By Andrew McLoon
The legend of the Bluefin Blowout continued to swell as some of the East Coast’s finest fishermen descend- ed upon the storied port of Gloucester in pursuit of giant bluefin tuna.
The 2014 tournament, present- ed by Lyon-Waugh Auto Group and supported by a number of local and regional sponsors, was another huge success. How huge? We’re talking 2,805 lbs. of tuna.
The weekend started on a high note with a surprise performance from Garden legend Rene Rancourt—no doubt a good omen for local fisher- men hoping for a more productive outing than last year’s tough tourney.
Out of a field of fifty-five vessels, the F/V Tuna.com and Capt. Dave Carraro, Sandro Maniaci, and Geordie Sousa set the bar with a 914 lb. tuna, hauling in the $11,500 first place prize and the Bluefin Blowout trophy, not to mention the $7,200 day pool prize and a free, year-long lease of a new Audi A3.
Captain John “Beaker” Mead of the F/V Miss Fern and his crew of Heather Wisnieski, Bobby Cavender and Walter Bunten raised an 805 lb. blue- fin, which was good enough for second place. Captain Anthony Caturano of the F/V Tonno and crew Mark Kooskalis and Dan Reddy landed a 588 lb. fish for third. And fourth place was taken by Captain Steve Corbett of the F/V Osprey and crew Matt Corbett, Charlie Mahoney, and Jack Car- rancho with a 497 lb. tuna.
Tournament directors Captain Drew Hale and Rob Bouley and their committee always strike just the right tone for the tournament, blending camaraderie and competition on the water with excitement and relaxation on shore, and this year was no different. Competitors and non competitors alike enjoyed everything from great fishing and giant weigh-ins to vendors, live music, raffles, a silent auction, and the second annual Bluefin Brewfest and WZLX Listener Cruise.
Cape Ann’s Marina Resort provid- ed top-tier accommodations, offering tournament-goers slips, on-site fuel, an indoor pool, and food from the Mile Marker One Café and Bar.
In addition to rewarding captains with $50,000 in cash and merchandise prizes, the Blowout contributes to important causes outside the fish- ing world. This year, the tournament teamed up for the second time with Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, raising funds for families and children in need.
Featured on National Geographic Channel’s Wicked Tuna, the Bluefin Blowout has revitalized the Gloucester giant tuna scene, and with the continued support of willing captains, great sponsors, fishing enthusiasts, and, of course, cooperative fish, next year’s tournament will be bigger and better than ever.
A historic harbor, music, food and drink, and thousands of pounds of giant bluefin tuna—what’s not to like?
The F/V Miss Fern raised this 805 lb. bluefin, which was good enough for second place. (Left to right): Bob Cavender Sr., Captain Jon, Heather, Walter Bunten, Bobby Cavender, and Catey Cavender.
The F/V Tuna.com received an $11,500 first place prize and the Bluefin Blowout trophy, not to mention the $7,200 day pool prize and a free, yearlong lease of a new Audi A3. Warren Waugh (far right) presenting the winnings to (left to right) crewmem- ber Geordie Sousa, Captain Dave Carraro, and crewmember Sandro Maniaci.
This 497 lb. tuna earned the F/V Osprey fourth place. (Bottom row) Warren Waugh and weighmaster Rick Schrafft; (Top row) Tournament Director Captain Drew Hale, crew of the F/V Osprey (Charlie Mahoney, Jack Carranchowith Captain Steve Cor- bett, and Matt Corbett), and Tournament Director Rob Bouley.
This 588 lb. tuna earned the F/V Tonno third place. (Left to right) Captain Antho- ny Caturano and crew Mark Kooskalis and Dan Reddy.
Out of a field of fifty-five vessels, the F/V Tuna.com set the bar with a 914 lb. tuna. (Left to right): Warren Waugh, Tuna.com Captain Dave Carraro, crewmember Geordie Sousa, Tournament Director Rob Bouley, crewmember Sandro Maniaci, and Tournament Director Captain Drew Hale.
The crowd watches as a massive bluefin is hoisted over to the winner’s circle.
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