Big win at Hatteras Village Offshore Open

Published 3:00 pm Thursday, May 22, 2025

: At the Hatteras Village Offshore Open, captain, owner and crew of Weldor’s Ark have a check totaling $186,001.25, the largest payout in tournament history. The 2025 purse totaled $400,775. Weldor’s Ark brought to the docks the largest blue marlin of the tournament. The blue marlin weighed 584 pounds. With the check are Dale Britt, captain; Coby Smiles, mate; Paige Roberts, John Roberts, boat owner; and Chris Smiles. On board the vessel Weldor’s Ark but not pictured were Jeremy Dickinson and Tucker Dickinson. Weldor’s Ark docks in Morehead City. Mary Helen Goodloe-Murphy photo

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At the 32nd Annual Hatteras Village Offshore Open, participants saw the largest payout in the fishing tournament’s history.

Weldor’s Ark owner John Roberts was beaming Saturday night, May 17 as he held an $186,001.75 check for bringing to the dock weigh station the largest blue marlin of contest, 584 pounds. Dale Britt captained the vessel, which docks in Morehead City.

Claiming the tournament win was Redemption, which docks in Selma, N.C. The prize was $43,350.

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This year, 54 boats entered the offshore open. Some 12 vessels left with prize money:

Weldor’s Ark: $186,001.25. 1st – Levels IV, VII. Level V (Dolphin Day 2). 2nd – Level III (Dolphin)

Redemption: $43,350. 1st – Level I. Level VI (Day 3)

BOBOJO: $40,205. 2nd – Level I. 1st – Level II

Goombay: $28,623.75. 1st – Level III (Wahoo). Level V (Wahoo Day 3)

Re-Leased: $25,500. 3rd – Level I. 2nd – Level II

G Baby: $18,211.25. 1st – Level III (Dolphin). Level V (Dolphin Day 3)

Barbara B: $16,745. 3rd – Level II. Level VI (Day 1)

Sensation: 10,412.50. Level V (Dolphin Day 4)

Secotan: $8,925. Level VI (Day 4)

Play It By Ear: $8,925. Level VI (Day 2)

Custom: $8,670. 2nd – Level III (Wahoo)

Carterican: $5,206.25. Level V (Wahoo Day 2)

The Hatteras Village Offshore Open, the opening event of the N.C. Billfish Series, is now in its third decade. Proceeds from the tournament support the Hatteras Village Civic Association in its mission to continue providing scholarships to college bound village residents as well as supporting charitable causes within the community.

The 2025 sponsors are:

Blue Marlin: Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, Atlantic Packaging

White Marlin: Flying Fish Ink, Jernigan Oil and Propane, Midgett Realty, Albemarle, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Safe Harbor Outer Banks, Spencer Yachts, Gregory Poole Marine, Top Dog Services, Fathom Offshore

Sailfish: Western Branch Diesel, TowneBank, Paxton Company, Bayliss Boatworks, Blackwater Electric, Oceans East, Chilly Water

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