The White Marlin Open’s leaderboard finally was filled on Thursday, but in a rarity in recent years, no boats from Hampton Roads are leading a category heading into the lucrative tournament’s final day.
And early Friday, a Maryland boat leaped onto the leaderboard as the clock ticked down on the final day of fishing.
The Billfisher, based in Ocean City, brought in a 77.5-pound white marlin that could be worth $4.4 million if it holds the lead when the scales close at 9 p.m. Friday, according to the tournament’s website. Jeremy Duffie, of Bethesda, Maryland, was the angler.
The C- Student — based in Southside Place, Texas — on Thursday landed the tournament’s first white marlin, a 71.5-pounder. Angler Keeley Megarity, of Houston, reeled in the fish.
Earlier Thursday, the Cabana (Fenwick Island, Delaware) brought the tournament’s first blue marlin to the scales. Bill Britt, of Sandy Spring, Maryland, landed the 511-pounder that could be worth $960,000 if it wins the category.
Other category leaders heading into Friday, with potential payouts:
Tuna: Southern C’s, Ocean City, Maryland, 247.5 pounds, $940,000
Wahoo: Jenny Poo, Palm Beach, Florida, 71 pounds, $20,000
Dolphin: Irene, Stuart, Florida, 59.5 pounds, $24,000
Komotose, a boat from Manteo, North Carolina, caught a 242.5-pound bigeye tuna that is in third place. Richard Hawse, of Pasadena, Maryland, was the angler, and the boat’s entries could haul home a total of $320,000.
Jami Frankenberry, 757-446-2376, jami.frankenberry@pilotonline.com
