The win caught the three teammates off-guard as they came into the dock ready to chalk up the day as a win just on the shear fact that no one got seasick. After being told of their victory, the crew of the Medusa celebrated their unexpected victory.
The win caught the three teammates off-guard as they came into the dock ready to chalk up the day as a win just on the shear fact that no one got seasick. After being told of their victory, the crew of the Medusa celebrated their unexpected victory.
“We are shocked,” Ching said. “We didn’t really keep track, and thought we were in the money, but we were not expecting this and it is awesome.”
The tournament started in a highly unusual fashion for the trio because of the new boat.
“We were at the front of the line on the start which is not normal for us because we usually hang back and wait for the high seas to flatten out,” Ching said. “That was very exciting to start our day full speed ahead.”
While out at sea, Barbas had the first crack at bringing in the first marlin, and her nervousness was apparent.
“We got our first strike and I got into the seat but I could not stop shaking and basically forgot everything I was told to do,” Barbas said. “The fish was going crazy, jumping and flopping all over the place for minutes and it was pretty much the most amazing thing I have ever seen.”
Barbas managed to settle her nerves despite having doubts that she could reel in the estimated 175-pound marlin. However she kept cranking the line and 25-30 minutes later managed reel the fish in.
“It was calm and came up the the boat and turned sideways and just looked at us,” Barbas said. “We snapped our photos, unhooked it and let it go.”
After the first catch of the day, the adrenaline was going for the crew, but they still needed at least one more catch to have a chance for the win. Ching was next up for the chair and she would bring in the crew’s second marlin of the tourney. Surprisingly, it was also the first fish she had ever caught.
“It wasn’t a big fish but it was a strong fish,” Ching said. “I had good coaching on how to bring it in and a good crew. The whole thing went smoothly and it only took 10 minutes.”
While the win was nice for the three women, the tournament is really just about being together as a family and having a good time.
“This is something we look forward too,” Judd said. “We like to talk about what we are going to bring to drink and eat, and if we catch a fish, that’s fine.”
Judd added that it was a little sad that they were not able to compete in the family boat.
“It has been traditional, but this year we decided not to fight it. We paid a little more, but look how it paid off. I have a hunch we might do this again.”