|
The 16th Annual Mikelson Catalina Classic Marlin Tournament started out with what was undoubtedly an incredible day. There was little chance that the fishing could outshine the opening day when day two dawned, but it was soon apparent that day one was simply an omen of things to come. While the marlin had been moving north and west to and across the top of the tournament boundaries that movement slowed and reversed itself; leaving the competitors in a veritable hornets nest of feeding billfish.
The first fish to be released in this San Diego sport fishing tournament came at the hands of the California Style, but the Scrambler, Reel Time, Buck Fever and La Dulce Vida (Mikelson 43 Sportfisher) soon showed that the early action was no fluke and that it would continue well into the afternoon. The action was steady through until 10:00 when the floodgates opened and the fish really started piling on. C-Bandit opened the flurry with a quick release and the After Midnight (Mikelson 75 Sportfisher) followed just a minute behind. Rickdiculous, Code 3, Buck Fever, and Bad Company all followed with releases before 10:30.
Just as the clock was set to sound the 10:30 bell the first fish of the tournament was boated by the La Dulce Vida (Mikelson 43 Sportfisher) who had an impressive slug of a striped marlin. Rumors quickly filtered back to Avalons Green Pier that the fish was 97 inches long, an impressive dimension for California striped marlin. Sharks Parlour was again just moments behind when they boated a 184-pound fish. They decided that they would continue fishing and look for release points or an even bigger fish but the La Dulce Vida (Mikelson 43 Sportfisher) headed straight for the scales. They were the first to bring a fish in on day two and it was well worth it as they nailed down the top spot with a huge 206-pound stripey. Overall though with a field of 48 boats the San Diego sport fishing tournament could not have been a bigger success and the action on the water could not have been better. The California Billfish Series will return to Avalon on Santa Catalina Island next year for even more incredible fishing.
First place overall belonged to the La Dulce Vida (Mikelson 43 Sportfisher), second place was Mizpah and third went to California Style. The Gambler rounded out the top four places that paid off. These results are of course unofficial and will be updated tomorrow after the tournament committee can review the placements. Overall though with a field of 48 boats the tournament could not have been a bigger success and the action on the water could not have been better. The California Billfish Series will return to Avalon on Santa Catalina Island next year for even more incredible fishing.
Final Results
First Place - La Dulce Vida - $40, 800
Second Place - Mizpah - $16,300
Third Place - Gambler - $127,113 (Day 1 Daily and Day 2 Daily $1000 and $2000)
Fourth Place - California Style (Day 2 $250 Daily)
Fifth Place - Sharks Parlour (Day 2 $500 Daily only)
Release Jackpots
Day 1 - Scrambler - $11,900 (5 Releases)
Day 2 - Bad Company - $11,900 (6 Releases)
To request more information,
Mikelson Yachts proudly builds and sells Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Arizona, California, Southern California, Catalina, Cabo San Lucas, Las Vegas and .
|
