A high school math teacher in Maryland reeled in a marlin worth $1.5 million as he became the first repeat winner of the world’s largest billfish tournament at last week’s 46th White Marlin Open.
Tommy Hinkle and the crew aboard Fish Whistle landed the tournament-winner on the fourth day of the five-day event, despite having considered picking a different day for their third and final day on the water because of the potential for rough currents and weather Thursday.
But Aug. 8 ended up being the day for Hinkle as his 79.5-pound white marlin weighed in as the heaviest of the tournament. His official prize of $1,504,720 came from a world-record purse of $6,186,870 at the tournament. Hinkle also won the tournament in 2008 with an 81-pound catch.
