First Blue of the Year!

Well as we said things are heating up and this past weekend just goes to prove it. Even on a holiday the boats who went got into the fish! Gaffer dolphins everywhere and the dolphin fingers are flowing (call Paula for a good recipe for fried 'phin fingers if you're interested!) Local charter operator Captain Nolan Agner on the "Knockdown" had a really good day on Sunday and released Virginia Beach's first Blue Marlin of the year...In his own words:
We were fighting two gaffer's when the Blue exploded on a long rigger and preceded to dump a 50W. I turned and chased the fish at 15 kts and narrowly escaped being spooled (we literally saw gold at the bottom of the spool). We continued the fight for more than 1.5 hours and finally got the leader. We were able to get the fish close to the surface before popping the light 130# tuna leader. We estimated the fish between 400 and 500#s. We also had 30 gaffer Dolphin up to 26#s and three Yellowfin Tuna to 37#s. We missed numerous gaffers and we had at least a dozen tuna bites.
So its on.
And its right here.
Season is looking good already! Just to keep you all updated right now we have received entries from Smoker, Reelin N Dealin, Sea Toy, Tippecanoe, Alexis, Caroline and Victory Lap. Of course the local marinas are booking slips like crazy--please get your reservations in to them as soon as possible and then get that entry into the PO Box...we need to make Paula smile!
If you want to fish and the boat is down or your buddy let you down, there are some charter boats who are still open for the VBBT. Please give Paula a call if you think you might be interested. And if you are a boat looking for a crew, do the same!
The fish are here, and the season is looking right. Life is too short to miss out on this one. What are you waiting for?
Keep an eye on this spot and we'll keep you posted on what's going on out of Rudee. And if you go fishing--and catch 'em, let us know! www.vbbt.com

Welcome to Rudee...

Thought that this might be a good way to stay in touch with all of you...The weather is on it and the fishing is starting to happen around here! We just sent out our early invitations for the 2009 Tournament and come June 1 we will open up the remaining slots. So send them on in!--Paula is hitting the PO Box a couple a times a day and gets pretty worked up when we get an entry---seriously bummed if not ---even though its only been a couple of days!
Congratulations to Smoker and Reelin & Dealin, our first two entries!
And please take note of the Gift from the Heart option---it could make all the difference this year!
The 2008 tournament video went out and we also dropped a couple off at our favorite hang-outs...check it out at 15th Street Raw Bar, Sam & Omie's, Hurricane Mo's, Big Sam's, GF Keagan's, Chicks Oyster Bar or Waterman's! And if you want your own, call and we'll get it to you.
Steve Goione is working on this year's artwork, and it should be another gorgeous view of Virginia Beach--and since you asked, we do have prints available from 2005 to 2008, just call Paula.
98 days and counting until the Kick-off! See you there.