White Marlin Open coming up

One of the world’s biggest offshore tournaments is coming up this week as the White Marlin Open at Ocean City, Maryland runs its 50th event from Aug. 7-11. Fishing starts Monday with an even bigger purse for high rollers as $50,000 will get you into a winner take all division for the biggest white marlin. Last year there were 408 boats entered in the WMO competing for a purse of $8.6 million.

NYC Capt. John Mc Murry reports yellowfin tuna are well within range and bigger than ever. He estimated the 63-incher shown to be 125-150 pounds. Poppers have been most effective– and you can imagine what a thrill it is to get a surface strike from a fish like that! Fortunately, the relatively shallow depths to the east are in the angler’s favor. Years ago, I hooked a 170-pounder off Panama on a popper that went down to the “bottomless” depths of the Pacific and tied me up on spinning tackle for 5 1/2 hours.

The forecast for Saturday is great with northwest winds at just 5-10 knots.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar had a charter today and stayed closer to shore for a pick of sea bass and fluke . That boat’s Exotics trip on Monday has been postponed, so they will be making their daily bluefish trips instead.

Grumpy’s Tackle in Seaside Park reports Spanish mackerel are showing up for surfcasters.