Despite a relatively slow fishing day, the 8th annual Brett T. Bailey Mako Rodeo proved to be a success once again. The tournament raised over $20,000 for State of New Jersey National Guard and Reservists serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and provided a nice chunk ‘o change in the winner-take-all purse. ‘Benchmark’ landed a 360 pound Thresher shark, taking home $17,275.

No eligible Mako sharks were caught by the fleet of 41 boats participating. Although several smaller fish were released and it is estimated that over 350 blue sharks were also caught and released. As per the tournament rules, if no eligible Makos qualify, all the tournament prize money is awarded to the largest thresher.

Other notable catches included a 260lb thresher caught by the ‘Kingfisher’ and a 185lb thresher weighed by the ‘American Mustang.’ Until BTBMR09, please visit www.btbmakorodeo.com for more info on the tournament and the Brett T. Bailey Foundation.

The Brett T. Bailey Mako Rodeo logo

This Saturday commemorates the 8th annual Brett T. Bailey Mako Rodeo charity shark fishing tournament in Brielle. For me, it’s a weekend of revelry, remembrances and immense pride spent with dear friends and supporters of a great cause. That is keeping the memory and spirit of Brett, our brother and best bud, broker in a wet suit (and so much more) alive.

After we lost Brett on 9/11, my friend Art Dellasalla and Brett’s family established the tournament and charity foundation in Brett’s name. Ever since, they have not wavered in their determination to establish the “BTB Mako Rodeo” not only as the cornerstone of an impactful foundation, but also as a permanent fixture in the slate of real deal, big game Jersey Shore fishing tournaments.

Reason being, it would have been Brett’s wish to “go big or go home,” and every year they’ve delivered on both levels. The foundation has raised thousands of dollars to support various charity organizations, primarily benefiting the families of our volunteer New Jersey National Guard, and in 2007 the Foundation received the Governor’s Award from Gov. Jon Corzine.

And the tournament has become known for putting big fish on the scales. In 2008, a 402lb Mako weighed in at the Brielle Yacht Club by the crew of the ‘Matador’. Other notable catches included a 301 pound Mako by the crew of the ‘Insufficient Funds I’, a 226 pound Mako boated by the crew of the ‘Katie Claire,’ a 217 pound Mako taken by the ‘Mary Lou Crew,’ and a 211 pounder caught by the ‘Kingfisher.’

The tournament will begin on Friday evening of 6/12 with the Captain’s meeting at 6:00 PM at The Union Landing and Brielle Yacht Club. A full day of Mako fishing takes place on Saturday 6/13 with final results concluding 7pm Saturday. Final weigh in is at 7:00 PM at The Brielle Yacht Club.

Fishing is followed, by an evening of fun, food and beverage, silent auctions, raffles and awards at Simko’s Bar and Grill. The dinner at Simkos starts at 7pm and all are welcome.