OCEAN CITY- It was a typical finish last weekend for the crew on the “Nontypical,” which swooped in near the end of the Ocean City’s Marlin Club’s 3rd Annual Rockfish Tournament with a whopping 50-plus-pounder to take first place.
The Marlin Club’s nine-day rockfish tournament ended last Sunday with a flourish as giant stripers moved into the area late last week. When the dust settled, it was Captain Terry Layton and the crew on the “Nontypical,” one of the most prolific tournament boats in the resort’s fleet, weighing a 50.4-pounder to take first place and the top prize of $3,375.
The crew on the “Fish Frenzi” took second with a 47.5-pounder worth $729. The “Kylee’s World” took third with a 45.5-pounder worth $486. The “Kylee’s World” also took the top prize in the most combined weight division with 116.2 pounds worth an additional $900. The “Big Billin” team won $819, while the “Sell Fish” won $351.
The 3rd annual rockfish tournament got underway December 5 and ran through last Sunday, December 13. Boats and teams of anglers chose to fish five of the nine fishing days. With picture-perfect weather, calm seas and the sudden arrival of the big stripers in and around the resort area, the tournament was a big success this year, especially compared to last year, which was hampered by a persistent nor’easter and rough seas.
As the name of the tournament implies, rockfish were the primary species targeted along with red drum and bluefish. The top three heaviest fish in each category won awards although the rockfish dominated the event. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Jimmy Fund.