Photos: 2021 Bermuda Billfish Blast Boats
The Bermuda Billfish Blast Fishing Tournament was recently held on the Island, as part of the Bermuda Triple Crown Fishing Tournament, with Team Osceola winning the event.
The Bermuda Triple Crown Fishing Tournament is comprised of four events; the Bermuda Billfish Blast, Bermuda Big Game Classic, the Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament, and the Bermuda Billfish Release Cup.
The event website said, “Team Osceola, a 74’ Viking based out of Palm Beach, Florida led by owner Alexander Fanjul with Captain Robert Hollingsworth and local mate Stephen Cabral come from behind to win the 2021 Bermuda Billfish Blast. Osceola angler Oliver Fanjul released one blue marlin on the first and second days of fishing but trailed by 1,100 points heading into the final day of the competition. While the leaders struggled they added to their score releasing their third blue marlin at 8:59 am closing the gap.
“At 11:30 am Hollingsworth called in a double header with anglers Oliver Fanjul and Nick Cabral doing battle. The successful conversion of both releases pushed team Osceola to the top winning the 2021 Bermuda Billfish Blast earning a total of $98,250 and the invitation to the Costa Offshore World Championship. Team Osceola leads the Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship with 2500-points heading into the second leg of the series.
“Team Just a Dog, a 62’ Viking led by owner and captain Mike Farrens from Tuscaloosa, Alabama enjoyed an epic first day of fishing releasing four blues and a white to place second in the tournament with 2100-points. Chase Farrens did all of the angling for the team to earn top angler honors. Team Just a Dog takes home $68,980.
“Team Sea Toy, a 59’ Spencer led by eighty six year young Pat McCotter from Vandemere, North Carolina with Captain Bull Tolson and mate Catlin Peele placed third in the tournament releasing four blue marlin earning 2,000-points. McCotter did most of the angling catching three of the marlin and winning $29,270.
“Other teams to make the stage included Wolverine led by Gary Fletcher from Port Huron, Michigan, captained by Rocky Hardison with mate Andy Cranford winning the $13,200 day two level two release jackpot. Local team Reel Addiction with Captain Cragin Curtis and mate Alex Mackenzie won the day two level one $7,500 release jackpot. Local team Paradise One with Captain Alan Bean and mate Delvin Bean earned top game fish award for angler Mark Outerbridge’s 62.80 lbs. tuna earning $4,375.
“Top lady angler honors went to Meredith Huddle from New Bern, North Carolina catching two blue marlin on Builder’s Choice with Captain Brent Gaskill and mate Nathan Newlin.
“The 25 team field released 49 blue marlin and 5 white marlin over the three days of fishing. The tournament culminated with the traditional gala awards banquet in the Harbourview Ballroom at the historic Hamilton Princess Hotel.”
