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Sensation owner files protest, hires lawyer after Big Rock Blue Marlin tournament disqualification

PRE News & Ideas | By Annette Weston
Published June 20, 2023 at 9:38 AM EDT
The crew of Sensation reeled in the largest blue marlin of the tournament at 619.4 pounds, and a win would have meant a $3.5 million payday. However, officials disqualified Sensation’s fish on Sunday after two shark bites were found on it when it was brought to the dock.
Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament
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The crew of Sensation reeled in the largest blue marlin of the tournament at 619.4 pounds, and a win would have meant a $3.5 million payday. However, officials disqualified Sensation’s fish on Sunday after two shark bites were found on it when it was brought to the dock.

The owners of the fishing boat Sensation have protested the results of the 2023 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament that was held last week in Morehead City, putting finishing positions and prize money on hold.

The crew of Sensation reeled in the largest blue marlin of the tournament at 619.4 pounds, and a win would have meant a $3.5 million payday.

However, officials disqualified Sensation’s fish on Sunday after two shark bites were found on it when it was brought to the dock, naming the fishing boat Sushi the 2023 winner.

Sensation owner Ashley Bleau told WITN-TV the rule being used to disqualify his boat is not applied uniformly.

Bleau said he has also retained the Wheatley Law Group in Beaufort and if Sensation’s disqualification is not overturned through the protest process, he will then take his argument to the courts.
Annette Weston
Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.
See stories by Annette Weston