won the daily bonus prize with 280 points. Every boat that could still fish on the fourth day was looking to capture a big Blue Marlin, to bring their points up, and at the end of the third day, it’s still anybody’s game.
After four glorious days of fishing, the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament finally came to a close. Captained by Glynn Loftin, “Uno Mas” took first prize with 910 points worth $150,785. Aside from this Team Award, “Uno Mas” also won the Most Points Each
Day, the Top Billfish by Team, and Jackpot 2-Winner-Take-All for a total of $326,317 in cash. The second place went to “Stefanie Ann” in Team Awards. Captained by proud father Michael Birch, the junior anglers aboard the boat won the second place with a total
of $90,471 in Team Awards. The team also won the second place Top Billfish by Team Award for $31,556 for a grand total prize of $122,027. Last but not least, in the top three Team Awards was “Caroline” with Captain Watson Caviness, who won total prize money
of $81,352.
Aside from these three boats, Frenzy, PentaGone, Ann Warrick, Freestyle, Hunter, Sea Toy, Safari, Red Witch, Callie Girl, Papa Mac, Jesus Freak, Reel Jim, Marlin Gull, Saga, and Sea Buds also won cash prizes. A notable mention goes to the top lady angler
Kelli Roof aboard “Game On” with a collection of 420 points as well as Top Youth Angler Tanner Cline with an exceptional tally of 210 points aboard “Carbon Needs”.
The 28th annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament will take place on August 15 to 19 in 2011. This world-class event attracts fisherman from all areas of the United States and abroad. Based on 120 entries, the top prize for the 2011 tournament
is over $850,000, and although winning it will not be easy, the fishing is great during the tournament and even the youngest and newest of fisherman can get a bite. Fisherman at the event broke the State record for catching Blue Marlins on the 25th
anniversary of the tournament, weighing in at an astounding 1,228.5 pounds! Now that’s a lot of sushi.
Tags: