Bluewater Classic 2006

Team Wired Up took top honors in the Inaugaral Virginia Beach Sport Fishing Bluewater Classic. Captained by Neal Klar,  Wired Up scored 400 billfish points by releasing 2 White Marlin, one caught by Blake Kleppe and the other by Mike Winner, both of Virginia Beach and a Blue Marlin caught by Dave Watko of Prince George County, his first ever billfish!  The guys were helped out by Anglea Overton as she kept a watchful eye on the spread for approaching billfish and directed these guys in the pit.

Reel Emotion walked away with second place winnings releasing a Blue Marlin fought by Frank Harrell.  That was Frank's first billfish and yes he got to go swimming!! Fishing aboard Reel Emotion , Shawn Shapiro, Jr received the youth Angler Award donated by Pat and Dave Wessner.

There were six billfish released during the tournament in all, including one by Dr Julie Ball fishing aboard the Bada Bing captained by Steve Wray of Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle and a Sailfish caught by Robert Cousins aboard the Felix the Kat captained by Owen Pepper.  That was the first sailfish released on the boat.  Owen was able to capture some great action shots of the sail during the fight and also with a clean healthy release.

Team Bada Bing took Largest Wahoo in the gamefish Division with a 28 pound 6 ounce wahoo caught by Mark Kaplan.

The Dolphin Division was a much closer race.  It was separated by only a few ounces.  The first fish weighed in was brought to the docks by the pirate crew of Team Still Think'n  and hit the scales at 4 pounds 12 ounces.  Wired Up came in next and took the lead by 3 ounces.  Then, waiting for the last possible minute, building up the drama at the scales, Team Felix the Kat carts its catch to the scales and hoists up its tourney winning, 5 pound 4 ounce Mahi. Owen and crew walked away with half of the Gamefish Division money and top Mahi honors.

The 2006 tourney was a great success from the Captain's Meeting hosted by Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle and Long Bay Pointe Marina, all the way to the Awards Party held at Jeanette and Bob DuBell's house.  A special thanks goes out to all of our sponsors, supporters, and volunteers for helping make this a great tournament!! The 2nd Annual Virginia Beach Sport Fishing Bluewater Classic will be even better!!

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