Big Oh named top boat at July Open Billfish Tournament
Published: July 26, 2010
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share thisST. THOMAS — Consistency paid off for Gray Ingram’s Big OH, which won Best Boat in the 47th annual July Open Billfish Tournament on Sunday on St. Thomas.
The team aboard the Ricky Scarborough 63 released one blue marlin the first day, two the second and three the third for a total of six blue marlin, more than any other team in the 23-boat fleet during the three-day tournament.
“It was luck and skill,” said Ingram of Jupiter, Fla. “We fish as a team.”
One of Big OH’s secrets to success was fishing with light tackle. Four of the six blue marlin were released off a 30-pound test line.
“If you keep the drag light, you can back right down on them and release them quickly before they go deep,” said Ingram, who is currently the lead angler in the World Billfish Series’ Pacific Division.
Luis Bacardi’s Bertram 58, Rum Bum, finished as Second Best Boat with five blue marlin releases. All releases on the boat were made by Bacardi, who won the event’s only angler prize, the prestigious Johnny Harms Give Him Line perpetual trophy.
“It was great,” said Bacardi. “This is where to fish for blue marlin.”
Finally, Frank Rodriguez’s Viking 65, Fa-La-Me, finished as Third Best Boat, and was one of five boats to release three blue marlin.
Beautifully carved wood marlin heads, handcrafted by marine wildlife artist, David Wirth, were awarded to the winning teams.
In total, the 23-boat fleet released 42 blue marlin and one white marlin over the three-day tournament. No fish were boated.
IGFA trained observers, all members of the International Game Fish Tournament Observers, rode aboard each boat throughout the tournament to verify the releases.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Virgin Islands. The organization helps all young people, especially those most needy, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. Last year, through the generosity of anglers fishing in the 2009 tournament, the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club was able to donate $25,000 to the organization and enable the St. Thomas facility to stay open. Donations are tax deductible.
For more information and to register, visit: www.vigfc.com.
