World Record Payout for Catching a Fish is Still on the Line

After day three of the 48th White Marlin Open, the big story stays focused on a boat and angler that could set a world record payout for catching a fish!  After the third day of fishing, the 82.5-pound white marlin caught Monday by angler Mike Atkinson off the “Fender Bender” both from Virginia Beach, VA,  is in prime position to net $4.9 million dollars!  That would be the most money ever paid for a fish in the history of fishing – and that spans over 7,000 years of recorded history of man luring the aquatic creatures into their nets.  Though it sounds dramatic, it is not untrue. 
While mulling over that, there is another $4.3 million that has been claimed in the other gamefish categories of the WMO.  After Wednesday, the leaderboard remains virtually unchanged.  The 559.5-pound blue marlin caught Monday by Chris Perry from the “Mama C”, both from Virginia Beach, VA, is holding onto the top blue marlin prize of $800,000.  
There is over $1,200,000 to be awarded in the tuna categories and, after day three, the bulk of that money is still held by the “SEVEN” out of Jupiter, FL with angler Lawrence Morejon from Stuart, FL taking the lion's share of $1,043,000 for their 137-pound tuna.  The shark division purse of $120,000.00 is still held by Anthony Sapanero aboard the "Go Fish".  The dolphin division is still led by Andrew Kinsley fishing aboard the Kilo Charlie, holding first with a 31.5-pound fish worth $20,000.  The wahoo division is still holding from day 2 as Alex Haskins off the “Island Hopper” weighed 48.5-pounder good for $2,000.
As of Wednesday evening, the offshore weather forecast calls for rough seas on Thursday, but good weather on Friday.  Stay tuned.