BY MIKE STEVENS
CABO SAN LUCAS— The offshore waters round Cabo San Lucas as soon as once more set an idyllic stage for the Western Out of doors Information Cabo Tuna Jackpot (CTJ) which performed host to 132 groups who had been all chasing a piece of the occasion’s $1.3 million-plus complete payout. There was some wind within the forecast, however the majority of the groups collaborating within the 2024 installment of the world’s richest tuna match stated it was not a difficulty.
When the solar set on the ultimate day of fishing, long-time CTJ competitor, Prime Time, lastly earned their spot “on the t-shirt” after being named champions in 2024. Ending within the prime spot earned Prime Time a base payout of $55,250, however that hardly scratched the floor so far as what the crew gained after factoring in what they piled up for being entered into all of the tuna optionals. In complete, Prime Time was handed a verify for $520,150 to separate amongst themselves.
Prime Time’s anglers included Randy Davis, Mark Benedetti, George Davis, Mark Huff, crewman Rudy Morgan and Captain Sean Oates. The core group began fishing tournaments 9 years in the past, and the CTJ was the primary they competed in. Randy Davis lately related with Western Out of doors Information to replicate on the crew’s huge win.
“We had been slow-trolling with bait 30 to 40 miles out on the Pacific facet,” he stated. “My brother began (combating the fish) and he needed me to take over. I feel it took us about an hour and a half. All of us really feel very fortunate to win this match.”
Prime Time’s 220.3-pound yellowfin weighed in on Day 1 that may up holding off the remainder of the sector marked solely the third time the crew has ever weighed a fish within the CTJ. The crew consisted of the identical 4 anglers they began with almost a decade in the past, and Randy Davis gave quite a lot of credit score to his Orange County-based Captain, Sean Oates, and crewman Randy Morgan of Los Angeles who stays with the Viking 90 “wherever it goes.”
Davis additionally gave credit score to the native crew members he had on the crew, “Gonzalo” who fished with them of their first couple tourneys earlier than doing his personal factor for some time. He has a pair CTJ wins on his resume’, and Prime Time was in a position to not solely reconnect with him to assist seal the deal this yr, however he has additionally dedicated to fishing with them subsequent yr. Gonzalo additionally introduced alongside deckhand “Adrian,” who occurs to be the son of this yr’s “Native Legend,” Modesto Miranda Peralta, for much more native magic.
“Gonzalo is often fishing daily, and he introduced Adrian who was nice, too,” stated Davis. “You possibly can’t beat that native information.”
Prime Time additionally misplaced an estimated 300 pounder that blew up beneath a kite in addition to a yellowfin bigger than the successful fish when the chief broke with the fish proper beneath the boat.
“Fishing is the very best it’s ever been down there,” stated Davis. “We already despatched the entry (For subsequent yr) in as a result of we wish the identical crew quantity. We might be all in for subsequent yr for positive.”
Second place general went to crew Let’s Go who weighed in a 209.95-pound yellowfin, and Love and Luck’s 203.55-pound tuna was ok for third. Let’s Go picked up a whopping complete of $471,400 for sweeping the tuna optionals in Day 2 along with the strong-overall end.
Whereas “tuna” places the “T” in CTJ, they aren’t the one species that can lead to a hefty payday. Within the each day Dorado Optionals, Senor Hogs and Encantada picked up $40,400 every for dodos of 32.2 and 26.35 kilos ($1,000 elective in Day 1 and a couple of). Within the $3,000 Dorado Non-obligatory, a pair of $37,200 checks went to TCB and Negotiator for his or her 23.35- and 24.9-pound fish dropped at the size on Day 1 and a couple of.
Crew Negotiator specifically wasn’t performed there, as they grabbed one other $39,600 within the Day 2 $3,000 Wahoo Non-obligatory bringing their CTJ complete to $76,800. Based on match officers, that was the one time a crew has earned an elective payout with two totally different species. Tinman not solely scored $39,600 of their very own in that class, but in addition within the $1,000 elective that day which paid out one other $40,800 bringing their complete to $80,400. Level Roberts Pirate’s plundered $40,800 within the $1,000 Wahoo Non-obligatory on Day 2 after weighing within the largest ‘hoo if the occasion at 70.15 kilos.
The dates for subsequent yr’s WON Cabo Tuna Jackpot are November 5-8. Hold tabs on loscabostunajackpot.com for updates.
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