OCEAN CITY -- The third day of the White Marlin Open brought the first blue marlin to the tournament scales at Harbor Island Marina and with it a big swing in potential winnings.

Buddy Dougherty's catch of a 354-pound blue marlin means the marlin purse will be split into blue and white marlin categories. Dougherty's catch will be worth $310,000 if if holds up through the end of competition tomorrow.

Before the Alexandria, Va., angler made his catch aboard the Outer Limits, Roger Viens of Crownsville stood to win more than $745,000.

Viens' catch of 79 1/2 -pound white marlin Tuesday still is in first place but now will be worth about $480,000 if it holds up through the week.

Second and third places remain unchanged after yesterday's fishing. David Care and Brandon Trevillian of Severna Park, fishing aboard Careless, weighed in a 78-pound white marlin Tuesday for second place, and Tony Battista on The Trashman holds third with a 73-pound white.

Weigh-ins are held from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Harbor Island. Admission is free and the public is welcome.

Pub Date: 8/06/98