2015 Shootout
The Shootout’s 27-team fleet of the most elite sport fishing yachts challenged the production and custom boats against one another in an all release format tournament hosted by the Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina, Bahamas on May 20-23, 2015
Of the 52 billfish (21 blue marlin, 19 white marlin and 12 sailfish) released during the three consecutive days of fishing, it was Wave Paver, a 61-foot Garlington, who captured the overall Shootout title with two blue marlin, two white marlin, and two sailfish releases — securing the win for the custom boats over the production boats in this inaugural event.
Of the awards the Committee handed out on Saturday night, Wave Paber _owner Jr. Davis accepted his First Place trophies for both Top Boat and Top Angler. In addition to beautifully engraved Shimano Tiagra 80w and 50w reels, the team also received a check in the amount of $55,980.00 for their prowess. Top Captain and Crew awards for the _Wave Paver, which consisted of Capt. Russell Sinclair, Jerry Owens, Garrett Van Orman and Brian Boyle, also received engraved Shimano reels and a check for $18,000.00.
Releasing one blue marlin each day of the tournament secured owner Scott Robins and Captain Chris Zielinski of _Weez In The Keys _a second place finish for their team, receiving a check in the amount of $44,180.00, and Walter Shikany’s Whiticar Boatworks’ _Never Enough _took third with Capt. Trevor Cockle leading them to one blue marlin, four whites and a sailfish release resulting in a $35,640.00 pay-out.
Honorable mention goes to John Lee’s 58′ Merritt Committed with Capt. Sean Young at the helm, releasing two blues and two whites to finish fourth overall, and the top production boat coming in Fifth Place for Hatteras Fishing Team’s _CU+ Leader _and Capt. Doug Covin for his two blue and one white marlin releases.
