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The 65th annual Hatteras Marlin Club Blue Marlin Release Tournament took place from June 23-29, 2024, and fielded an impressive fleet of 49 boats that endured tough weather conditions early in the tournament to collectively release 41 blue marlin, 14 white marlin, 35 sailfish and one spearfish.
A low-pressure system moving through the region brought wind and rain early in the tournament, and resulted in all teams opting to use one of their two lay days on Day One. However, the Hatteras Marlin Club kept participants and their families entertained with activities like daily yoga, kids’ events, lunches and nightly cocktails with entertainment.
“Providing an excellent experience and an atmosphere of camaraderie for the participants and their families throughout the entire week is the primary focus of this tournament,” said Hatteras Marlin Club General Manager Laura Young. “We don’t offer a big payout, so the boats that fish with us come for the fun. The competitive environment is based mainly on bragging rights.”
Improved weather on Day Two saw 22 teams head out, and Doc Fees jumped out to an early lead releasing two blue marlin. Diamond Girl made a push later in the day, releasing a blue and then a white marlin to finish the day in second place behind Doc Fees.
Secotan came out hot on Day Three, releasing a sailfish and blue marlin to get on the board early. Marsh Madness jumped up on the leaderboard later in the day releasing a blue marlin and a white marlin; however the top boat for the day was Unplugged with two blue marlin releases.
Day Four provided the best fishing of the tournament, with the fleet collectively releasing 17 blue marlin, six white marlin, 11 sailfish and one spearfish. Stream Weaver set the tone for the day releasing the first blue marlin just after lines-in. The leaderboard was on fire throughout the day with several boats releasing double-headers on sailfish and blue marlin. At the end of Day Four, Friendship was the top boat with two blue marlin releases. Doc Fees remained in the overall lead, followed closely by Marsh Madness, Stream Weaver and Secotan.
The full fleet of 49 boats fished on the final day, and Doc Fees strengthened its lead with a blue marlin release early in the day. Marsh Madness quickly answered, releasing two blue marlin and closing the gap between Doc Fees. Stream Weaver kept things interesting with a blue marlin release early in the afternoon, and Marsh Madness released two white marlin to bring them within striking distance of the lead.
Read Next: The History of the Hatteras Marlin Club.
Yet despite the stiff competition, a blue marlin released by Doc Fees within the last 30 minutes of the tournament solidified their victory. At the awards ceremony, Doc Fees took home Top Boat with a total of six blue marlin releases for 2,520 points. Marsh Madness released three blue marlin and three white marlin for a total of 1,680 points to take second place, and First Look compiled 1,400 points with two blue marlin and four sailfish to take the third-place spot.
Angler Chad McIntrye from Doc Fees secured the Top Male Angler Award with two blue marlin releases and 1,260 total points. Notably, 11-year-old Stella Mae Powell won the Top Female Angler category releasing a blue marlin and white marlin, unassisted aboard Friendship, the top boat in the non-sonar division.
