Bob Herder Light-Tackle Award – Pete Boinis

Pete Boinis came to Ocean City, Maryland, in 1963 to catch white marlin. Many consider Boinis the person that helped to put Ocean City, Maryland “on the map” of billfish destinations, especially for targeting white marlin on light tackle.

He realized the tourism potential there, and purchased a small motel, restaurant and marina called Ship’s Café, now called Harbour Island, that later became the gathering spot for White Marlin Open anglers and spectators. Boinis is arguably credited for establishing the renowned White Marlin Open.

Boinis is also an avid light tackle angler and even at age 88, he still competes in angling tournaments around the world. In fact, during his lifetime Boinis has placed in over 100 fishing  tournaments. Perhaps his greatest light tackle angling feats have occurred through his long-term participation in the prestigious Masters Angling Tournament – one of the premier light tackle tournaments in the world – where he has logged over 250 billfish releases, with nearly 100 fish more than any other participant in the tournament.

Boinis has fished top big game destinations in the world during his angling career, traveling from Central America, throughout the Caribbean, and all the way to Australia. He has also fished alongside notable light tackle greats such as IGFA Fishing Hall of Famer Stewart Campbell. In addition to his tournament victories, Boinis is credited for catching 59 white marlin off Venezuela in 1983, and for releasing seven blue marlin in one day off Puerto Rico.