THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 2, 1994 TAG: 9409020751
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BOB HUTCHINSON, OUTDOORS EDITOR
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
A $75,000 white marlin is swimming in the ocean off this resort city, perhaps waiting to be caught by a contestant in the 23rd annual Virginia Beach Marlin Tournament.
The marlin was caught and given a special identification tag, inserted into the skin, by officials of the Cape Henry Billfish Club and Virginia Bluewater Gamefish Association, tournament co-sponsors.
``We've taken out a special insurance policy that will pay the $75,000 to any contestant who recaptures and re-releases the fish during the tournament,'' said Leslie Creech, spokesman for the clubs.
Creech would not say when and where the fish was caught and tagged. ``That might give someone an unfair advantage,'' he said.
The tournament runs through Monday, but each boat crew will be restricted to fishing two days of its choice. Dockside headquarters will be at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center on Winston-Salem Avenue, with social events at the Hilton Inn Conference Center on 8th Street.
As for billfish, the contest will be strictly a release affair, with volunteer observers randomly assigned to each boat.
The top three boats will receive trophies and fishing tackle, with cash awards, based on total entries, for those with the heaviest tuna, wahoo and dolphin.
Released white marlin, sailfish and spearfish will score 100 points, with 150 points for the release of blue marlin. Time of catch will be used as a tiebreaker.
Creech said more than 30 boats are expected. The entry fee is $700. by CNB