A change in the weather, a change in the fishing? Anglers in the VBBT are out at sea finding out
Anglers long ago figured out that changes in the weather often meant differences in both fishing and catching.
Captains currently off the coast competing in the second day of the 23rd annual Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament are the kind of sailors who already knew conditions would be nearly opposite of what they dealt with in Thursday’s opener.
A passing cold front last night has winds coming out of the north-northeast at a forecast 10-15 mph. And as top anglers, they also are aware of the fact that such a “land breeze” could be much different offshore.
Now that doesn’t necessarily spell a biteless day on the water.
No, the change actually could really turn on fish closing in on their end-of-the-summer feeding patterns prior to heading south.
The fleet undoubtedly is hoping for the second possibility.
On day one, 51 of the event’s 61 entries registered 53 billfish - six blue marlin, 12 whites and 35 sailfish. Only seven gamefish - four dolphin, two wahoo and one yellowfin tuna - were caught.
There are 47 teams battling the seas and each other as they fight for their share of a tournament-record total purse of $920,000.
Finishing the first day in the lead was The General with Capt. Max Weaver, posting 410 points on a blue marlin and three sails.
Sara Jean with Capt. Kurt Warn is in second, also with 410 points on a blue and three sails. Time of catch is the reason for the placement.
Gaucho with Capt. Jeff Tyler sits in third with 270 points on a blue and a sail.
Four teams follow with 210 points each, with three right behind with 200 each.
The VBBT comes to a close with an awards ceremony after Saturday’s final day of fishing.
So, for now, we’re back out to the bluewater and that means one thing - there’s more to come.
