Aug. 18, 2008 – George Lorton's Florida-based Therapy was the last boat back to the dock on the third day of fishing in the USVI Open Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament (ABMT), but the 68-foot Hatteras with Capt. Ray Walters at the helm was the first and only boat in the fleet to release four blue marlin for the day.
"We saw seven, six bit and we caught four," said Rick Alvarez, the observer onboard. "They were all hooked-up throughout the day, but they were all caught and released in about a 2-mile area off of Anegada."
"Some of them were really aggressive and didn't seem to want to give up until we caught them. That was actually good for us," he said.
The squally weather the day before didn't seem to dampen the fish catching action. The fleet of 29-boats collectively released 27 fish for a three-day total of 93 blue marlin.
Another two releases by Rum Bum gives the 58-foot Bertram a total of eight releases for a Top Boat lead. Luis Bacardi made both of the releases, giving him five fish for the tournament.
Fishing concludes Sunday, Aug. 17. In the morning, kids get their turn to catch fish at the Innovative Wireless Handline Tournament. Starting at 9:30 a.m., tiny tots to teens can pick up complimentary bait and handlines, and then fish off the docks at American Yacht Harbor Marina. Even those that get skunked receive free pizza, drinks and T-shirts.
The ABMT's final fishing action ends Sunday afternoon with the sport-fishing fleet's swift Jim Smith 'Race From The Edge.' The best place to watch this often photo finish is from the spit of land past the pool at the Sapphire Beach Resort. The awards ceremony takes place later in the evening along with the naming of the 2008 USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Top Angler, who pockets a $10,000 cash prize. There are also prizes for best boats and crews.
The ABMT benefits the Virgin Islands Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
For full results, visit www.abmt.vi
