Article overview: If April proved anything, it’s this: the fish are here, the crews are dialed in, and HMY clients are staying tight to the action. From grand slams in the Bahamas to a grander in...
If April proved anything, it’s this: the fish are here, the crews are dialed in, and HMY clients are staying tight to the action. From grand slams in the Bahamas to a grander in Cape Verde, this past month delivered some unforgettable offshore moments. Across the fleet, blue marlin, whites, sailfish, and trophy catches kept reels screaming and anglers smiling.
Here’s a look back at an incredible month on the water for HMY clients and crews.
A Historic Release in Key West
The month kicked off with a milestone catch during the Viking Key West Challenge. On April 11, the HMY 64 Demo, captained by James Ewing with crew Ryan Tubbs and Nick Cardella, released the first marlin ever caught in tournament history. Even better, the release came courtesy of junior angler Colin Dicembrino, making the accomplishment even more memorable for the team.
For more on this iconic release, click here.
SandboB Dominates the Abaco Beach Invitational
From April 15–18, Bob Moss’ Viking 74 SandboB, captained by Chris Correia, made a statement at the inaugural Abaco Beach Invitational. The team raised four blue marlin, two white marlin, and four sailfish to secure:
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1st Place Overall
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1st Place Release
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Top Captain & Crew
Chad Moss earned Top Angler honors after releasing three blue marlin and a sailfish during the event. A phenomenal showing for one of the most competitive crews on the circuit.
The Interview Stacks Up Triple Grand Slams
April belonged to The Interview. The 68’ Viking put together an extraordinary run of offshore success with not one, not two, but three grand slams during the month.
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April 15: 1-1 blue marlin, 4-4 white marlin, and 2-4 sailfish
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April 26: 2-3 blue marlin, 1-1 white marlin, and 1-3 sailfish
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April 27: 1-1 blue marlin, 1-1 white marlin, and 3-5 sailfish
Consistent action, multiple species, and elite execution made for one of the most impressive month-long performances we’ve seen this season.
Last Look Puts Up Big Numbers Offshore
The 69’ Spencer Last Look joined the April action in a major way with an outstanding two-day stretch offshore. Captained by Nate Benz alongside mates Morgan Talbert, Will Griffin, and Tim Lanahan from Gemlux Outrigger, the team was joined by HMY Yacht Sales Professional Jeff Thiel aboard for the action-packed trip.
Tuesday, April 28
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2 for 2 blue marlin
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3 for 3 white marlin
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6 for 11 sailfish
Wednesday, April 29
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1 for 2 blue marlin
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3 for 4 white marlin
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2 for 2 sailfish
“Not every day you can catch a double grand slam with an opportunity to catch a triple,” said HMY Yacht Sales Professional Jeff Thiel following the incredible bite aboard Last Look.
An unforgettable stretch offshore for the Spencer crew and another sign that the spring bite is firing on all cylinders.
Kateric Claims Walker’s Cay Shootout Victory
At the 2nd Annual IGFA Walker’s Cay Shootout (April 22–25), the Viking 55 Kateric delivered a tournament-winning performance. The team released a blue marlin, two white marlin, and four sailfish to earn Top Overall Boat honors.
Angler Brett Jamison also secured 2nd Place Angler with releases including a blue marlin and sailfish. Another outstanding showing from an HMY-backed team on the tournament trail.
Grander Alert in Cape Verde
Big fish made headlines on April 25 when Wave Paver weighed a massive 1,003-pound blue marlin in Cape Verde. Crossing the 1,000-pound mark is the kind of achievement offshore anglers dream about, and this grander was one of the standout catches of the month worldwide.
For the full story, check out this video.
Heartlander Gets Dialed In in the Bahamas
From April 27–29, the 58’ Viking Heartlander, captained by Chase Varnadore with crew Carson Phillips and Joe Milazzo, went 2-3 on blue marlin while pre-fishing in Long Island, Bahamas, ahead of the 23rd Annual Howard Flint Memorial Tournament. Safe to say the crew headed into the tournament with confidence and momentum.
Valentine Closes Out the Month with a Grand Slam
On April 29, Valentine added another highlight to the month’s incredible run, releasing a grand slam featuring:
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1 blue marlin
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1 white marlin
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5 sailfish
A fitting way to cap off an action-packed April offshore.
Strong Finish for the HMY 64 Demo
Closing out the month, the HMY 64 Demo team returned to the leaderboard during Day 1 of The Shootout – Production vs. Custom on April 30. Captain James Ewing and crew Ryan Tubbs and Nick Cardella earned 2nd Place Daily honors with two blue marlin and two sailfish releases.
April was nothing short of electric across the fleet. Whether it was tournament wins, grand slams, record-setting releases, or a 1,003-pound giant, HMY clients and crews stayed connected to some of the best fishing the season has offered so far.
The fish are biting, the spread is tight, and if April is any indication, the rest of the season is shaping up to be one for the books.
Tight lines from all of us at HMY.
Want to be featured in the May Fishing Recap? Send your fishing reports, photos, and tournament results to Reiley Hutchinson at rhutchinson@hmy.com for a chance to be included in next month’s highlights.