74 Boats
The total purse increased to $500,000. New federal guidelines increased the blue marlin’s legal limit to 96”, Dino Chouest’s 379.8 lb. blue marlin caught aboard the boat “Freedom” was the only one weighed in during the tournament. Since it was the only blue, it took the top three cash prizes in the marlin division and earned $175,000. There were 9 blue marlin, 2 white marlin, 1 sailfish, and 1 spearfish released.
Blue Marlin
First
Freedom – Dino Chouest – 379.8 lbs
Tuna
First
Dixie Rebel – Glenn Kilgore – 164.4 lbs
Second
Mirage – James Etheredge – 148.2 lbs
Third
Great Escape – Bob Henderson – 143.7 lbs
Dolphin
First
Recent Release – Bart Rice – 51.5 lbs
Second
Expedition – Glenn Cambell – 37.2 lbs
Third
Last Resort – Bill Abbott – 36.7 lbs
Wahoo
First
T Sea O – Wade Cantrelle – 42.5 lbs
Second
Tar Baby – Paul Dunseth – 41.3 lbs
Third
Recent Release – Russell Warren – 37.7 lbs