Md. fishing tournament founder on hook after tie-breaker rule

By The Associated Press
August 13, 2018 | 5:45 PM

OCEAN CITY, Md. (AP) — A ruling to determine the winner in a Maryland fishing tournament has cast the event president in a tough spot.

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk, Virginia, reports two white marlins caught at the White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Maryland, last weekend each weighed 83 pounds. But a ruling which awards the title to the fish that isn’t gaffed, or on a hook, meant the difference between $2.6 million for the winner and $130,000 for the runner-up.

Tournament founder and president Jim Matsko said when a lot of money is involved, people get upset.

Boat captain Jake Hiles of Virginia Beach, Virginia, who lost to a boat from Morehead City, North Carolina, called the rule “archaic.” Hiles also suggested using digital scales, but Matsko said a breeze could affect the scales.

Bat and skunk test positive for rabies in Charles Co., following 2 rabid beaver attacks

By Valerie Bonk
August 22, 2026 | 2:33 PM

Two animals in Charles County, Maryland, have tested positive for rabies, according to the county's health department. A bat and a skunk were both found to have the disease and the health department is warning area residents to keep an eye out and avoid contact with unknown animals and wildlife. The bat was discovered in Waldorf and the skunk was found in Port Tobacco. Both animals tested positive for rabies on Friday. This comes after three attacks within a month by beavers at Maryland state parks. Two beavers that bit people at Cunningham Falls State Park tested positive for rabies. A beaver that attacked a 10-year-old girl at Seneca Creek State Park was not found but was presumed rabid.

Related Stories