Capt. Dave Lear’s AKL Blog
Please welcome Capt. Dave Lear who will be covering the event and posting photos each day. Capt. Dave Lear has been covering big-game fishing for more than two decades, first as the editor of Marlin magazine and later as an award-winning freelance writer and tournament correspondent. The former executive director of The Billfish Foundation was also the 51st angler to gain membership in the IGFA’s exclusive Royal Billfish Slam Club by catching and releasing all nine species of billfish. Learn more about Dave at www.captaindavelear.com.
Keep in mind that official scores will not be posted until after 9PM on Sunday. TWITTER INFORMATION AND WEB CAM WEIGH INS ARE FOR ENTERTAINMENT VALUE ONLY! We are welcoming back Tournament Control to score our event and as the rules state teams won’t actually earn points until they turn their scorecard in (on time) and it is accepted by tournament staff.
Timely Win
At the 33rd annual Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament, the bridesmaids walked down the aisle to the awards alter. After finishing second last year, Team Bi-Op-Sea captured the Billfish Jackpot and the top team trophy in 2022. The tally of two sailfish and one blue marlin releases based on time earned a jackpot […]
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Flip Flop
A year later and the standings are reversed. At the conclusion of the 2021 Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament, Tarheel was the top team. That version was the 62 Bayliss with Capt. John Bayliss at the helm. Bi-Op-Sea, a 59 Spencer led by Capt. Jesse Granitzki came in second. Fast forward to 2022, […]
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Solidarity
Sequins, feathers and hot pink were the dominant accents at the Pirate’s Cove Marina Pavilion Saturday night as the 33rd annual Alice Kelly Ladies Only Memorial Billfish Tournament got underway. Named after a passionate local angler and victim of cancer, proceeds of this memorial event go to the Interfaith Community Outreach—Cancer Program to help support […]
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The World’s Largest Ladies Only Billfish Tournament
The 2021 Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament is now part of the event’s long history, but the impacts continue to be felt all over Dare County, North Carolina. For a recap, this was the 32nd year of this colorful charity contest. Tarheel, a 62 Bayliss Boatworks owned and run by Capt. John Bayliss […]
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Tarheel on Top
With a record 145 boats and nearly 900 lady anglers, the 32nd annual Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament set new standards for charity fishing events. This popular North Carolina contest, held in Manteo at the Pirate’s Cove Marina, is special not only for its purpose but for also for sheer enthusiasm and passion […]
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Pink Tribute
Pink was the theme of the night, highlighted by colorful costumes, balloons and hundreds of smiling faces. It is the 32nd edition of the Alice Kelly Memorial Ladies Only Billfish Tournament and a record field of 145 teams will head to the Gulf Stream Sunday for a day of offshore fun—and a cause. Named after […]
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