The Shootout hosted 33 teams in a format that challenged production boats versus their custom counterparts, hosted by the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina in the Bahamas. The tournament is also the fourth leg of the Abaco Diamond Series.
The event coincided with a red-hot bite in the Abacos, with the participating teams releasing a total of 154 billfish during the three-day event. Among these were 86 blue marlin, 45 white marlin, 22 sailfish and one spearfish.
The team on Miss Victoria, a 76-foot Viking owned by Bob Genord and captained by Brian Speedy, captured first place with seven blue marlin, six white marlin and one sailfish, all released. It also marks the first win for a production boat over the custom boats in the three years of the tournament. The team won just over $72,000 for their efforts.
The largest blue marlin of the tournament was a 358-pounder caught by Jr. Davis on Wave Paver, a 61-foot Garlington captained by Russell Sinclair. The team also won second place in the release category with five blue marlin, six white marlin and one sailfish. Jr. Davis was the top angler for the tournament. Their check for $110,340 included two daily awards as well.
The team fishing aboard Notorious, a 70-foot Hatteras captained by Ray Peterson, placed third with six blue marlin and two white marlin releases. They won $22,410 for their efforts. Hit ‘n Run also scored big with a daily win on the third day of fishing, good for just over $35,000.