The first white marlin of the 2015 Ocean City season was caught Sunday, May 24, aboard the Got-R-Done, owned and skippered by Harford County resident Richard Schafer.
Dale Downey, of Parkton, caught the 55-pound fish in 300 fathoms of 69-degree water at the tip of the Baltimore Canyon, according to Schafer.
Schafer, who lives near Havre de Grace and owns a utilities construction company, said the marlin hit a skirted ballyhoo on a short line. The skirt was a small blue and white islander on a chin weight.
The Ocean City Marlin Club said the marlin is the earliest ever caught in the Ocean City season. The fish, which was released, will be worth prizes of $5,000 from the club and $5,000 from the Town of Ocean City that will be presented during the Ocean City Marlin Club's seasonal awards ceremony in October.
Also on the Got-R-Done were Downey's wife, Leanne, and Harford County Del. Rick Impallaria and John Vandyke, of Cecil County, who are friends of Schafer.