We’re less than one week away from the excitement of the 51st White Marlin Open. The energy, the fish, the anglers…but let’s talk about THOSE BOATS! The first full week of August brings boats from near and far, of all types, and different sizes. We were able to catch up with a few captains and crew members to show off some of these incredible boats.
Shotski
77′ Paul Mann
Shotski is no stranger to the Ocean City, Maryland area. Built in Manns Harbor, North Carolina, Shotski frequents Sunset Marina in West Ocean City all summer long. Winning several tournaments like this year’s Tuna Tournament grabbing first place tuna stringer at 412.5 pounds. They also took 5th place single tuna at 149 pounds. Led by captain Austin Bowden, who started young with inshore charters and moved his way up the chain, takes us on a tour of this incredible boat.
Amenities
This boat is equipped with top of the line from bow to stern. It holds 4 bedrooms, 10 beds, a washer and dryer, food pantry, and a wine refrigerator! It’s also equipped with a 400 gallon water tank that has a filtration system to turn salt water into fresh water!
What’s a Shotski?
Well you may have guessed it! It’s a shot! And a ski! But combined, it’s a shot ski. Owners of Shotski have a duel love of both libations and skiing in Utah. They even had custom shotskis made for taking shots on the boat. They hang in the parlor of the boat for celebrating big fishing wins- or just a casual Tuesday night.
Special Situation
82′ F&S
Captained by Tucker Colquhoun, Special Situation is indeed a “special” boat. Calling Ocean City, Maryland it’s home from June to the fall months, Special Situation travels along the east coast heading south for winter. First they stop at Palm Beach, Florida, then making their way even further, she takes on The Bahamas for a few months. With extremely skilled young first mates, Alex Barker and Marlin Wakemann, Special Situation always looks her best. Alex and Marlin explain that there’s a huge misconception that people have about boating. Many people think that fishing is fun and exciting- which it indeed is! However there’s a lot more to it. The boat needs to be kept in tip top shape and looking her best. This will be Alex’s third year mating on the boat. Marlin has mated on other boats such as Deperado but will be joining team Special Situation for this years White Marlin Open.
‘Thee’ Marlin Wakemann?
Side Note- If the name Marlin Wakemann sounds familiar, you’re right! Marlin was the young boater that was bit by a reef shark not once but TWICE about three months ago in the Bahamas. He’s fully recovered since then, doesn’t mind showing off his scars, and is pumped to win this years White Marlin Open- a special situation indeed!
Boss Hog
61′ Blackwell
You’ve heard the name and we’ve seen them at the scales. Boss Hog has made a name for themselves in the Ocean City, Maryland fishing town. Captain Brian Porter knows how to find the fish and bring them in. Boss Hog has won several fishing tournaments here in Ocean City including The Big Fish Classic and the Mid Atlantic, with some mega size catches. First mate Alex Beane is in his fifth year fishing the tournaments. When asked what the best part about fishing in these larger than life tournaments, his response was simply “winning the tournaments.” Mate Jack Hannum agreed as both guys sat respooling rods prepping for weekends of long upcoming fishing days. Check out the inside of what I deemed the “ultimate boy boat- full of tools and snacks.”
