The 52nd Annual Cape Fear Blue Marlin Tournament was one to remember! Due to some unpredictable weather, our traditional 3-day format was extended to a 4-day tournament, allowing teams to fish on Sunday when conditions significantly improved. A total of 22 boats participated, with 20 billfish successfully released throughout the tournament. Taking the top spot was local boat G-BABY, releasing two Blue Marlins and one Sailfish. They earned 1st Place in both Level 1 and Level 2 categories, 2nd Place Thursday Daily, and 1st Place Sunday Daily. REBELETTE finished strong in 2nd Place with two Blue Marlin releases and secured the 1st Place Saturday Daily. JOHN BOAT came in 3rd with four Sailfish releases and took home 2nd Place Sunday Daily honors. OUTNUMBERED made a big impact early by releasing the first Blue Marlin of the tournament, earning 1st Place Thursday Daily. Our Level 4 Billfish Lottery had two winners—Morehead City boats CARTERICAN and BARBARA B. On the gamefish side, WELDOR’S ARK took home 1st Place Dolphin with a 15.6-pound catch, while SAFARI claimed 1st Place Wahoo with a 23.2-pound fish. Special recognition goes to Natalia Frost on REDEMPTION for winning the Lady Angler award and Beau Abrams on PEGGY for earning the Junior Angler award. We’re grateful to all the teams, sponsors, and supporters who made this year's tournament a success!