The eighth annual Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza concluded Thursday with anglers landing 30 Atlantic bluefin tuna weighing a combined 15,429 pounds.
The total more than doubled last year’s 13 fish, while participation increased from about 40 boats to about 60, according to tournament president Bob Humphrey.
“Last year the tuna were very late to arrive, and people were hesitant about whether they would fish the tournament,” Humphrey said. “This year, they showed up, and among them were lots of big fish.”
Captain Keith Jordan and crew aboard F/V Bailey & Bella with the second-place 850-pound, 113-inch Atlantic bluefin tuna. Courtesy Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza.
The larger fish likely reflect a strong age class, he said.
“There were a couple years of very good recruitment, and we’ve watched that cohort age get bigger and bigger each year,” he said.
Captain Tyler McLaughlin aboard F/V PinWheel won the $25,000 top prize with an 878.5-pound, 117-inch bluefin caught Monday.
Captain Russell Parmenter and crew aboard F/V Patricia Ann with the third-place 770-pound, 110.25-inch Atlantic bluefin tuna. Courtesy Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza.
His winning fish weighed 219 pounds more than last year’s champion, a 659.5-pound, 107.5-inch bluefin caught by Bobby Strong on the F/V Amy Lynn.
Captain Keith Jordan of F/V Bailey & Bella earned $12,500 for an 850-pound, 113-inch fish landed Thursday. Captain Russell Parmenter of F/V Patricia Ann received $6,000 for a 770-pound, 110.5-inch catch landed the same day.
Bob and Jane Humphrey founded the Casco Bay Bluefin Bonanza in 2019 to raise money for scholarships and Atlantic bluefin research. The tournament awarded seven scholarships in its inaugural year. Last year, proceeds funded 16 $1,000 scholarships for students attending seven Maine community colleges, along with additional support for Southern Maine Community College and Central Maine Community College. This year they hope to do the same.
The event also contributes $25,000 annually to the Maine Pelagic Fund, supporting internships and research on Atlantic bluefin genetics, migration, distribution and feeding habits.
Some findings have been presented to the U.S. delegation and the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, where research has shown Atlantic bluefin tuna populations can support higher harvest levels while remaining sustainable, Humphrey said.