Seventy-one billfish releases on light tackle is a pretty darn good day at most big-game destinations. But for the middle of August, off North Carolina’s Outer Banks, those numbers are just a tad off the norm. Several boats took advantage of their opportunities, however, and racked up some needed points on the leaderboard. They had […]
Blue Tuesday
Builder’s Choice has built an early commanding lead in the 2018 PCBT, without a doubt. Owner/angler Harris Huddle only needed 30 minutes to whip a monster blue marlin that nearly bent the boom on the diesel Caterpillar power lift used to hoist if from the cockpit of the 64 Jarrett Bay. The packed crowd watched […]
Strategy Sessions
The countdown has begun. In just a few short hours coffee will be ready in the galley, the docks will be bustling and the rumble of diesel engines will echo across the marina. The 2018 Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament is underway and 81 crews are busy developing game plans for the next four days. With […]
Sea I Sea Earns Top Honors
August 15, 2015; Manteo, North Carolina: By Capt. Dave Lear In the end their lead proved to be insurmountable. After jumping ahead on Thursday, Sea I Sea held off several challengers to win top honors in this week’s 32nd Annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament. The Viking 66, run by Capt. Rob Mahoney and owned by […]
Late Charge
August 14, 2015; Manteo, North Carolina: By Capt. Dave Lear Uno Mas, as it turned out, needed cinco mas. On the last day of the 2015 Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament, Uno Mas, a 68 Bayliss skippered by Capt. Tommy Lynskey, made a late charge at the standings by releasing five white marlin. The team had […]
Momentum Building
August 13, 2015; Manteo, North Carolina: By Capt. Dave Lear Fishing wasn’t on fire in today’s 2015 Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament, but it wasn’t smoldering, either. Several boats did some serious fin-whippin’ and set personal marks, while others held their own against a very talented field of contestants. It all comes down to the final […]
Behind the Scenes
August 13, 2015; Manteo, North Carolina: By Capt. Dave Lear Amid the laughter, fish tales and reunions of long-time friends, it was easy to notice the excitement of a world-class event unfolding along the Pirate’s Cove Marina docks Wednesday night. A banner fishing day certainly sets a positive mood and the crowd was enjoying all […]
Rabble-Rousing
August 12, 2015; Manteo, North Carolina: By Capt. Dave Lear Boat names span a wide range of associations. Some refer to family members like wives, mothers or daughters. Many relate to the owner’s line of business. Some are pure whimsical while others are a direct reflection of persona or character. On the second day of […]
Show Time
August 11, 2015; Manteo, North Carolina: By Capt. Dave Lear It’s time, as the saying goes, to fish or cut bait. With all but three of the 56-boat PCBT fleet choosing to stay at the dock Tuesday with an elective lay day, the rest of the week will be pure, OBX-style, hardcore fishing. At stake? […]
Back to the Future
August 10, 2015; Manteo, North Carolina: By Capt. Dave Lear Everyone, it seems, is digging the new changes. The Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament is back for its 32nd year, but 2015 marks a throw-back of sorts. A new non-profit board has made several significant improvements to the focus and rules, yet the biggest is probably […]