3rd Annual Branch Kreppel Tourney Underway

OCEAN CITY- The 3rd Annual Branch Kreppel Blue Marlin Tournament, named for a beloved local angler and diver who passed away in 2008, got underway today with the first of three fishing days that end on Sunday.

As the name of the event implies, blue marlin are the target species for the tournament, which has become a precursor of sorts for the prestigious White Marlin Open two weeks later. All of the proceeds for the event will go to the late Branch Kreppel’s family with the exception of a new wrinkle in the format this year. The new entry level for dolphin, appropriately named Level JJ, has been added for the late local angler Jimmy Jackson and the proceeds from that Calcutta will be donated to the Ocean City Reef Foundation in Jackson’s name.

While the action offshore will certainly be the center of attention for the tournament, the activities at the docks should be no less exciting. The weigh-ins at the scale at Sunset Marina will be held each fishing day from 4-9 p.m. There will also be plenty of the associated food, drink, music and favorite stories associated with the tournament’s namesake.