Fishing Notes / Dan Stanton : Elusive Marlin Skunk Anglers in King-Marina Tournament

The marlin fishing season has gone up and down like ocean groundswells, judging from results of recent tournaments.

There were no winners in the seventh annual King Harbor-Marina del Rey marlin challenge. Eighteen boats from King Harbor and 15 from Marina del Rey fished in the contest that saw 100 anglers competing.

The last six challenges resulted in King Harbor winning the first three and Marina del Rey the last three.

“This year the tie continues as no fish were caught,” said Carl Lambert of the Marina del Rey club. “The two clubs will have to fight to break the tie next year.”

Lambert said several marlin were hooked but lost because of rough water.

The Catalina Gold Cup found better conditions, and good-sized marlin were weighed in at Avalon.

The Gold Cup had 112 entries fishing for big cash awards. Russ Armstrong of Avalon won the Gold Cup and $40,000 with his 202-pound marlin. Mort Barke of Inglewood was a close second with a 200-pounder that earned him $20,000.

The L.A. Billfish Club catch-and-release tournament last week was won by Marina del Rey fisherman Bill Fedhorn with his catch and release--2 marlin using 12-pound line and 20-pound test.

Troy Barnum of Long Beach, fishing on the bow of the Southern Cal at Horseshoe Kelp, bounced three yellowtail on the deck.

Not one to waste time, he sacked each fish and tossed his squid once again, and after 15 minutes his fourth fish did him in. Calling for the gaff, Barnum brought up another yellow that weighed in at 22 pounds and won the jackpot.

Fall fishing continues with plenty of action in yellowtail, Spanish jack and bonito.

Party boats on 1 1/2-day trips to the Cortez, light on squid due to the full moon, have found action in bluefin, but the exotics prefer squid.