Good start for MidAtlantic 500 despite northeaster The 34th edition of that contest out of Cape May and Ocean City, Md. was productive even though 109 boaters had to fight a northeast wind n the competition for a $23.2 million purse.

The great white marlin bite to the north continued with release counts up to 11 for Canyon Lady. Michael Jordan’s Catch 23 was leading the points competition with 900.

In the featured white marlin category, there was an entry by Tail Chaser of a spearfish or roundscale marlin which is considered a white for scoring purposes. Since it made the 69-inch minimum, it was weighed at 71 pounds — above the 69-pound minimum.

The leading tuna was a 103-pound bigeye on Lit Up, while Blue Runner out of Pt. Pleasant. and Max Bet each had a 96-pound yellowfin. Jenny Poo boated a 60-pound wahoo, and Catchin’ Grief added a 22-pounder. Pegasus leads in dolphin at 22 pounds.