Cape Fear Blue Water Open 2006
The 2006 Cape Fear Blue Water Open, put on by the Cape Fear Blue Water Fishing Club, was held May 18-21. This year’s event was based out of Dockside Marina, with the Captains Party at Hooters of Wilmington.
In spite of 8+ seas and strong winds throughout the weekend, the tournament attracted twenty boats this year.
This was a captains choice tournament—pick two out of the three days to fish—and the top fish came on the first day of fishing.
“Large Time,” with Capt. Mike Britt and Mate James Dean Holt, took top honors with a 51.10 lb. yellowfin caught on Friday. “Large Time” is a 55’ Billy Holton that charters out of Carolina Beach.
The party onboard “Large Time” was from the Clemson, SC, area. In addition to winning the overall prize (heaviest fish), they also took home the tuna and dolphin daily on Friday, as well as second place in the Aggregate Division (combined weight of three heaviest fish).
Their big yellowfin was caught on a ballyhoo at the Steeples in about 280’ of water. The ballyhoo was rigged with a custom-made type of sea witch made by the “Large Time” crew.
The strike came at 12:00 noon, and the fish took approximately 15 minutes to bring to the boat.
The “Large Time” crew brought in over $8000 in total prize money.
“It’s an excellent tournament, and even though there were only 20 boats fishing,” said Capt. Mike Britt, “the competition was really heavy. This tournament always attracts the better fishing boats from both Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach.”
The overall second place award went to “Sea Ker” for a 49.2 lb. yellowfin caught on Sunday.
“Blue Marlin” came in third place with a 48.7 lb. yellowfin caught on Saturday.
Heather Phipps took home the Lady Angler award. She landed a 47.6 lb. yellowfin while fishing on the “Reel Jim.”
The tournament was supported by several sponsors, with Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts, Mid Atlantic Drilling, CAT Marine Power, and Hooters Restaurant at the top of the list.
For more information on the Cape Fear Blue Water Open, you can visit www.cfbwfishingclub.org.
