In the competitive world of deep-sea fishing, few events rival the excitement and prestige of the White Marlin Open. This year, the 55โฒ Viking boat โStone Cutter,โ owned by Paul Menzi, captured the spotlight with a stunning victory in the Blue Marlin category. The Stone Cutterโs impressive catchโa colossal 897.5-pound blue marlinโhas so far clinched first place and a staggering $518,000 prize, while also setting a record as the fourth heaviest blue marlin in the eventโs history.
Mistaken Identity
We had the opportunity to speak with Joe Wyatt, one of the anglers aboard Stone Cutter. Wyatt, a seasoned fisherman with years of experience, shared the thrilling story behind their remarkable catch. โIt was a ride like no other,โ Wyatt recalled. โWhen we first saw that fin break the surface, we thought it might be a whale or something due to its size. But then we realized we were hooked on a massive blue marlin when it jumped out of the water.โ
A Stubborn Fight
The battle began when the marlin crashed the spreader, an early sign of the fierce struggle that was to follow. Angler Lance Blakemore faced an intense challenge. Despite a fierce effort, the marlin proved to be stubborn and elusive. โWe had the liter on the fish eight different times,โ Wyatt said. โEach time, it would make a powerful run and shake free. It was a grueling fight, but we never gave up.โ
A Memorable First
Blakemore, who had never caught a marlin before, was at the heart of the action. Secured in the fighting chair for two and a half hours of reeling, other anglers hosed him off to keep him cool while passing bottles of water to keep him hydrated.
Not So Fastโฆ
The Stone Cutterโs blue marlin, weighing in at 897.5 pounds, soon established itself as the leading contender. However the following day the excitement was tempered by the knowledge that another boat, Moore Bills, had also reported a large blue marlin catch. As Moore Bills approached the dock, around 9pm, the Stone Cutter crew held their breath, anxiously awaiting the weigh-in results.
Just Shy
When the scale revealed that Moore Billsโ blue marlin weighed 894 poundsโjust 3.5 pounds lighter than Stone Cutterโs catchโthe crewโs relief and elation were palpable. โWe were on edge until we saw the weight of the competing fish. Knowing we had the heavier marlin was a huge relief. We got to celebrate all over again!โ
Thereโs No โIโ in Team
The successful catch was a true team effort. Director of the Deck Brad Martin played a crucial role in steering the Stone Cutter during the battle. โBradโs direction was vital in keeping us on track and ensuring we were positioned correctly to handle the marlin,โ Wyatt explained. โPaul Menziโs leadership and Bradโs skillful guidance were key to landing that fish.โ
The Stone Cutterโs victory was not just a testament to the crewโs skill and perseverance but also a proud moment for Paul Menzi and his team. The blue marlin will long be remembered not only for its size but also for the way it captured the essence of competitive fishing. With a record-setting weight and a substantial prize, this catch has solidified its place in the annals of White Marlin Open history.
Letโs Try to Hold Onto It
As the tournament continues and the competition remains fierce, the Stone Cutter crew can bask in the glory of their remarkable achievement. With two more days left at the scales, itโs always a game of luck. Jim Mostco always says, โAnyone can get lucky and catch a fish.โ
For boat number 216- Paul Menzi, Joe Wyatt, Lance Blakemore, Brad Martin, and the entire Stone Cutter team, this victory is a proud chapter in their fishing careersโa testament to their skills, teamwork, and passion for the sport. The excitement of the White Marlin Open will surely be remembered for years to come, with the Stone Cutterโs achievement standing out as a highlight of the event.
