As noted in my early blog, the leader least likely to be beaten was the first to as as Billfisher was the first toweigh in with not only a tournament record 1135-pound blue marli but also a Maryland state record. The Zipper later weighed a 472-pound blue, but only finished fifth behind Billfish, Wolverine’s previous tournament record 958, Goin’ In Deeper’s early leader at 681 pounds — and a 487-pounder by Reel Tight.

The seemingly vulnerable white marlin category remained the same with Sea Wolf taking the big money at 82 pounds over an 8-pounder by Lucky Duck II and a 75-pound white by Fish On. C Boys finished fourth at 69 pounds — one pound ahead of Roshambo.

Tuna catches were exceptional, but there was still movement as Slim Shady slipped into fourth behind the two leaders by Pipe Dreamer at 235 and 227 pounds –while The Right Place hung onto third at 188 — just ahead of Endorfin at 184 and 182-pounders by Warden Pass and External Fixation.

There were lots of changes in dolphin as Amarula Sun ran away from the field with a 45-pounder tobeat a 36-pounder on Taylor Jean, a 33 on Picasso Moon — and Blood Money’s previous leader at 31 pounds.

Amarula Sun almost swept the “fin ” fish with a 57-pound wahoo, but Just One More #314 won at 58 pounds. Reel More had a 50-pounder for fourth.

Ill have much more information in the morning.

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After setting a Maryland state record with a 958-pound blue marlin, the Wolverine had to be counting its winnings in the MidAtlantic. Yet it turned out that wasn’t nearly enough to win as Billfisher was at the scales this afternoon in Ocean City, Maryland with a1135-pound blue to blow away the competition and set a new state record. I’ll have more about this tpournament in a blog after the scales close at 9.

Despite the storm coming up the coast, there were good reports today about bluefishing by the JJamaica from Brielle and the Golden Eagle out of Belmar — while the Big Mohawk from Belmar had fluke limits despite the big swell.

The marine forecast includes a possible tropical storm warning — but only north winds at 15-20 knots with gusts to 25. Seas of 5 to 8 feet in the morning drop to 4 to 6 feet in the afternoon. Rain is possible. Check ahead to be sure your boat will be sailing.

Capt. Dave De Gennaro isn’t worried about the ocean weather as he’s having fine grass shrimp chumming in Barnegat Bay with weaks averaging 14 to 18 inches on 1/8-ouce jig heads and 6-pound spinning tackle. Call him at 732 330-5674.

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Jeff Merrill reports as follows:

50-Pound Wahoo is Only Change as 30^th MidAtlantic Tournament

Fleet Takes a Breather on Day Four

With all but 20 boats tied to the dock on Day Four of the 30^th Annual MidAtlantic tournament there was little change in the leaderboard today.  Lay Days give crews an opportunity to catch up on maintenance items, rig baits, plan strategy and get some much-needed rest.  Tomorrow is the final day of the tournament and well over 150 boats still having another day to give it a go on what is typically a busy day at the MidAtlantic.  In what’s become known as “Moving Day” at the MidAtlantic over the years, the leaderboard often takes a beating as changes to many, if not all, of the categories often occur.  Will that be the case again tomorrow?  Stayed tuned!  It could be another photo finish!  In the meantime, lets recap the leaders after Day Four at sportfishing’s “Main Event.”      

Anthony Martina’s Sea Wolf hailing from Middletown, Delaware continues to lead the white marlin category with his 82-pounder.  Art Boykin of Berlin, Maryland aboard Lucky Duck II has an 80-pounder in second place.  Andrew Dotterweich’s Fish On out of Jupiter, Florida remains in third place with his 75-pounder.   

In the blue marlin category, Rocky Hardison’s Beaufort, North Carolina-based Wolverine remains atop with his tournament record 958-pound blue marlin.  Larry Hesse’s Goin’ in Deep based in Manasquan, New Jersey remains in second place with his 681-pounder while Steve Pilipauskis’ Reel Tight hailing from Riva, Maryland sits in third place with his 487-pound blue marlin.              

The tuna division has been hotly contested all week as plenty of yellowfins have been weighed but big eyes continue to dominate the leaderboard.  Chip Caruso from Colts Neck, New Jersey aboard his Pipedreamer owns the top two places with big eyes of 235 and 227 pounds.  Bob Hugin of Summit, New Jersey on The Right Place is in third place with his 188-pound big eye. 

William Keller of Brielle, New Jersey aboard his Blood Money leads the dolphin division with a 31-pounder while Jeff Spencer’s Bent Tent from Easton, Maryland and Jeremy Blunt’s Wrecker’s from Ocean City, Maryland are tied for second with 26-pounders.

We have a new second place wahoo after Kevin Moore of Pasadena, Maryland aboard his Reel Moore weighed a 50-pounder today for angler Jason DeLucia.  Danny Veid’s Tarpon Springs, Florida-based Amarula Sun continues to lead the category with his 57-pounder.  Patrick McGovern’s Mack 900 from Somerset, New Jersey is now in third place with his 32-pounder.  

Matt Weber’s Max Bet released five white marlin today.    

Please note the MidAtlantic tournament is a private event.  Nightly weigh-in sessions at Canyon Club Resort Marina and Sunset Marina as well as other tournament venues are not open to the general public and require credentials for entry.  All local, state and federal procedures with regard to Covid-19 are being followed to ensure the health and safety of all tournament staff, sponsors and participants.   

There are only two days left in the 30th MidAtlantic before millions are distributed to the winners, but those last two days usually produce several changes as skippers zero in on any perceived weak link.

That certainly doesn’t apply to blue marlin as yesterday’s 958-pound tournament record on Wolverine will be hard to beat as, depending on what’s weghed in this evening, the next two spots are held by a 681-pounder on Goin’In Deep, and a 487 by Reel Tight. It was sad to watch a small boat, Pelagic Hunter II. offload a great catch- a blue marlin that was long enough to qualify, but not heavy enough at 383 pounds to make the 400-pound minimum.

Tuna trolling has been excellent, especially for Bob Hugin’s The Right Place even though his best at 188 pounds was pushed back by Pipe Dreamer’s 235 and 227 yesterday. Hugin still has a huge lead in tuna points at 626 to Pipe Dreamer’s 231. Yet, there’s room for improvement even there as Bernard and Drew Dinardi hit a blast of bigeyes on Absolut-ly from Brielle Yacht Club that included the still standing tournament record of 254 pounds in 1993.

The Dinardis were among the nicest people I’ve ever met. and ran their boat without any professional help.

The Jamaica from Brielle reported excellent bluefishing this morning, followed by limits of sea bass. they have room in the morning at 7:30, and also sail for blues at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.The forecast is for light west winds

Capt. Lou Grazioso found fine mid-range yellowfin tuna action yesterday while fishing with the Cody’s on their Hookin & Rocking from Brielle. Lou threw his cast net in the river and was surprised to come up with anchovies which the tuna jumped on. They caught six out of 16 — including a couple that hit poppers cast by Matt Cody. Most of the tuna were in the 35-50-pound class, but a couple were over 75 pounds.

I’ll be back with a late blog after the MidAtlantic scales close at 9 .

When you start a N.J. tournament with a 681-pound blue marlin. as Goin’ In Deep did in the MidAtlantic this week, you might figure that marlin should stand up. Yet, just a couple of days later it proved to be not even close as Wolverine weighed a tournament-record 958-pounder.

Following is Dave Merrill’s official tournament report from day 3.The:previous record of 847 pounds was set by Wade Lober aboard his Why Not back in 2014.  Congratulations tothe crew of the Wolverine!  Larry Hesse’s Goin’ in Deep out of Manasquan, New Jersey is now in second place with his 681-pounder followed by Steve Pilipauskis’ Reel Tight from Riva, Maryland with his 487-pounder.             

The tuna bite continued to be very good and once again on Day Three and numerous big eyes and yellowfins were weighed and a major shake-up occurred in the standings.  Captain Bryan Boyle had Chip Caruso’s Colts Neck, New Jersey-based Pipedreamer at the scale shortly after the tonight’s weigh-in session got underway at 5 pm. with a pair of barrel-sized big eye tuna in the cockpit that anglers Caruso and Andy Confortini battled.  The pair of big eyes weighed 235 and 227 pounds and moved Pipedreamer into the lead and second place in the tuna category.  Bob Hugin’s Summit, New Jersey-based The Right Place is now in third place with a 188-pound tuna. 

Anthony Martina’s Sea Wolf from Middletown, Delaware remains atop of the white marlin division with his 82-pounder followed by Art Boykin of Berlin, Maryland on his Lucky Duck II with his 80-pounder.  Andrew Dotterweich’s Fish On from Jupiter, Florida sits in third place with his white marlin of 75 pounds. 

In the dolphin category William Keller’s Blood Money from Brielle, New Jersey remains atop the board with his 31-pounder followed by Jeff Spencer’s Bent Tent from Easton, Maryland and Jeremy Blunt’s Wrecker’s out of Ocean City, Maryland who are tied at 26 pounds.     

There’s a new leader in the wahoo category after Captain Danny Veid of Tarpon Springs, Florida weighed a 57-pounder for angler Gerry Imparato aboard Amarula Sun.  Patrick McGovern’s Mack 900 based in Somerset, New Jersey was bounced to second place with his 32-pounder.  John Homick’s Salt Lick hailing from Annapolis, Maryland is now in third place with his 18-pounder.     

Some of the boats with notable billfish releases on Day Three include Jamie Diller’s Canyon Lady with seven white marlin and David Bowen’s Big Stick with five.  Dave Anderson’s Krazy Salts and Luke Blume’s C Boys each released four white marlin.  John Dougherty’s Outrage, Pat Healey’s Viking 80, Sid Gold’s Can Do Too, Andrew Kevlahan’s Dorothy Marie and Adam Youschak’s Reelin’ Feelin’ each released three white marlin today.  George Robinson’s Polarizer and Jim Walker’s Conspiracy each released a blue marlin.     

The mid-range yellowfin tuna have been off-and-on, often disapointing when there’s too much boat traffic. However, that didn’t seem to be a problem on Tuesday.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar reported 10 in the 85-90-pound class were boated and many lost. Two were on jigs while the rest hit chunks. Their last Exotics trip of the season will sail next Monday night.

Capt. Dave Riback said his previous Tuesday tuna trip “stank”, but some yellowfins were caught this week — up to a 130-pounder. In contrast to the Golden Eagle report, Riback noted there was a 60/40 edge in favor of jigs.

The Golden Eagle reported bluefish from 3 to 10 pounds hitting jigs close to the inlet provided quick limits before they did the same with sea bass.

Bob Matthews reports from Fisherman’s Den in Belmar Marina that while Shark River keeper fluke ratios are down the ocean fluking has been very good. Surf striper action has been primarily at night.

Vinny D’Anton thought he had a big bass running line off his light tackle yesterday morning in the Spring Lake surf before realizing the fish had to be a ray. Fortunately, it was a relatively small one of about 15 pounds which shortened the fight before release. That was the first tme we’ve heard of a cownose hitting sand fleas.

The Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands had spotty fluking today, and is taking tomorrow off to let the weather get by. Though the forecast is for only south at 5-10 knots, thunderstorms are possible.

Today is the last call for early entry into the Oct. 8-9 Barrier Island Brach Brawl and a chance in a drawing for Costa sunglasses. Visit saltwaterunderground.com/barrierislandbeachbrawl

Today’s action at the MidAtlantic started as the scales opened at 5 with Amarula Sun blowing out the wahoo category with a 57-pounder while Pipe Dreamer took over in tuna with bigeyesof 227 and 235 pounds. I’ll have a late blog after the scales close at 9.

The big money winner in last weeks Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club”s White Marlin Invitational was Kaar, but the prize catch was a last minute 182;9-pound bigeye tuna on Crazy Tuna.

Jeff Merrill’s recap of Day 2 at the MidAtlantic follows:

As noted yesterday, the 2021 MidAtlantic is indeed off to a record-setting start. In addition to a record field of 203 boats the tournament’s total cash purse is now officially set at $5,939,050!  Worthy of note is a significant portion of that cash pot this year comes from a special calcutta that was added to commemorate 30 years of MidAtlantic tournaments.  The 30^th Anniversary Mega Marlin Calcutta, with its $30,000 additional fee to participate, pays out 32% and 18% to the top two white marlin and top two blue marlin respectively.  This calcutta alone has a total payout of nearly $1.6 million!  It’s also important to mention that the MidAtlantic tournament is donating 1% of the total proceeds of that specific calcutta evenly to three worthwhile fishing organizations that benefit recreational anglers including the International Game Fish Association, Recreational Fishing Alliance and The Billfish Foundation.             

Day Two dawned partly cloudy with a light breeze for the 94 boats that gave it a go.  Yesterday’s billfish bite saw 169 white marlin and 13 blue marlin released and the hot bite continued on Day Two.  The evening’s weigh-in session saw changes to several categories but the big news of the day came in the white marlin category where we have a new leader after Captain Donnie White pulled Anthony Martina’s Sea Wolf based out of Middletown, Delaware to the scale and weighed an 82-pounder for angler Pete Roskovich.  Captain Andrew Dotterweich had his Fish On from Jupiter, Florida at the scale at exactly 5 p.m. when it opened and weighed a white marlin of 75 pounds and moved into second place bumping Luke Blume’s C-Boys from Berlin, Maryland to third place with his 69-pounder.     

In the blue marlin category, Larry Hesse’s Goin’ in Deep out of Manasquan, New Jersey remains in the lead with his 681-pounder followed by Steve Pilipauskis’ Reel Tight based out of Riva, Maryland with his blue marlin of 487 pounds.  Third place remains vacant. 

The hot tuna bite continued on Day two and once again a solid count of yellowfins and big eyes were weighed at Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May and Sunset Marina in Ocean City but cracking the top three proved to be difficult.  Bob Hugin of Summit, New Jersey still is atop the leaderboard with a 188 pounder on his The Right Place.  Val Fichera’s Warden Pass based in Cape May, New Jersey weighed a 182-pound big eye today and moved into second place.  Ken Hager’s Taylor Jean from Tinton Falls, New Jersey is now in third place with his 179-pound big eye.   

We have a new leader in the dolphin division after William Keller’s Blood Money from Brielle, New Jersey weighed a 31-pound mahi.  Jeff Spencer’s Bent Tent from Easton, Maryland weighed a 26-pound dolphin today and moved into a tie for second place with Jeremy Blunt’s Wrecker’s out of Ocean City, Maryland.   

No wahoo were weighed on Day Two so Somerset, New Jersey’s Patrick McGovern’s aboard his Mack 900 remains in the lead with a 32-pounder followed by John Homick’s Salt Lick from Annapolis, Maryland with an 18-pounder.  Third place remains vacant.   

Pat Healy’s New Gretna, New Jersey-based Viking 80 factory demo led the day in releases with 16 white marlin which included two triple headers and one double header.  Some of the other boats in the field with notable billfish releases on Day Two include William Keller’s Blood Money with five white marlin and one blue marlin.  James Davis’ Wave Paver released 10 white marlin on Day Two and Dave Anderson’s Krazy Salts released eight.  Anthony Martina’s Sea Wolf released six white marlin while Doug Allen’s Big Oil and Lance Converse’s Lunatico on Effe Mae each released four white marlin on Day Two.  Fletch Creamer’s Ditch Digger released two white marlin and one blue marlin and Michael Savino’s Texas Tea released two blue marlin.        

As noted in last night’s late blog, the MidAtlantic’s 30th tournament opened with a bang as most categories filled in with potential winners. That trend continued as the scales opened this afternon as Fish On weighed a 75-pound white marlin to move into third — ahead of a 69-pounder by C Boys. I’ll have an update with a late blog after the scales close at 9.

At Atlantic Highlands, the Fishermen reported slugging away at fluke and sea bass despite a cranky sea. The Sea Hunter called it OK fluking with plenty of action between shorts and keepers.

Tomorrow’s forecast is for south winds at 5-10 knots with showers likely in the afternoon.

Tropical species are moving into warm northern waters. That included a tarpon in Barnegat Inlet reported by Fisherman;s Headquarters in Ship Bottom. Unfortunately, it was speared. A sad ending for a great, though virtually inedible game fish.,

Even if a hurricane blew out the rest of the week, the 30th MidAtlantic would still be considered a success with most of the categories already filed in with hefty fish. Jeff Merrill’s official account of the first day follows:

The first ballyhoo hadn’t hit the water on Day One of the 30^th MidAtlantic and already two records were set at sportfishing’s “Main Event.”  The tournament field is set at 203 boats, smashing the previous record of 183 set last year.  Both tournament venues were busy prior to the Captain’s Meeting yesterday handling calcutta entries and last-minute registration and although cash payouts are still being verified, another cash purse record has been set this year at $5.9 million-plus, breaking the previous record of just over $4 million, also set last year.   

On Day One 163 boats headed offshore into light winds and sea conditions were beautiful on the edge based on reports heard around the weigh stations.  The evening’s weigh-in session got off to a fast start as Luke Blume’s C-Boys from Berlin, Maryland weighed a 69-pound white marlin but unfortunately their time atop the leaderboard would be brief.  Less than 30 minutes later Art Boykin’s Lucky Duck II, also out of Berlin, Maryland set the standard in the category after weighing an 80-pounder bumping C-Boys to second place.  Nick Shriver’s RoShamBo from Leonardtown, Maryland and Lance Converse’s Lunatico on Effe Mae based out of West Palm Beach, Florida are tied for third place after weighing 68-pounders on Day One.       

In the blue marlin category, Larry Hesse’s Goin’ in Deep based in Manasquan, New Jersey with Captain Walter Harmstead at the wheel weighed a blue marlin of 681 pounds and currently sits atop the leaderboard in the category.  Steve Pilipauskis’ Reel Tight got on the leaderboard after weighing a blue marlin of 487 pounds and currently is in second place.  Third place is vacant. 

The tuna bite was very good on Day One with a mix of big eyes and yellowfins weighed at both venues.  Summit, New Jersey’s Bob Hugin aboard his The Right Place was definitely in the right place today weighing five big eye tuna including a 188 pounder which leads the category and a 175 pounder which is in third place.  Ken Hager’s Taylor Jean from Tinton Falls, New Jersey weighed a big eye of 179 pounds and is in second place. 

With no minimum weight for dolphin, many were weighed on Day One and Jeremy Blunt’s Wrecker out of Ocean City, Maryland leads the category with his 26-pounder followed by Joe Drosey’s Rhonda’s Osprey with a 24-pounder.  Third place currently belongs to Curtis Campbell’s Reel Estate from Baltimore, Maryland with a 23-pounder.

Numerous wahoo were also weighed and Patrick McGovern’s Mack 900 based out of Somerset, New Jersey is atop the category with his 32-pounder followed by John Homick’s Salt Lick out of Annapolis, Maryland with his 18-pounder.  Third place is vacant.   

Some of the boats with notable billfish releases on Day One include William Keller’s Blood Money with seven white marlin released while Peter Cherasia’s Shark Byte and Wil Thornhil’s Showtime each released six white marlin.  Eddie Wheeler’s Cabana, James Davis’ Wave Paver and Matthew Weber’s Max Bet each released four white marlin.  Rusty Carter’s Stream Weaver released three white marlin and a blue marlin.  Jamie Diller’s Canyon Lady released four white marlin and two blue marlin while Darren Helwig’s Roll Groove let go two blue marlin and two white marlin.  Boats with three white marlin released on Day One include Jon Duffie’s Billfisher, Ryan Putman’s Is That So, Joe Bernert’s Quick Raise, Billy Wrede’s Lovin’ Life, Anthony Alves’ Kaarmaa, Adam Youschack’s Reelin’ Feelin’, John Gudelsky’s Reel Joy, Joseph Stein’s III Marli, Daniel Burt’s Pumpin’ Hard and Warren Halle’s Cookie Monster. 

There should be many weigh-ins during today’s opening of the MidAtlantic in Cape May plus Ocean City, Maryland, but I will wait to summerize them in a later blog after the scales close tonight

The Mimi VI from Point Pleasant has a last minute availability on a Wednesday 7 a.m. 32-hour offshore tuna trip. The cost is $480, and the one spot can be reserved by calling 732 370-8019.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar reported bluefish jigging was decent today before they added sea bass plus some fluke and chub mackerel. Both plain and tubed jigs were equally effective. That boat is fishing offshore on its weekly Exotics trip tomorrow.

Chuck Many got back to striped bass fishing and put his crew on them, including a ouple over 25 pounds, before heading east for a boat limit of fluke up to a 7.74-pounder on his Tyman from Highlands.

The forecast is for southeast winds at 5-10 knots before increasing to 10-15 in the afternoon.

Capt. Jim Freda said he saw a white marlin in the Sea Girt surf a few days ago. Could that be the same lost marlin observed from LBI to Bay Head a few weeks ago?