Big game fishing tournaments require several key ingredients which, when properly mixed together, yield an event that consistently ranks among the best by those who travel the tournament circuit. First, select an ideal location, not only for tournament participants, but for their families as well. Next, blend-in a convenient fishing schedule that offers the best possible way for participants to select their fishing days. Add a liberal amount of nightly dockside hospitality and entertainment. Sprinkle in the best fishing opportunities of the season along the fertile
canyons of the mid-Atlantic region and serve with a prize structure that offers a substantial payout to as many participants as possible. Sound like a gold medal winning recipe? It surely is and that’s why the best big game tournament anglers from up and down the Atlantic coast and beyond will gather August 16-21 at the Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, New Jersey and Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland for the 2009 Mid-Atlantic $500,000!
It’s often been said that the Mid-Atlantic $500,000 is always a great show. There is no doubt that we like to enjoy ourselves while dockside in this event, which is certainly evident by the hospitality, entertainment and sponsor interaction that takes place at both ports. But the real ‘show’ definitely takes place on board each boat. With the crews frequently working well into the night planning, prepping and strategizing for their attack offshore, the true excitement begins each morning at 8:30 am when “lines in” is announced by the committee boats. From then on, anything and everything can happen.
In the early spring of last year spring, the “experts” were predicting a terrible tournament season. The economy was in a slide while at the same time, the price of fuel was climbing. Fortunately, at least for our anglers, the Gulf Stream and Jet Stream conspired to ensure that there were ample fishing days and a dependable bite for those who ventured offshore. When all was said and done, last season was characterized by excellent fishing weather, a consistent bite (especially for white marlin) and pretty decent participation.
It was notable for a number of reasons. Early on, satellite imagery revealed an unusually high volume of clear, warm, Gulf Stream water moving westward into our canyons. In fact, during our Shark Tournament, a local charter boat working near the Spencer Canyon happened into white marlin, dolphin and tuna. About this same time, more whites, blues and bigeyes were reported around the Wilmington.
