Summer is passing by faster than a 40-plus knot sportfishing battlewagon headed for The Rip.  But, not to fear, the best of the bluewater fishing season is upon us and with it comes the most eagerly awaited big game tournament of the Atlantic season – the Mid-Atlantic $500,000!  This year marks the 18th edition of sportfishing's "Main Event" and like a bottle of fine wine, this event just keeps getting better with age.  Scheduled right in the heart of the offshore fishing season, the MA 500 as it's become known as by many participants, will be held this year August 16-21 with Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, New Jersey serving as tournament headquarters.  Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland has again been enlisted as the event's only satellite host from that popular port.  Boats may choose either port to sail from during tournament week and those who sail from Ocean City will once again be afforded full weigh-in services at Sunset Marina.

We all remember how the price of fuel skyrocketed last year and the impact it had on the sportfishing community.  In an effort to help control costs this year, the Mid-Atlantic $500,000 is offering a fuel price guarantee with fuel not to exceed $2.50 per gallon.  This price guarantee is regardless of the prevailing pump price and applies for all participants fishing out of Cape May. 

With a total cash purse that approaches $2 million each year, it's no wonder the Mid-Atlantic $500,000 always attracts one of the strongest fields in the sport as crews hailing from New England to Florida set a course for Cape May every August with hopes of scoring a prestigious win.  Cash prizes include $100,000, $50,000 and $25,000 for the three heaviest white marlin and blue marlin over minimum weights of 60 and 400 pounds respectively.  The three heaviest tuna over the tournament's 50-pound minimum weight win $75,000, $35,000 and $20,000 while the single heaviest wahoo and dolphin (mahi-mahi) each win $10,000.  A field of at least 125 boats assures a payout of $500,000 in tournament proceeds and tournament-sanctioned calcuttas add significantly to the total purse.  Last year's event saw 141 boats battle for over $1.8 million with Susan McCart's Reel Joy the top winner with a tournament-record tying 92-pound white marlin that earned $699,307! 

The 2009 event kicks off with tournament Registration and Welcome Cocktail Party followed by a Captain's Meeting at Canyon Club and Sunset Marina on Sunday, August 16.  Boats will then select three of the next five days to fish and there is no weather day or weather committee in this event.  The decision to fish or not is solely Captain's Choice.  The Mid-Atlantic $500,000 is a trolling only event and there is no limit to the number of anglers, lines or teasers on any boat.  Participants must comply with IGFA rules except that anyone may hook a fish provided the rod is immediately passed to the angler who will then fight the fish until it is boated, released or lost.  Live bait, greensticks, dart gaffs and harpoons are not permitted.  To insure a level playing field all tournament participants must fish within 125 miles of the Cape May Sea Buoy whether they sail from Cape May or Ocean City.  Boats may not pass their inlet's sea buoy prior to 4:30 a.m. each day and fishing begins at 8:30 a.m.  Lines out is 3:30 p.m. and any fish to be weighed must be at the scales of their respective marina by 9 p.m.

Dockside dining and entertainment has been an important part of the Mid-Atlantic $500,000 since its inception and that tradition continues again this year.  Live local bands provide the entertainment while tournament participants enjoy buffet dinners and an adult beverage or two.  The Sponsor's Midway includes displays of goods and services available from tournament sponsors.  Guy Harvey, the tournament's signature artist, will again be on hand with a spectacular display of his artwork that's coveted by anglers the world over.  He'll no doubt once again be busy adding his unique autograph to anything bearing his artwork including the tournament's gorgeous T-shirts and prints.

Make plans now to be part of what has become boat for boat, the richest marlin and tuna tournament in the world, by contacting Tournament Director Bob Glover at 609-884-2400.  For more information visit the tournament's official web site at www.ma500.com.

The Mid-Atlantic $500,000 is proudly sponsored by Baitmasters of South Florida; Bernie Robbins Jewelers; Big Game Fishing Journal; Canyon Club Resort Marina; Canyon Runner; Christi Insurance Group; Costa Marine; Craig J. Manno, Inc.; DeSatnick Real Estate; Engines Incorporated; Enterprise Rent-A-Car; EZ2CY; FLIR Systems, Inc.; Fraser-Volpe; Garmin; Grace Energy/Shell; Guy Harvey; ICOM; Johnson and Towers; KVH; Lucky Bones Backwater Grill; Mack Boring and Parts; MAN Engines and Components; Midlantic Gold Rush; MTU; OceanLED; Oceanview Marine Welding; Ocean Yachts; Offshore Electronics; Offshore Financial and Pelagic Offshore Gear.  Additional sponsors include Penn Reels/Pure Fishing; Poly-Planer; Pompanette; Premier Detailing and Boat Cleaning; Ransome Engine/Caterpillar; South Jersey Marina; South Jersey Yacht Sales; Sperry Top-Sider; Sturdy Bank; Sunset Marina; Underwater Lights/Sea Vision; WKR Construction and WXWORX XM Satellite Weather.