White Marlin Open Day 4: Marlins and tunas roll in

The 2016 White Marlin Open tournament saw just one qualifying white marlin caught throughout the entire five-day competition, but that has not been the case in 2017.

Following three 70-plus pound white marlins on Wednesday, including an 86-pounder reeled in by Mike Donohue, the run on the tournament’s top fish continued as soon as the scales opened Thursday afternoon with 287 boats out on the water.

The excitement started early when Chris Cusick of Severn, Maryland cruised into Harbour Island Marina shortly after 4 p.m. on board the Berzerker. With him was a 72.5-pound white marlin, sending Cusick into the third spot in the category.

Cusick trails just Donohue and Mike Logan, who caught a 76-pounder the day before. It was announced Cusick’s catch was worth up to $80,000.

“Your forearms are still pumped from pumping and reeling, and all you have in the back of your mind is getting your picture taken at the docks,” Cusick said.

Although he won’t take home the estimated $2.6 million prize that goes to the angler who caught the biggest white marlin, Cusick was still jumping for joy once the final number was read off the scale.

“It was just a great morning. (The fish) looked fat, didn’t look that long, but we rolled with it and it qualified — we just went with it,” Cusick said.

After a two-hour drought, the second white marlin of the day came in aboard The Fishaholic, but after a trip to the scales, the numbers fell just short with a 68-pound catch — two pounds below the required weight.

DAY 3: Trio of white marlins caught on Wednesday

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The undersized marlin marked the beginning of a string of fish hauled to the marina, ranging from wahoos to tunas.

Prior to the day’s start, just one wahoo had qualified for the leaderboard, but Pennsylvania native Seth Obtez brought back the second with a 53.5-pound fish. Obtez currently trails Gary Cupuano’s opening day catch of a 55-pound wahoo, but has his fish valued at $26,000.

The most unusual delivery of the day came from John Gudelsky, a member of the Reeling Joy, and Jim Murray of the Caitlin, who after bringing in their tunas, transported them to the dock in trucks. Gudelsky didn’t crack the top five, but Murray’s catch weighed in at 64 pounds, putting him at third place in the tuna category.

While many anglers would celebrate their catch, Murray remained focused as the Blue Runner brought its boat up to the docks.

One of just 19 boats participating on Tuesday, the Blue Runner’s Jim Boynton held the second spot in the tuna category with a 67-pound fish. Murray didn’t bat an eye as the Blue Runner revealed it had caught 11 tunas, intending to weigh three.

As each tuna made its way to the scales, Murray stared at the digital numbers that popped up for one tuna after the other.

After the Blue Runner weighted its catches, it was announced none of the three would make it onto the tuna leaderboard, leaving a smile on Murray’s face.

Murray did not give a comment to DelmarvaNow.

READ MORE: Amid gloomy fishing outlook, a little bright spot

While none of the top anglers were dethroned, fans were happy with the experience that included sunny skies and an afternoon filled with fish.

“This is all we want. To see a good tournament, see a lot of fish brought in and enjoy a day near the water,” Delaware resident John Upter said.

Anglers will have one final chance Friday to take home part of the $4.97 million up for grabs, but despite a large group of fish making up the leaderboards, Cusick still thinks it's anyone's game.

"We'll be ready — it's going to be an exciting day," Cusick said.