quote:
A North Carolina fishing tournament ended in controversy over the weekend as a group that caught a 619-pound blue marlin was disqualified after a review.

The boat named Sensation reeled in the fish as part of the 65th Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in Morehead City. …

"After careful deliberation and discussions between the Big Rock Rules Committee and Board of Directors with biologists from both NC State CMAST (Center for Marine Sciences and Technology) and NC Marine Fisheries biologists as well as an IGFA (International Game Fish Association) official, it was determined that SENSATIONS 619.4lb Blue Marlin is disqualified due to mutilation caused by a shark or other marine animal. It was deemed that the fish was mutilated before it was landed or boated and there for it was disqualified," the statement read.

"The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament follows IGFA rules regarding mutilated fish as outlined in Rule #23 in the Big Rock Official Rules. IGFA rules state that the following situation will disqualify a fish: ‘Mutilation to the fish, prior to landing or boating the catch, caused by sharks, other fish, mammals or propellers that remove or penetrate the flesh.’ …

The discrepancy began as the Sensation’s marlin was weighed. Officials noticed what appeared to be a shark bite near the fish’s head, according to the Jacksonville Daily News. As crowds waited anxiously for a winner to be declared, organizers waited until Sunday morning.

Officials declared Sushi the winner of the tournament for its 484.5-pound catch. …

Sushi took home $2.77 million from the tournament, according to the Jacksonville Daily News.

(Barstool Sports)

Filed Under: Fishing

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TarHeel408•15 months

This is the second time in recent years that there has been controversy around the Big Rock. Another would be winner had a non licensed fisherman on the boat and was DQed.

Wabbit7•15 months

It’s a good rule and I cheered when I saw this happen.

KAGTASTIC•15 months

I'm assuming they noticed the bite mark and knew there was a good chance it would be DQ'd, so just took the chance as it was their only option. Are there rules against them continuing to fish for another once one is caught or would have to send that one on its way first?

I know easier said than done in catching another but just wondering if they had caught multiple ones they could have turned another in.

NebraskaExPat•15 months

Another headline!
This isn't a 'stupid technicality'. The rule was made for a good reason.

cenlaconvertedsouth•15 months

Rule is a rule. If the fish had a clear shark bite near its head then I don't see what the "stupidity" of the rule is.

Doug_H•15 months

Rule is a rule, sure, but I do not understand the purpose of said rule

9Fiddy•15 months

The rule is there because of a fish is mutilated as described while being landed, it makes landing the fish easier than if the fish was at full strength. There’s not really anything the angler can control in that aspect, but it makes some sense.

Timeoday•15 months

They just wanta perfect fish they can sell for mounting purposes to the highest bidder.

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