2009 Bisbee's Black & Blue Marlin Jackpot Tournament - Photos & Updates

[Admin]

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[stefan olson]

thanks for the photos

[Admin]

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[silverking]

One for the Books
By Dave Lear

Cabo San Lucas, BCS, Mexico (October 22, 2009):
In an eventful day that saw one qualifying marlin brought to the scales and one team escape a harrowing incident at sea, the opening round of the 29th annual Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Jackpot Tournament has drawn to a close.
Angler Bryan Miller scored the first weighed fish by whipping a 375-pound blue marlin after a brief 23-minute fight. The fish ate a live yellowfin tuna weighing about 15 pounds and was caught on 130-class tackle.
“The water was green, there was no bait, so there’s really no reason for anyone to go there tomorrow,” Miller, the 12-year Bisbee veteran said with a sly grin. Miller and his team of San Diego, California, buddies fished aboard Miller’s boat Mi Novia. “We won money in ’98, ’04 and unless there’s a surprise coming in, it looks like we’ll win again this year,” he added.
Team Mi Novia will indeed pocket nearly $250,000 at least by landing the only qualifying marlin of the day to sweep the daily jackpots in several categories. The Black & Blue is the richest billfishing contest in the world. This year 94 boats are competing for nearly $2 million in overall prize money.
Fishing was steady throughout the fleet, with six smaller blue marlin released, five sailfish and 19 striped marlin. There were no black marlin recorded.
The crew aboard The Bottom Line was rescued by another tournament boat when the 50-foot Hatteras caught fire and eventually sank about 20 miles out into the Sea of Cortez shortly after the shotgun flare start. No one was injured, fortunately. Sneak Attack, an American Custom Yacht, easily won sportsmanship honors by racing to the scene and loading the stunned team members aboard before they were forced into the water. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it likely started in the engine room.
The tournament continues through Saturday and everyone is hoping the news is all good from here on out.

Capt. Dave Lear, reporting for the Bisbee's B&B...

[silverking]

It was an uneventful start to the second day of the Bisbee's Black & Blue Marlin Tournament, here in Cabo. The weather is beautiful with sunny skies and a moderate chop on the water. Winds are light and variable.

Team The Bottom Line is back in action this morning, after losing their vessel yesterday in a freak accident. They jumped on another boat and let's hope it brings them some good karma. They certainly deserve it after yesterday.

There's a lot at stake today, since the top two jackpot categories rolled over. A single fish could bring nearly $1 million to the lucky boat that catches it.

The black marlin have yet to make an appearance. This is somewhat unusual. Most local experts, like tournament founder Bob Bisbee, believe the blacks bite better after a storm. Tropical Storm Rick was heading right towards the tip of the Baja peninsula before it veered south at the last minute early Wednesday. So today might be when the black marlin bite turns on.

I'll be posting regular updates from the scales as the day--and evening--progresses. So don't stray too far from your mouse. El Grande Marlin is due.

Capt. Dave Lear, reporting for the Bisbee's B&B...

[californiakid]

Is the VHF tournament control up and running? thanks for the coverage.

[marlin_mike_]

thank's dave keep the report's flowing we are listening!!

[Admin]

We are on the phone working with George at the Baha Cantina and we are setting up a radio feed for you all.

I can not sit here and not give you all something more

[stefan olson]

We are on the phone working with George at the Baha Cantina and we are setting up a radio feed for you all.

I can not sit here and not give you all something more

thank you!!!

[marlin_mike_]

hurry please thank you.