Bigeyes keep coming in Offshore Open

Bigeye tuna catches continue to be weighed at the Manasquan River Marlin & Tuna Club’s Offshore Open at Brielle. The Experience took back its initial lead in the contest that allows either two day trips or one overnighter as they weighed a 256.8- pounder. Canyon Runner moved into second at 218.2 pounds – and Blue Runner took over third at 215.9. Sixteen tuna over 100 pounds have been weighed so far along with lots of yellowfins.

Other categories started filling in as Flying Tiger released a blue marlin, and Blue Runner had two white marlin releases.

The long-missing big dolphin finally showed as Uncorked boated a 47.3-pounder and Done Deal had two of 35.9 and 30.6 pounds.

Small swordfish were entered as Done Deal had a 93.2-pounder to lead Pepper at 85.9 and Lucky Strike 1 at 54.6 pounds. Done Deal also leads in wahoo at 50 pounds.

The largest albacore is a 54.2-pounder on Following Seas.

Capt. Gene Quigley reported : “Panama sized yellowfins right here in New Jersey. It’s been nothing short of amazing catching these 100 lb plus yellowfins with our clients on poppers, jigs and bait….these are some of the biggest YF’s we have seen in our local waters that are being “consistently” caught day in and day out over the last two weeks. Been some heart breakers with pulled hooks, broken leaders and broken hearts at the boat…..but there has also been some glorious victories as well. We live for this.”