I just wanted to remind everyone the Eastern Shore Marlin Club's Annual Billfish Tournament is fast approaching on July 25-27. This "release only" billfish tourney is always the highlight of our offshore fishing year and it all goes down in Wachapreague, Va., a great, little fishing town 1-1/2 hours south of Ocean City, Md.

The captain's meeting & cookout is on Thursday, July 24. If you've never been there, it truly is a great pre-tournament atmosphere...just be careful not to indulge on too much of the free draft beer!

The tournament itself runs from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27, and you get to fish two out of three days. The awards ceremony is on Monday, and there is a trophy for the most billfish released as well as cash prizes for largest tuna, wahoo, and dolphin.

To sign up call Fishtail's Restaurant at 757-787-4242, or send check or money order to Eastern Shore Marlin Club, P.O. Box 138, Wachapreague, VA, 23480. The cost is $120 per angler after July 15th.

As far as bait, tackle, and accommodations, here's the scoop. For information on the Wachapreague Seaside Marina & Fishtails Restaurant call 757-787-4110 or visit Fishing Wachapreague Eastern Shore of Virginia. To check room availability at the Wachapreague Hotel call 757-787-2105. For fresh bait and ice, there is Zed's Bait & Tackle 757-789-3222.

If you see us on the "Caneelin" (32' Blackfin) stop by and say hi!