There is the old cliche about fisherman and their tales. You know, “the one that got away?” Then there’s this one for the crew of the North Carolina boat, “Sensation,” at Moorehead City’s 65th Annual Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament last weekend. “The one” didn’t get away, however the $3.5 million prize for catching it, did.
The North Carolina boat reeled in a 619.4 pound blue marlin. Dollar signs must have been dancing in the heads of the crew. Just one problem. Clearly visible in the pictures taken on the dock was a chunk taken from the fish by a shark.
To you and me, we would say, “So what?” Apparently, this is an issue that is cause for disqualification. The tournament wrote in a releaset that this was indeed a violation of Rule No. 23 of the International Game Fish Association (whose guidelines the tournament follows). “Mutilation to the fish, prior to landing or boating the catch, caused by sharks, other fish, mammals, or propellers that remove or penetrate the flesh.” Further the release stated, “This decision is consistent with prior decisions made by the tournament in similar circumstances over the last 65 years..”
In other words, “We’re sorry, but that $3.5 million — about $2.7 million for winning and nearly $740,000 for landing the tournament’s first 500-plus-pound catch you thought you won? Yeah, that’s not happening. Thanks for playing.”
Bummer.
I can’t imagine the disappointment for the crew of the North Carolina boat, “Sensation.” “Jaws” cost them $3.5 million. Perhaps their next tournament might be one of the shark fishing variety? <g>
Here Are My 3 Favorite Fishing Guides On Lake Wylie
Here is a little background on my experience fishing. My dad took me pond fishing for the first time just about the same time I was able to hold a cane pole. To say I was “hooked” right away is an understatement. The funny thing is, my Dad didn’t really like fishing but when he saw how much I loved it he took me time and time again. As a grown up, I started looking into fishing guides. Here are my 3 favorite fishing guides on Lake Wylie.
I grew up with a dad that fostered my love of fishing and he took me as long as I did these things. Girl,he said, “you need to tie your own knots, bait your own hook, take off your own fish, know how to clean it and learn how to cook it.” And I did.
After I got to college at Western Carolina University I found a great river to go trout fishing in and I quickly moved right across the street from that river. Now here is the funny thing. I married a guy that does not like to fish. How did that happen? Long story short, I started to look into fishing guides on Lake Wylie. There are many of them and many good ones. Admittedly I have not tried them all but I have found three that I would highly recommend. I have fished with these three guides multiple times and I have always had a blast. And most importantly they put me on some fish. If you are looking to catch catfish on Lake Wylie, you will not go wrong with these amazing captains.
Whitesides Whiskers Captain Justin Whitesides
Justin has taken me and my morning show partner Tanner out fishing several times. This man is passionate about catching catfish. He knows where to find them! We have always had a blast with Justin and he is a heck of a nice guy. He loves teaching kids how to fish. Make it a girls day on the lake or bring the family. He offers different levels of guide service and may even clean what you catch! Check out Justin’s Facebook page right here.
Catfish On! Captain Rodger Taylor
I have been fishing with Rodger more times than I can count. We primarily fished on Lake Wylie but caught some big ones on Lake Wateree as well. Rodger is another guy that knows where to find catfish and how to catch them. My brother in law Jim and I really enjoyed fishing with Catfish On! Guide Service.
Captain Trent is an old college friend of mine. He and I used to fish for trout on the Tuckaseegee River in Cullowhee, North Carolina so he is a personal friend. Trent has always been passionate about fishing , lives on Lake Wylie and thought he would share his secret fishing spots with others. He has a new guide service he calls Wylie Guide and my brother in law and I went fishing with him in December. It did not take long for him to find some nice ones for us and we had a blast. He is a great guy, a knowledgeable angler and he will flat put you on some fish. I can personally highly recommend Cpt. Trent for a great day catching catfish on Lake Wylie. Check out details right here
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClcgJKWpLSB/
Charlie Nance is the Afternoon Drive co-host (along with his wife) of "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The couple have been with the radio station since 2006. Charlie has won the prestigious CMA (Country Music Association) Award for Radio Personality of the Year and has been a finalist for the Country Radio Hall of Fame four times. Prior to his time in Charlotte, Charlie (along with Debbie) spent more than a decade hosting successful morning radio shows in Greenville, SC; Augusta, Ga; and Birmingham, Al. As a content creator for Country 1037, Charlie writes about dream lottery windfalls, sports, restaurants and bars, and travel experiences in North and South Carolina.
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