Another Headhunt is officially in the books. Somehow we've made it to 12 years. The fishing was the toughest it's ever been. We only had 7 fish weighed in, and maybe close to 7 caught in the entire tournament. Last year we had 3 fish over 40 lbs, and every single boat caught multiple bass. Either way, I hope everyone had a great time. Even though Team Jackal fished for two days straight with no bass, ate weird convenience store bought Chorizo rolls for two days straight, and burned about $300 worth of fuel, we still had a blast. If nothing else, we really appreciate everyone who fishes this tournament. We know there are a lot of local boats, charters, and people from Boston (and Buffalo this year) who make this an annual event - and thank you. And thank you to the Land Ho for another awesome after party - food was great.
Now to the tourney - the one in which we didn't weigh a fish. Chatter on the radio all day was light. We heard of a few boats going north, a couple going south, and a few going way south. All around the fishing was slow. We had two fish weighed in early that we thought would take the top spots. Team Powe came in first with a 20.8 lber that Team MVP Petey caught. Def a solid fish this year. Word is they lost two other good fish, but at least they got a money fish on the board. This crew of city slickers were on Ocean Effects charters, with awesome captains Jeff and Ernie - who helped Team Powe catch a 40 lber last year within an hour of tourney start time. Not bad.
Now to the tourney - the one in which we didn't weigh a fish. Chatter on the radio all day was light. We heard of a few boats going north, a couple going south, and a few going way south. All around the fishing was slow. We had two fish weighed in early that we thought would take the top spots. Team Powe came in first with a 20.8 lber that Team MVP Petey caught. Def a solid fish this year. Word is they lost two other good fish, but at least they got a money fish on the board. This crew of city slickers were on Ocean Effects charters, with awesome captains Jeff and Ernie - who helped Team Powe catch a 40 lber last year within an hour of tourney start time. Not bad.
After that, Team Buffalo came in and weighed a 22.8 lber. Team Buffalo had a member drive straight from Buffalo, shower, and hit the dock, and then go straight to the after party -- a legendary performance that no one really would have expected out of a place like the Buff, but impressive nonetheless. New Headhunt captain Austin of Gracie J charters did an awesome job getting the guys on the fish. Word on the street is they are going to run it back for a tuna trip in August and Team Jackal wants in. Austin is also a member of Headhunt sponsor Goose Hummock which honestly couldn't be a better tackle shop, with a better staff, who does a better job to support their community.
This also prompted Team Powe to controversially ask for a re-weigh which was granted, and just gave us all another opportunity to cheer the fact that the Carosa family from Buffalo and Captain Austin were ahead of the Boston beefcakes.
Later, 5 time champion Team Perfect Catch on Arlie Ex with legendary captain Tom Szado came in and weighed in a respectable 20.5 lber. We thought that was it. With such a tough day finding the fish, we had 3 awesome charters the top of the board.
Later, 5 time champion Team Perfect Catch on Arlie Ex with legendary captain Tom Szado came in and weighed in a respectable 20.5 lber. We thought that was it. With such a tough day finding the fish, we had 3 awesome charters the top of the board.
We also had last years champ Whiskey Tango and newcomers Slainte on the board for top non-charter category. And tourney veterans and favorites Navigator and Captain Jack at least putting fish on the board. Captain Jack fought hard to win the lowest fish weighed in - maybe in tourney history - which is sadly, still better than what we weighed in. They are tourney mainstays at this point, so great to see them make it happen - especially at the infamous yellow buoy where we were. The only piece of info all week was some yellow buoy, which we found, and where we dominated the dogfish but at least got to spend some quality time with the Burnies who were there as well.
Then came Team Reelaxin. Local crew out of Harwich (love that some Harwichers won the Headhunt) made the strategic decision to trailer to a spot around the Elizabeth Islands. The team was a family team of Sundquists and I'm not sure who made that call, but they just might be the new head of the family - and big shout out to the young lady of the family who apparently is a fan (and one of the 7 visitors) of this blog! They came in and put an end to everything with a 33.2 lber. Great fish. Great team and hope they enjoyed the sweet reels donated by Goose Hummock that sat on my parents table for three days while I stared longingly at what I knew would not be mine. Those reels were legit.
So it ended with Team Reelaxin (non-charter) taking the prize, and Team Buffalo/Gracie J taking second and past champions Team Powe on Ocean Effects Charter taking 3rd.
Then came Team Reelaxin. Local crew out of Harwich (love that some Harwichers won the Headhunt) made the strategic decision to trailer to a spot around the Elizabeth Islands. The team was a family team of Sundquists and I'm not sure who made that call, but they just might be the new head of the family - and big shout out to the young lady of the family who apparently is a fan (and one of the 7 visitors) of this blog! They came in and put an end to everything with a 33.2 lber. Great fish. Great team and hope they enjoyed the sweet reels donated by Goose Hummock that sat on my parents table for three days while I stared longingly at what I knew would not be mine. Those reels were legit.
So it ended with Team Reelaxin (non-charter) taking the prize, and Team Buffalo/Gracie J taking second and past champions Team Powe on Ocean Effects Charter taking 3rd.
Even with the slow fishing, it was a great weekend and huge thanks to all our sponsors, Cape Cod Five, On the Water, The Hot Stove, and everyone else who helped out including Sunrise Bait & Tackle, Hakafish, Yeti Coolers and Sportfishing Magazine. Also a big shout out to ESP Tees who made the t-shirts again this year, Jean Burke and Karen from ESP designed what I think are the best shirts yet.
We also had first time sponsor - Fishinghire.com - an awesome new site for fishing charters and information. They knew the way to the Headhunters hearts with free t-shirts and coozies and excited to watch this baby grow - definitely check them out.
For Team Jackal, we had a rough start with our captain chumming the water early after a late night at the Hot Stove, and we had a few good high seas battles with the Burnie brothers - including Ben casting a lead jig from about 200 yards within about a foot of their boat - which would have ended things badly for Ben. Love the Burnies though - tourney wouldn't be the same without those meatsticks. The only other highlight of the tourney for Team Jackal was Ben eating - and chewing - two sand eels from our bait bag. No bet and really no reason. But it's all we had. Laughs. Memories. Sadness. Despair.
We also had first time sponsor - Fishinghire.com - an awesome new site for fishing charters and information. They knew the way to the Headhunters hearts with free t-shirts and coozies and excited to watch this baby grow - definitely check them out.
For Team Jackal, we had a rough start with our captain chumming the water early after a late night at the Hot Stove, and we had a few good high seas battles with the Burnie brothers - including Ben casting a lead jig from about 200 yards within about a foot of their boat - which would have ended things badly for Ben. Love the Burnies though - tourney wouldn't be the same without those meatsticks. The only other highlight of the tourney for Team Jackal was Ben eating - and chewing - two sand eels from our bait bag. No bet and really no reason. But it's all we had. Laughs. Memories. Sadness. Despair.
But a huge thanks goes to Billy and Jean Burke for helping make this happen. It can be a pain to deal with, but we love being able to support the community and keep this a low key fun tournament. It's not about the prizes, but just about the bragging rights, trash talking, and good time we all have. One of these years we will win it and hit me up if anyone needs another t-shirt - we have plenty. Last thing is we have a few extra bucks this year and will be donating this to a local cause. We don't make any money off this - and never have - so we will be donating to a local charity.
Thanks again to everyone. Now it's tuna time.
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Thanks again to everyone. Now it's tuna time.
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Save the comments - I know I didn't catch that.
Last years champ - Team Whiskey Tango
2nd place finishers Team Buffalo with Captain John.
Three goofballs who love their Headhunt shirts more than anything. Except maybe Chewbacca. Or ice cream. Or ninja turtles.
Team Jackal all-stars Ben and Ethan (one of the few shots of him not sitting on a bucket) with tourney vets Team Charlotte E. in the foreground.