The inaugural Monster Rockfish Tournament on the Chesapeake Bay attracted more than 700 professional and amateur anglers and handed out more than $30,000 in winnings late last month.
Anglers reeled in some big fish, but not a state record, which would have been worth $100,000.
The event divided the bay into two regions, with seven weigh-in stations.
Winners in the northern division were: First place, $4,325, Robby Doran of Stevensville aboard Three V’s, 30.30 pounds, 45 inches; second place, $2,755, Al Mazzotta of Baltimore aboard Ice Man, 13.4 pounds, 32 inches; third place, $570, David Skirka of Westminster aboard Spot Hawk, 13 pounds, 31.25 inches.
Winners in the southern division were: First place, $13,300, Robert Harris Sr. of Prince Frederick aboard Lil Kim, 45.3 pounds, 48 inches; second place, $2,765, Robert Klimek of Bryans Road aboard the Finatic, 43.5 pounds, 47.75 inches; third place, $3,285, Marcus Wilson Chesapeake Beach aboard the Hot Rod, 36.65 pounds, 46 inches.
In the Tournament Within a Tournament, David Wenrich of Mechanicsville won $1,575 for reeling in the largest bluefish in the southern region.
The Oct. 30 tournament was sponsored by 98Rock/WBAL.
Hank Sibley Bluewater Yacht Sales 