InTheBite

East Coast Dolphin Movements to Date

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As of June 11th, 2018, 656 dolphinfish have been tagged and released throughout our tagging zones by 66 captains in 170 outings.  Of those releases, 8 are recaptures recorded along the U.S. East Coast, 2 are return migrants from fish released last August, and 4 are satellite tags movements.  In the first week of June alone, the Killin’ Time IIFishing Team, led by Captain Don Gates, tagged and released 207 dolphin, 5 of which have been recaptured (as of 6/11).  This effort alone represents a 2.4% recapture rate.  To read more about movements of dolphin along the U.S. East Coast over the past few months, click here.  

Courtesy of Dolphin Research Program

Uncovering of Bertram Yachts Cutting-Edge 61

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BERTRAM YACHTS REVEALS CUTTING-EDGE 61

TAMPA, Fla., June 13, 2018 — Florida-based Bertram Yachts announces the debut of its second new model under the ownership of industrialist and yachting enthusiast Beniamino Gavio. The Bertram 61 is designed with the durability and quality of the original battlewagons, while utilizing the most advanced technologies and techniques, to build a better Bertram. The new model sets a new standard for Bertram and competitors in its class.

Since its inception in Tampa, Fla., Bertram has completed seventeen 35s, with delivery across North American, Puerto Rico, Japan, Italy, Bermuda, and Panama. The 61 prototype will debut in Fort Lauderdale, July 2018. To-date, reservations on hull numbers two through five have been placed.

The hull, designed by Michael Peters Yacht Design, is projected to provide top-of-the-line performance and speed, with twin CAT32s, 1900-HP diesels. A Seakeeper 16 gyro stabilizer unit will also be found in the engine room, just aft of the engines. Projected to eliminate 95% of the boats roll, the unit is critical to providing comfort for trolling anglers and cruisers alike.

“Our boats are designed to handle the worst of conditions with ease. Nothing about that has changed. Standardizing the Seakeeper is just one of the advanced features we’re adding to the boat, to take that next step into unprecedented quality of sportfishing boats. If we’ve got a hull that can go through anything, we need to make sure our customers are comfortable when they get there – and it is a testament to how we take care of owners,” says Tommy Thompson, VP Sales and Product Development.

Construction features an infused vinylester solid fiberglass hull bottom with Kevlar centerline and strake reinforcements. At full-load, the projected displacement is 92,450 lbs.

The spacious cockpit allows anglers to maneuver quickly and seamlessly, when the bite is on. The center console helm gives great visibility and affords a comfortable ride for more than just a couple passengers. The exterior is designed to take on the most rugged conditions, while the open salon-galley layout and full-beam master stateroom, are just a few of the features that make the interior one of luxury and comfort.

“In the spirit of Bertram’s relaunch, the salon wrap around windows are actually another great blast-from-the-past but done now using modern technology and virtually military grade glass. These windows are amazing,” says Thompson. “I can’t wait for everyone to see the view from inside a 61 Bertram.”

 

“Reel Addiction” with 796.9lb Blue Marlin to Win Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic

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Reel Addiction Wins the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic with 796.9-Pound Blue Marlin

After a pursuit lasting more than a decade, Team Reel Addiction finally topped the field of 117 boats to win the 2018 Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic. Angler Chase Pate of Pensacola, Florida, Capt. Scooter Porto, owners Rocky and Laurie Jones, and mates Zach Taylor, Seth Brennan and Nate Dennis boated a 796.9-pound blue marlin after a 30-minute fight Saturday morning. The largest marlin of the week earned the team $405,705 for the top tournament award and optional entries. The overall tournament prize money was nearly $2.2 million.

“Winning this one was on my bucket list,” Rocky Jones explained before Sunday’s awards breakfast. “We won top release boat 12 years ago and I’ve been trying to win the whole shooting match ever since. We finally did it!” Reel Addiction, a 56 Viking and regular on the Gulf big-game circuit, is based in Pensacola Beach. With the win, the team also earned an invitation to compete in the 2019 Offshore World Championship in Quepos, Costa Rica.

Team Supreme, with anglers Alex Krake, Chris Howell and Capt. Chase Lake, didn’t go home empty-handed, even though their Friday night marlin weighed 739.1 pounds. The 76 Viking from Destin went back out and caught a 156.6-pound yellowfin to boost the overall winnings to $313,115 for the second-place tournament award and optionals.

Pearl took the third-place tournament award and pocketed $122,970. Angler Edgar McKee and Capt. Shawnie Clemons and the team aboard the 48 Viking based in Orange Beach boated a 611.5-pound blue to earn that payout.

The Catch and Release Division was close and final standings were determined by time of catch. Relentless Pursuit (Capt. Robbie Doggett), was the overall winner with 1,800 points (three blue releases), earning a check of $265,050. The 95 Jim Smith calls New Orleans home. Done Deal (Capt. Jason Buck) came in second in the division, also with 1,800 points. Angler Katie Gonsoulin took top Lady Angler honors and the team won $133.830. Money Shot (Capt. Dale Bergeron) was the third-place release team with 1,200 points, good for a $12,000 payday. A Work of Art, Born2Run and Wynsong also won optional money in the release division. Ryan Cooper, fishing on CE, was named the top junior angler based on his two white marlin releases.

Angler Robeau Whibbs and the family/friends team aboard Swee Pea, a 50 Topaz from Pensacola, captured the top tuna. Their yellowfin weighed 182.3 pounds, good for $24,000. No tuna topped the current Mississippi record of 205.8 pounds, so the special $500,000 bonus went unclaimed. Bennie Goldman and his team on Reelentless, a 37 Freeman from Dauphin Island, took second place tuna honors with a 172.8 yellowfin. That fish was worth $139,725 in category and optional money. Fourteen-year-old Sawyer York, competing aboard First Choice, a 60 Hatteras based in New Orleans, whipped a 166.3-pound yellowfin tuna to earn his team $90,585 in prize money. Triple Threat also won optional prize money for its 159.2 tuna.

Anthony Stauffer (Hayride) boated the largest swordfish, a 144.1 broadbill, good for $39,600 in tournament and optional money. Matt Carpenter, on Long Straw, was second with a 125.2-pounder ($20,160), followed by Anthony Lopez on Titan Up (123.5 pounds/$26,940).

Johnny Moore, fishing aboard Alma-Ann, a 48 Cabo (Capt. Nick Jones), made MGCBC tournament history when he finally landed the new record dolphin after a two-hour waiting game. The 57.2-pound bull earned the team $66,750. Kevin Berry, on Deadline, a 52 Viking, was second with a fishing weighing 45.2 pounds ($18,000), while Michael Burroughs whipped a 44.6-pound dolphin for Team Quicktime ($37,650). Amnesia, Big Torch, Heads N Tails and Questionable Judgement also took home optional prize money for their dolphin.

The wahoo this year didn’t quite meet normal Classic averages but were respectable fish nonetheless and earned nice payouts. Lined Out and Jeff Dees caught the largest, 61.4 pounds, good for $48,300. Seament’s Doug Lake was second with a 48.5 wahoo ($37,125) and Neal Foster, betting heavily on Team Intensity, took home $82,425 for three entries in the optional categories.

“We had great weather and some exceptional fish brought to the scales this week,” said Tournament Director Bobby Carter. “I’d like to congratulate our champion Reel Addiction and thank all the teams, our wonderful sponsors and my staff for making this 22nd annual event so special. We hope you’ll join us again next year from June 3-9, 2019.”

The Golden Nugget Casino and Hotel was this year’s tournament host. High Roller sponsors included the City of Biloxi, Release Marine, Visit Mississippi Gulf Coast, Gorenflo’s Tackle and Marina Store and Yeti Coolers.

Gamefisherman Owner Matlack Hands Over the Helm

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[Stuart, Fla. — April 12, 2018]  Mike Matlack, owner of Gamefisherman, Inc. has recently announced the sale of his company to Erwin Gerards and Scott Dunnuck.  Matlack has been at the helm of Gamefisherman since it was formed in 1985 and has built many legendary sport fishing boats; many of these boats are currently traveling the world over.  Matlack is currently in the process of finishing a 50 foot Express and will remain with Gamefisherman to supervise and finish the project, and ensure a smooth transition.

Gerards, who, among other high profile builders, has designed for Mike since 2008.  Dunnuck, has owned, operated, and maintained many custom sport fishing boats.  They are working on releasing a new line of composite Sport Fishing boats purposely designed and built for today’s demands.  The Next Generation Gamefisherman’s are a perfect blend of sport with all the creature comforts. Simple, but functional with clean lines and ultimate performance.

The new line of 43 foot models will be built of 100% advanced composite materials utilizing today’s construction techniques to reduce build time without sacrificing quality.  The 43’ Nex Gen models will include a Walk-Around inboard or outboard,  Express inboard or outboard, and Flybridge inboard with several interior layouts.   In addition, Gamefisherman will continue to be available to build your ultimate custom model, in a variety of sizes.

Gerards and Dunnuck are both very grateful to Matlack for this opportunity to keep his line of legendary sport fishing boats accessible for many years to come.  For more information on what Gamefisherman is up to and how we are preparing to grow within the industry, please call (772) 220-4850 or if you are in the area, stop by our shop in Stuart, Fla. To connect with us on social media, like Gamefisherman on Facebook, and begin following us on Instagram – @gamefisherman.

 

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Big prizes and Payouts in Pompano Beach Saltwater Shootout

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POMPANO BEACH, FL – The 20th Anniversary of the Mercury/SeaVee Pompano Beach Saltwater Shootout concluded Sunday with a total of 124 teams who competed for a cash purse in excess of $185,000. Big prizes and payouts were abound from the kickoff party through the awards ceremony with a 20th Anniversary celebration for the ages! In addition to chasing fish, they were also chasing golden tickets and the chance to win great prizes and cash from tournament sponsors on a 4-foot ‘Spin-to-Win’ wheel!

(Photo courtesy – Endless Imagery)

Doing It All/Hardway came into the Shootout gunning for the top team title after a 2nd place finish in 2017. They accomplished their goal weighing in a tournament limit of 10 fish that included 4 kings, 4 blackfin tuna and 2 dolphin for a total of 180.9 pounds. The first place finish earned them a $10,000 check and secured the first place points in leg 1 of the race for the Showdown Crown top team of the year title. Doing It All/Hardway also announced at the awards ceremony that they were donating $1,650 of their winnings back to the tournament charity, the Perry J. Cohen Foundation. This gesture earned them a golden ticket for the “Spin-to-Win”wheel where they scored another $100 cash towards their $21,955 payday!!

Gator One placed second in the Shootout with 165.7 pounds led by Top Male Angler, Tanner Easthope.  Their winnings totaled $10,552. Keri-N-On finished third with 136.9 pounds, followed by team Advanced Roofing in fourth with 125.5 points and Fenian in fifth with 119.5 points.  Keri-N-On also won the Non-Pro Division, Show Me The Mahi, and third place dolphin to boost their tournament winnings to $5,000.

Living Water/Shockwave cashed in the largest, single payout by being the only team to secure the three species needed for the KDW jackpot! Their kingfish, dolphin, wahoo haul netted them a payout of over $50,000!  Team Fenian also proved that aggregate weight is not the only way to take home a nice paycheck in the Shootout. With two kingfish weighing 47 pounds and 42.5 pounds, they took a $30,773 check to the bank by winning the Bluewater Challenge, placing 1st and 3rd in the Big Three and kingfish division, plus 5th overall in the tournament, Top 561 SeaVee team, and 2nd in the Non-Pro Division. Team Contagious weighed a stout king as well.  It was the second heaviest fish of the tournament, 45.4 pounds, and bumped them into a number of added value categories worth $14,201.

Barbara Lange from team Slob City was the Top Female Angler with 102.9 points.  Wyatt Lauretano on Cache Money was the Top Pee-Wee Angler with 61.3 points.  Hunter Irvine on Young Guns was the Top Junior Angler for the second year in a row with 48.8 points. He was also the recipient of the Safety First award in partnership with the Perry J. Cohen Foundation and Bass Pro Shops.

The Mercury/SeaVee Pompano Beach Saltwater Slam is the 2nd leg of the PBSC summer series, which kicks off June 7th-10th. Registration for the Saltwater Slam is currently open at www.saltwaterslam.com The early entry discount deadline is Wednesday, May 23rd.

For a complete list of results from the Mercury/SeaVee Pompano Beach Saltwater Shootout, visit www.saltwatershootout.com

23rd Annual Grand Slam KDW Honoring Richard Black

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The 23rd Annual Grand Slam KDW was held at the Riverwalk Events Plaza in Jupiter on May 11 & 12, 2018. This year’s tournament continued to be in memory of Grand Slam KDW founder, Richard Black, who passed away in October of 2014. The tournament saw 125 boats compete for over $50,000 in cash and prizes. “Thanks to the community’s tremendous support, we are so happy to continue Richard’s vision to bring the community together for a great day of fishing while benefitting local charities,” said Kathy Black, Richard’s wife. Since 1996, the KDW has raised over $550,000 for various local charities.  Proceeds from this year’s tournament will be donated to charities including the Coastal Conservation Association, Rendina Family Foundation and AustinBlu Foundation.

As the boats returned to the docks the excitement grew. The competition started right away as the reining heaviest overall KDW female winner Kari Townsend brought her 49.4lb Kingfish to the scale at Sailfish Marina to regain the title again this year. To make the festivities even more enjoyable, participants family and friends could hang out at the Square Grouper or Sailfish Marina to cheer them on and take pictures.

In the heaviest overall KDW male angler division, Rich Luchini weighed in a 32.1lb dolphin aboard “Cape Horn”. The kingfish division also saw some nice size fish with first place winner Dawn Wayland weighing in a 36.9lb kingfish.  In the dolphin division, Tom Godino on the boat “Katalyst” brought in a 22.7lb dolphin to take first place. In the wahoo division, first place went to Jeff Hayden with his 15.1lb wahoo on the boat “Baby Doc”. Jeff was also the winner of the Richard Black Memorial Grand Slam Award which is awarded to the angler that catches the heaviest accumulated weight of all three fish.

Michael Murray Jr. on the boat “Taggin Sails” took home first place in the Junior Division with a 35.4lb kingfish. The meat division saw a 24.9lb blackfin tuna caught by Carl Lombardo, an 8.4lb mutton snapper by Hunter Hansen and a 4.6lb red grouper by David Wetten. All of the winners received their checks, trophies and other great prizes during the awards party. For more information on the tournament and a full list of all of the 2018 winners you can visit the website at fishgrandslamkdw.com

Dock Talk: C-Worthy Custom Yacht Canvas

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Here’s a look at our visit with C-Worthy Custom Yacht Canvas. Owner, Carol Dykes, shares why their products are functional works of art.

Six Tips to Prepare Your Boat for Hurricane Season

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Is Your Boat in Hurricane Country?

Top 6 things to know about insuring a boat in a hurricane zone

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 13, 2018 – Will you have a recreational boat located in hurricane country as of June 1? According to recently released predictions by experts at Colorado State University, the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season could be a doozy. If your boat may be in the crosshairs of one of the 14 tropical storms or seven hurricanes predicted, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) recommends that boat owners check their boat insurance policy now for these six most important things to know.

Even though this sailboat had been fully prepared for the storm, Hurricane Irma swept it ashore into the end zone of a football field. 

1. Who pays for salvage? When a hurricane throws your boat across the boatyard into a big pile, sinks it in the slip, or carries it into a football field end zone, you end up with a salvage situation. If the boat is not a total loss and needs to be recovered and brought to a repair facility, salvage costs can escalate quickly. Most boaters assume that the cost of raising or moving a damaged boat to a safe location – salvage coverage – is included in their insurance policy. And with better policies that’s true: They offer salvage coverage that is separate but equal to the boat’s hull coverage limit. This means a boat that’s insured for $40,000 (hull coverage) has another separate $40,000 available to raise or move the boat (salvage coverage) to a repair facility. Lesser policies limit salvage coverage to either a small percentage of the boat’s insured hull value, perhaps just 5 to 10 percent, or they may subtract salvage costs from the insured value of the boat, reducing the funds available to repair the boat or the amount paid in the event of a total loss.

2. You can lower your “named storm deductible” by preparing. “Storm deductibles,” which increase your deductible for boat damages incurred in a named storm, are common with recreational boat insurance policies today. One way to reduce the deductible is to make active preparations when a storm approaches, such as hauling the boat, lashing the boat to the ground, and removing any windage items such as enclosures, canvas and/or sails. Take pictures because some insurers will reward you for the effort and lower your deductible if you have a claim. BoatUS also has free storm preparation information at BoatUS.com/Hurricane.

3. Know your hurricane haulout coverage, and use it if you have to. For boats in hurricane zones, “hurricane haulout coverage,” also sometimes known as “named storm haulout reimbursements,” is a must. This coverage helps pay boat owners a portion of the labor costs to have a boat hauled, prepared and tied-down by professionals, which include marina or boat club staff, or to have the boat moved by a licensed captain. While a hurricane haulout does cost the boater some money, it’s potentially far less than if the boat sustained damage or became a total loss. The BoatUS Marine Insurance Program pays 50 percent of the cost of labor, up to $1,000, to have the boat hauled or moved to the safety of a hurricane hole, and the haulout does not penalize the policyholder.

4.Is your boat trailer insured? Not all boat insurance policies cover boat trailers as a separate item, so if a hurricane topples a tree onto your boat trailer breaking it in half, ensure it’s covered. Your insurance company should know the cost of the trailer separate from the boat’s value.

5. A heads up if you have a liability-only boat policy. Some boaters choose liability-only insurance. That can meet their needs just fine, but ensure that it also includes coverage for salvage and wreck removal, and that separate coverage is available for fuel-spill incidents. Liability-only policies are generally very affordable and especially valuable to boaters when an expensive recovery effort is needed to salvage a boat.

6. How much will be dumped in your lap? BoatUS estimates that more than 63,000 recreational boats were damaged or destroyed as a result of both Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, meaning tens of thousands of vessels required salvage. Not all insurers provide the same level of service, so ask around. Some insurance companies leave the difficult task of arranging salvage in the owner’s hands.

Boat owners not happy with their current coverage can get a free quote from BoatUS at BoatUS.com/Insurance or by calling 800-283-2883.