92 Pound Yellowfin Takes the Lead on Day 2 of the HUK Big Fish Classic

By Scott Lenox

Posted on July 25th, 2026

Just got back from another busy day of scales action for Day 2 of the HUK Big Fish Classic where all three top spots changed and no one that was in the top three is there any longer. We saw several bluefin tuna again today, but a big yellowfin stole the show and currently sits in 1st Place in the Big Fish category. Here’s who’s leading after two days of fishing.

1st Place Big Fish Reel Estate 92 Lb Yellowfin

2nd Place Big Fish Husevo 84.5 Lb Bluefin

3rd Place Big Fish Turn Me Loose 75.5 Lb Bluefin

Away from the tournament, the crew of Spring Mix II with Captain Chris Watkowski and mate Ben Harding had a great day with three bluefin tuna and a lineup of mahi.

The Ocean Princess has been seeing some really good flounder fishing lately with some fish in the five to six pound range for some. This 5.5 pound, 24 inch fish landed in this kid’s cooler.

Captain Jason Mumford of Lucky Break Charters found three keeper flounder for his anglers on this morning’s trip.

Captain Dave Caffrey of On the Run Charters put his crew on some nice triggerfish and keeper flounder on today’s trip.

Captain Will Poole of Local Hooker Fishing Charters had a nice day with flounder and keeper sea bass for his anglers.

Anglers fishing aboard the Angler with Captain Chris Mizurak had a good day with the flounder putting several keepers in the boat with some limits around the rail.

Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star saw sea bass, flounder and mahi on today’s trip to the rip

Not exactly a vacationer’s dream, rain and cool temps this morning didn’t seem the best. But for fishing? Forecast NE wind was not to be found. At first south and very light; then W, then NNW at about 10 knots. Rain persisted til 8:30 AM or so, if lightly.

Jackson, Jackson & Colt (future law firm?) sent today’s reef unit to the sea bed to join many others. It is my hope partyboats will one day be able to target the Bass Grounds for sea bass again. Seems a long way off, but it’ll happen just three years after management accounts for spawning behavior. Making sea bass fishing better than anyone can remember is 100% doable. There’s a reason why they remain a viable fishery for us where there’s commercial pressure (with their 11 inch size limit) & scarcely at all fishable where only recreational pressure exists. (*see note below)

First drop today saw some doubles of sea bass, a few keepers; couple short fluke – keeper flounder would come though. And soon. Shawn boxed his limit at 11:02. Grade of sea bass bettered rapidly as well with Bob in double digits at 11:35 and Riley winning the pool.

Some nice fishing on a not necessarily nice morning.

Come closer to noon the breeze switched NE & clouds gave way to sun. Fish kept biting for a while. By 1pm, however, there was barely enough action to keep folks fishing..

Worked though.

Good day.

Cheers,

Monty