by The 50th anniversary White Marlin Open out of Ocean City, Md. has never before been devoid of a billfish winner, though from 1984 to 1986 there were no qualifying whites. Yet, unless 357 boats fishing their final day come through history will be changed.
It’s not that billfish have been scarce. The release count for the first four days was 431 whites, 34 blues, five sailfish and one spearfish.
The cash allocated to billfish will be moved to the tuna division if there are no qualifying marlin. At present, that would be a bonanza for Fishlik with a projected $1.2 million for a 247.5-pound bigeye. John Zimmerman moved into second yesterday on Game Over with a 221 1/2-pound bigeye. Ro Sham Bo then added a 215-pound bigeye to take over third.
I’ll have an update on today’s results after the scales close tonight.
NY/NJ Bight fluke fishing continues to be very good. Capt. Ron Santee of the Fishermen at Atlantic Highlands reports “
Had perfect conditions right from the start and the bite was on. Eric had his 3 on the first drift…by days end there were several customers with their 3 and then some.
Ken Peters had his three and took the daily pool and is the new Monthly pool lead with a beauty at 5 pounds 7 ounces. Lots of Great pics tonight as they always tell the story! Get here early in the AM, get your spot 1 Rod only at the rail, when we have our customers, we sail!” That boat is chartered Sunday.
The Golden Eagle from Belmar got into 1-pound blues and then flurries of 2-3-pounders today. Lots of blue were marked, but they were fussy. Some fluke and sea bass were added.
Capt. John McMurray reported lots of yellowfins on poppers and jigs
The forecast is for south winds at 5-10 knots before increasing in the afternoon to 10-15 knots with gusts to 20.
Vinny D’Anton reported small bass and blues have been hitting lures every morning in the Monmouth County surf. He even had a 34-inch bass on a Red Fin this week, but this morning was no good. Fluke remain steady on white Gulp.
Tight Lines 
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