Boat Parade - Fishing for St Judes
Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 10:10 am
Yesterday was the opening day of the St Judes Blue Marlin Fishing Tournament. Coincidentally we were at home when all the participants paraded through the Gulf Intercoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores, AL on their way to the fishing grounds.
I lost count of all the very large tournament fishing boats. Suffice to say they took over a half hour to get past our place. They ranged in size from a handful of quadruple Verado powered center consoles to dozens of multi story yachts of between fifty and perhaps 75 feet LOA. Three that I saw had four enclosed deck levels. All told the total value of the boats could have exceeded a couple of hundred million dollars. I doubt our annual income would pay for the fuel there boats will consume during the tournament.
This morning at about 6:30 a boat returned flying a Marlin pennant indicating a catch. The boat will probably win the prize for "First Fish". The estimated prize for the winning catch is $500,000. I can't begin to imagine the income required to support such a costly hobby.
I was disappointed that there was no Boston Whaler in the parade. I should have tagged along in our little Sport 13.
I don't recall the expected payout for St Judes Hospital but it will be sizeable.
I lost count of all the very large tournament fishing boats. Suffice to say they took over a half hour to get past our place. They ranged in size from a handful of quadruple Verado powered center consoles to dozens of multi story yachts of between fifty and perhaps 75 feet LOA. Three that I saw had four enclosed deck levels. All told the total value of the boats could have exceeded a couple of hundred million dollars. I doubt our annual income would pay for the fuel there boats will consume during the tournament.
This morning at about 6:30 a boat returned flying a Marlin pennant indicating a catch. The boat will probably win the prize for "First Fish". The estimated prize for the winning catch is $500,000. I can't begin to imagine the income required to support such a costly hobby.
I was disappointed that there was no Boston Whaler in the parade. I should have tagged along in our little Sport 13.
I don't recall the expected payout for St Judes Hospital but it will be sizeable.