Catalina White Seabass Jackpot returns to Two Harbors

Team Ava Marie’s 48.8-pound white seabass took home top prize at the 2013 Catalina White Seabass Jackpot. Courtesy photo

Hard core anglers from all over Southern California are eagerly awaiting the return of the Catalina White Seabass Jackpot, which will take place Saturday and Sunday, June 9-10 in Two Harbors after a four-year hiatus.

Catalina Island Company officials, which is donating the use of its Two Harbors facilities, are excited to bring back this popular fishing tournament.

“We couldn’t pull this off without the Island Company,” said Chuck Buhagiar, director of Sales & Marketing for tournament organizer Western Outdoors Publications, Inc. “They’ve been great.”

Held annually from 2002 to 2014, the Catalina White Seabass Jackpot returns for 2018 with a guaranteed minimum prize pool of $10,000.

At past events, prize money was based on the amount of entry fees collected. Depending on the number of entries this year, prize money could top the $10,000 guarantee.

A tournament record 102 teams competed for more than $50,000 at the 2008 Jackpot, with one team netting $10,640 for landing a record-breaking 51.4-pound white seabass.

Teams of two, three and four anglers will cast their lines for a minimum top prize of $5,000, which goes to the largest white seabass, yellowtail or halibut caught within two miles of Catalina Island.

The second largest fish wins $3,000, with $2,000 going to third place.

Teams electing to participate in optional $100, $200 and $300 side bets could potentially win a lot more if they land a top-three fish.

Aside from the cash, more than $15,000 in raffle prizes is up for grabs, including $2,280 worth of Catalina Island getaway packages donated by the Catalina Island Company.

Other prizes include two Yamaha generators, a $1,400 Maxxon inflatable dinghy, and thousands in fishing gear and marine services.

Team check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 9, with a blast start scheduled for 11:30 a.m.

The official weigh in, awards ceremony and raffle will take place Sunday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Harbor Sands on the shore of Isthmus Cove in Two Harbors.

All times are approximate. For more information or to sign up for the two-day event, visit wonews.com.

To accommodate last minute entries, on-site registration will also be available during check in on the morning of June 9.