3rd Annual Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Invitational June 3-6, 2015 24 Teams Competing
After a week break, the Skip Tournaments Committee returned to the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina, Bahamas to host their final tournament of the 2015 season on June 3-6.
Gorgeous weather prevailed as the 1961 model Rybovich MISS BUDWEISER defended her overall title as winners of the Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Invitational – proving yet again the old girl still got it. Of the 15 blue marlin released during the three days fishing, Captain Bill Davis managed to capture three of them, and also released a sailfish for good measure netting Michael Flannigan team 1,300 points at the call of lines out on Saturday.
The First Place trophy, sculpted by artist Kent Ullberg and a framed original painted chart by Craig Smith were presented to the MISS BUDWEISER team of Michael Flannigan, Mike Wilcox, and Bill Kimball, as well as a check for $107,550. The Top Captain and Crew award went to none other than Mr. Flannigan top-notch crew Captain Bill Davis and mates Jeff Binkle and Blake Champlin, who deservingly left the stage with their $9,500 check. Mr. Wally Whitley crew consisting of Captain Travis Butters, Tyler Valles, Donny Lange and Robert Helm of the QUE MAS was happy to accept their $77,310 check for Second overall and Captain Shawn Truesdale on Mr. William Zelaya Viking KRAKEN walked away with an outstanding payout of $17,280 for their Third Place finish.
However, on day one it was Captain Sean Young on the COMMITTED that edged out the Island Boatworks COWPOKE by just 50 points to collect a cool $53,550 for owner John Lee and his team. COWPOKE Captain Mike Brady evened that score just 5 minutes after lines in on day two and quickly both those teams were playing catch up to the MISS BUDWEISER who released her only blue marlin for the day just ten minutes later – good enough to hang on to the daily win.
With the moon high and still practically full, the fishing on day three slowed and reports of big fish getting away upped the ante to bring one to the scales. The fleet had a good scare when the Paul Mann MA SHEILA, who had recently weighed a 628 pounder the week prior, called in her hook-up and was not heard from the rest of the fishing day. The fleet picked away at releases until the final call and Wally Whitley American QUE MAS with Captain Travis Butters took their early morning blue marlin release to the bank for the day three win.
At the candlelit awards banquet, tournament director Captain Skip Smith and assistant Jen Copeland recognized with commemorative plaques their sponsors: SatCom, Dex Media, HMY Yacht Sales, XL Insurance, Smith-Merritt Insurance, Costa, Diamond Fishing Line, and Shimano to name a few. Captain Smith was sure to graciously thank Ms. Kevie Thomas of the Abaco Beach Resort and her staff, which quickly became a standing ovation by the crowd for all the Resort hard work, wonderful food, and long hours.
The Committee and the IGFA would like to thank the 58 Merritt boat COMMITTED for their tenacity in landing a SAT tag in their blue marlin, and the Committee would also like to congratulate COWPOKE, A-FORD-ABLE, and KATHY JO for winning the game fish division.
Captain Smith was very pleased with the showing of teams and the comradery displayed at the Abaco Beach Blue Marlin Invitational this year and is looking forward to seeing them all in 2016.
Fishing Thursday, Friday, Saturday 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m
Final Results
Live Tournament Results Click Here
Fishing Schedule is June 3-6, 2015
For results look at Saint-Martin Billfish Tournament Facebook Page Click Here
EAST COAST DIVISION
Fishing Schedule is June 4-6, 2015 Bohicket Marina Invitational Billfish Tournament Day 3 Official Results: 1st Place – Reel Passion: 2 Blue Marlin, 1 White Marlin Released- 1500 points Owner Bill Ingram Captain Gary Richardson
GULF COAST DIVISION
Fishing begins June 4-7, 2015
Done Deal wins top marlin with 583.7 lber.
Saturday a.m update: A couple of fish have been boated and 2014 Gulf Coast #captoftheyear Jason Buck and the Done Deal crew have a nice one on the deck. Katie Gonsoulin caught a blue marlin measuring 114 inches LJFL. (Release Ruler estimates the fish in the 500 lb range) Stay tuned to see who will rack up some Cup points for 2015.
For Updates check out the Billfish Classic Click Here
