Vol 7, Issue 2 by Linda Fisher

VOLUME 7 NO. 2

CONSERVATION UPDATE

FEBRUARY 2007

WBS WORLD TOUR SILVER SAILFISH DERBY LOS SUEÑOS ˜ SERIES I BUCCANEER CUP CHEECA LODGE PRESIDENTIAL

PLUS Caught On Tour Industry News Angler Profiles Standings & More!

White marlin, sails, yellowfin tuna, whatever your mission, it’s always open season aboard the Viking 52. The tournament-equipped cockpit is 148 square feet of business with Viking’s exclusive mezzanine deck, featuring enough stowage to empty a tackle shop. The bridge deck boasts fish-catching visibility from its three Murray Products pedestal seats with teak ladder backs, an L-shaped lounge to port and a molded fiberglass console to starboard with a refrigerator and more stowage. Below, two plush staterooms, each with a head and shower, a posh salon and spectacular galley create a most satisfying retreat after a long day working the edge. All this, plus Viking’s unmatched 42-year reputation for excellence in design, performance and customer service. Contact your Viking dealer today for a sea trial. The fish are waiting for you. Route 9, “On the Bass River”, New Gretna ,NJ 08224 | P: 609-296-6000 | F: 609-296-3956 | www.vikingyachts.com

OPEN SEASON

Also available in a Sport Yacht edition with hard back and sides.

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S BOAT M B G N I IN R R CO TFFIISH SPOR CONTENDE C WWW

Boat Division 2007 Viking

American Custom Yachts

Contender

Cabo Yahcts

Post

Motor Division 2007 Caterpillar

MTU/Detroit Diesel

MAN

Cummins

Suzuki

This award is presented annually to the top boat and motor manufacturing companies based on performance in over 40 tournaments on the WBS World Tour. The current standings are presented above.

Table of Contents

DEPARTMENTS Publisher’s Message/Calendar Industry News Caught On The WBS World TourTM

7 8 12

TOURNAMENT TALES Silver Sailfish Derby

This prestigious event kicks off the Palm Beach sailfishing season.

Los Sueños Signature Series I

Always a great event, the 2007 rendition doesn’t disappoint.

Buccaneer Cup

Live bait versus dead bait--anglers shoot it out for the Buc Cup.

Cheeca Presidential Sailfish Challenge

Cheeca Lodge offers a perfect wintertime getaway plus great fishing.

PROFILES WBS Anglers

Bill Pino, Art Frigo Jr., Kitty McGowen

INSIDE THE WBS 2007 Standings 2007 Tournament Schedule

53 55

FRONT COVER: Los Sueños Resort and Marina, home of the Signature Series and some of the world’s hottest billfishing in Costa Rica. Photo by Anthony Mendillo

29 15

Billfishing ◆ February 2007

Publisher’s Message

FROM THE WBS

Another exciting year of competition on the WBS World Tour is now underway and we have several new developments in the works for our members. The 2007 Official Guide to Billfishing was released to rave reviews at the recent Miami International Boat Show. This annual publication features the Leaders Showcases from the top executives in the marine industry plus some great travel features on some of sportfishing’s hottest destinations and a complete recap of this year’s Grand Championships so be sure to order your edition today by calling our offices at 727-319-3449. We’re also in the process of adding a few select tournaments to the WBS World Tour—we’ll announce those events and dates in an upcoming issue of BILLFISHING as well as on our website at www.worldbillfishseries.com as soon as those arrangements are finalized so you’ll have plenty of time to plan your fishing season. As always, the Top Anglers and the top ten from each geographic division will receive invitations to compete in this year’s WBS Grand Championships. Finally, we’re moving forward with our new television project in conjunction with Barrett Productions and the Versus Television Network so stay tuned for some exciting developments on that front in the near future. It’s shaping up to be a great year on the World Tour—I hope to see you on the docks soon. —Jim Simons President and CEO, World Billfish Series

Upcoming Events

March 15 - 18 Los Sueños Signature Series #2 March 17 - 19 Broken Bay Invitational

March 29 - April 1 Yamaha Contender Miami Tourn. April 16 - 19 Bahamas White Marlin Open April 20-23 Presidential Challenge, Costa Rica April 22 - 27 BBC Marsh Harbour Championship May 2 - 5 Marine Max/Hatteras Billfish Invt’l. Order the WBS Tournament Calendar at www.FishWBS.com.

May 6 - 11 BBC Harbour Island Championship

The Official Monthly Publication of the WBS Volume 7 No. 2, February 2007

Published monthly by SportsUSA Group, Inc. Seminole Office Center 7985 113th Street N, Suite #330 Seminole, Florida 33772 phone: (727) 319-3449 • fax: (727) 319-8279 email: info@worldbillfishseries.com

Publisher

James R. Simons

Editor-in-Chief Sam White

Art Director

Linda Fisher Morgan

Director of Administration Jana E. Simons

BILLFISHING® Contributors Bailey Bobbitt David A. Brown Jacqueline Caspari Peter Caspari Laurie Ciecierski Bart K. Davis Brenda Fletcher Rick Gaffney Greg Gawlikoski Scott Kerrigan Marty Locke

Heather Maxwell Kitty McGowan Jeff Merrill Jim Niemiec Bruce Paul John E. Phillips Walt Rhodes Capt. Jim Sharpe Tom Twyford Capt. Joan Vernon Eric West

WBS OPERATIONS: President & CEO

James R. Simons

World Tour Coordinator Anthony Mendillo

Membership Director Kathryn Chapetto

Special Thanks to:

All the companies, associations and individuals who give back to the sport of billfishing so that future generations can enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes.

Industry News

2007 OFFICIAL GUIDE TO BILLFISHING UNVEILED

he 2007 Official Guide to Billfishing, the annual publication of the World Billfish Series, was recently released during the Miami International Boat Show and is now available to the general public. The Official Guide to Billfishing features the Leaders Showcase, where the marine industry’s top executives offer their opinions on everything from the direction of their companies to their stand on conservation and the status of the sport of billfishing in general. Also included in this year’s publication are informative travel features on some of sportfishing’s hottest destinations and a complete recap of the WBS Grand Championships trilogy of tournaments from Guatemala and Costa Rica. Members of the WBS Anglers Club will receive complimentary copies as an added benefit of membership. This

annual publication will also be widely distributed at selected WBS-sanctioned tournaments throughout the year, or can be ordered from the WBS by calling our International Headquarters at 727-319-3449 or via email at info@fishwbs.com. Also available is the WBS 2007 World Tour Tournament Calendar. With each event on the WBS World Tour delineated graphically throughout the year, it’s an easy way to keep track of what’s happening in the world of tournament sportfishing as well as a great way to plan your fishing season. In addition, each month features a full-color photo of some of the top sportfishing destinations in the world. For more information on how to receive your World Tour Calendar, contact WBS Headquarters at 727-319-3449 or via email at info@fishwbs.com.

COSTA DEL MAR LAUNCHES NEW STYLES

osta Del Mar, the premium polarized sunglass brand of choice for water enthusiasts, has introduced its latest line of lightweight, rimless metal frames. These additions include the Lightfoot, Flycatcher and Ghost, and all feature world-class fit and durability in the form of stylish stainless steel frames.

Flycatcher

Each of the new styles offers fully adjustable silicone nose pads to prevent slippage when out on the water, and co-injected template tips to give the wearer a lightweight, “forget they’re on” fit. The stainless hinge allows for easy adjustment so 8

Billfishing ◆ February 2007

every pair feels like they were built for the individual wearing it, and each also features an anti-reflective coating that effectively reduces bounce back glare by 99.6 percent. Ghost

“We developed our new stainless steel collection for the outdoor enthusiast who wants the lightest weight possible, combined with serious performance and the latest fashion trends,” said Chas MacDonald, president of Costa Del

Mar. “Whether you’re miles out on the water or close to shore, these new frames give the wearer the best of both worlds in terms of functionality and style.” Available now in retail outlets, the Lightfoot, Flycatcher and Ghost range in price from $199 to $229. For more information, please visit www.costadelmar.com.

Lightfoot

Industry News

IGFA AND AFTCO CONSERVATION AWARDS PRESENTED

ne of the highlights of the annual International Game Fish Association’s Auction and Banquet each year is the presentation of numerous awards for conservation, and this year’s function, held at the Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida proved no different. The AFTCO Tag/Flag Conservation Awards were presented to tournament angler winners and captains for tagging the most fish in each category. The anglers included Sam Jennings (blue marlin), Bob DeGabrielle (white marlin), Jules Boudreau (tuna), and Susan Royal (swordfish). World Billfish Series

tournament veteran Bob DeGabrielle was named the Angler of the Year. The top captains included Mike Lemon (blue marlin), Bubba Carter (white marlin), Ray Rosher (sailfish), Gary Cannell (tuna) and Burt Moss (swordfish). Carter was named Captain of the Year.

For more information on the International Game Fish Association, please visit www.igfa.org.

In addition, the IGFA presented several other awards during the gala evening event. Capt. Peter B. Wright was the recipient of the Gil Keech Heavy Tackle Award, while the Bob Herder Light Tackle Award went to Michael Levitt.

CCA UPDATE: SWORDFISH RECOVERY

s proper conservation measures succeed in rebuilding swordfish stocks in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, the Coastal Conservation Association is calling for a series of additional steps to ensure that the future of this important species is secure, and that a renewed and exciting recreational fishery is assured. The conservation group is currently calling on the National Marine Fisheries Service to maintain bycatch reduction measures achieved by closing key areas to longlining. Commercial longliners have recently pressured NMFS to open the closed areas in response to difficult economic conditions within their industry, while CCA is asking NMFS to refuse to sacrifice the gains made in these closed areas for such narrow economic interests.

domestic swordfish landings go unreported and the United States fails to meet its quota for swordfish, it is likely that ICCAT will divert that portion of the U.S. quota it perceives as unused to developing nations, resulting in fewer swordfish allocated to U.S. anglers in the future.

Additionally, CCA is asking recreational anglers for their assistance. By reporting their catches of swordfish to NMFS, an effort can be made to build a stronger case for the fair allotment in future management plans for this species. Swordfish are one of a number of pelagic species currently managed by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. If

“It has been said that it is far easier to manage a decimated fishery than a recovering one,” said Pat Murray, CCA vice president and director of conservation. “The recovery of swordfish is at a critical point. With the continued application of sensible conservation measures, we can guarantee a healthy swordfish population that can be enjoyed by anglers for generations to come.” For more information on the Coastal Conservation Association and the issues surrounding swordfish management, please visit www.joinCCA.org. Billfishing ◆ February 2007

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Enter the "Caught on the WBS World Tour" contest and win a new pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses! 2

D0 you recognize anybody in the “Caught On WBS Tour” photo gallery? 6

7 8

Billfishing ◆ February 2007

caught on tour the place to see your face 10

Win a new pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses! See page 15 for more on the “Caught On WBS Tour” Contest. 19

Billfishing ◆ February 2007

costadelmar.com

caught on tour the place to see your face 24

Congratulations to our most recent contest winners: Jeff Stingel—Asheville, NC Pat Johnson—Hollywood, FL Rick Peeples—Islamorada, FL

“Caught On WBS Tour” Contest

The WBS Anglers Club member who correctly identifies the most people on pages 12, 13 and 15 by March 15, 2007 will win a pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses. Send your entries—including photo number, names of individuals in photo, tournament name, and magazine issue— to sam@worldbillfishseries.com, fax to 727-319-8279 or mail to 7985 113th St. N, Suite 330, Seminole, FL 33772. Please include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address. Fax, e-mail or mail entries only. Entries will be judged on individual identification first, tournament identification second. Any ties will be decided by time and date of entry. Billfishing ◆ February 2007

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Silver Sailfish Derby

By Anthony Mendillo

f you were to look up the word “prestige” in the dictionary, you will find that it means “having a high reputation; honored; esteemed.” When it comes to billfish tournaments, few can possibly hope to measure up to those standards. Adding your name to the list of past Silver Sailfish Derby winners insures a place in billfishing history. The Derby started back in 1935 by one of the most famous fishing clubs in the United States, the West Palm Beach Fishing Club. This historic club is based out of a building that every avid angler should visit at least once in their lifetime. Amongst the towering buildings and condominiums of downtown West Palm lays the tiny 1940s-era building that is loaded with hundreds of fish mounts hanging

Billfishing ◆ February 2007

Photos by Leonard Bryant Photography

from its walls and ceilings.

This year’s rendition, the 70th Annual Silver Sailfish Derby, started the 2007 billfish season off with a bang with the captain’s meeting on January 3rd. The captains and anglers enjoyed a spectacuThe captain’s meeting takes place in one of the most historic building lar spread of hors Fishing Club. Decades of memorabilia line the walls and hang from d'oeuvres and beverages while tournament director and The crowd was on edge wondering if the WPBFC executive director Tom Twyford fishing could possibly improve over last went over the rules of the event. year’s record-breaking event. In 2006, the

Silver Sailfish Derby

The Derby showcases a difference of styles among competitors--some prefer the speed and fishability of a center console while others enjoy the comfort of a larger convertible boat. This year a center console topped the fleet.

50 tournament boats recorded an unheard of 958 sailfish releases in just three days, an impressive feat that is believed to be a world record for the most Atlantic sailfish releases during three consecutive days of tournament fishing. Another footnote to that amazing 2006 event was that every sail was released using a non-offset circle hook, a tradition started by the Club and the tournament long before it became fashionable or mandated. But this time around, the fish would not be so aggressive. Weather now played a larger role in the outcome. The winds now came from the south as a warm front began to push back over the state. A weakened Gulf Stream caused less favorable currents than typically desired. Even with less than ideal conditions forecasted, the 54 teams were ready to fish.

gs in sportfishing, the Palm Beach the rafters throughout the Club.

As the sun rose to mark the first day of competition, 54 boats rushed out of Boynton, Palm Beach, and Jupiter inlets all in search of Atlantic sailfish. At 8:07, just seven minutes after lines-in, Joe Kelly onboard the Billfisher, a 65-foot Ricky Scarborough, caught and released the first sailfish of the tournament. Sixty-seven sailfish were caught and released on Day One, seven of which were caught by Joe Kelly and his teammates aboard the Billfisher. Three other boats, Goin’ Raptor, Reel Lucky Too and Outrage were tied for second with four releases, staying within striking distance of the leader. The first day ended with some gossip on the radio. “When the boats returned to Sailfish Marina at dusk after Day One,” Twyford explained, “a rumor of a hot bite down south had the captains making plans to make long runs the next day.” But it wouldn’t be that easy. The next morning, with a strong southeast wind and six- to eight-foot seas, most teams did not want to battle Mother Nature for two hours and make the over 60 mile run down south. Billfishing ◆ February 2007

Silver Sailfish Derby

Captain Neil Orange on the Sandman, a 61-foot Viking, decided to take the gamble and run south and battle the tough conditions to a spot near Triumph Reef just south of Miami. Even though they had wasted precious fishing time making the long run, the decision paid off. Team Sandman leaped up the leader board by catching eight sailfish putting them in first after Day Two. For Team Chips Ahoy, a 33 Contender, the trip also paid of for them as they successfully released four sailfish keeping them in the hunt. As for the rest of the fleet up north, the bite never got going.

Viking horns for the victors a new trend? At any rate, the Reel Lucky Too emerged victorious during this year’s Derby.

Day Three turned out to be much of the same. Capt. Orange and Team Sandman decided to test their luck again by making the trip down south once more. This time the southern wind and dead currents affected the whole state and all but eliminated the bite anywhere. Only three boats managed to catch multiple fish. Captain Tore Turney onboard Reel Lucky Too proved the boats namesake to be true by being one of those lucky three. At 12:10 pm, they released their last of six sailfish for the day putting them in contention. By the lines-out call on Day Three, the Reel Lucky Too and Sandman were tied at 1100 points, but because Reel Lucky Too caught their last fish 77 minutes before Sandman, they were named the winners of the 70th Silver Sailfish Derby. Captain John Duffie of Team Billfisher led his team to a third place finish. At the awards ceremony, the captains and anglers were dressed in their Sunday best ready for a feast. Reel Lucky Too angler Art Frigo Jr. grabbed the Top Angler award with a total of seven sailfish releases earning him the Rea Trophy and an invitation to compete in the 2007 WBS World Championships in beautiful Los Sueños, Costa Rica in December. “It was an amazing event with an amazing finish,” Frigo Jr. said after receiving his awards. “We landed a triple, a double, and a single to come all the way back and win.”

The Sandman team just missed first place based on time of release, placing second by the narrowest of margins.

Past WBS World Champion Mark Wodlinger of Singer Island, Florida, and his team aboard Catch One took home the top tag and release prize for his efforts in helping scientists study these incredible fish. In December, Wodlinger finished second to Raleigh native Karl Knudsen in the 2006 World Championship of Billfishing in Costa Rica, falling just three fish shy of the title. While the fish totals were not record breakers like in 2006, the Derby’s 148 fish still made it a successful tournament in the South Florida arena. The slow bite leveled the playing field and allowed over a dozen boats to still be in contention with two hours remaining.

Art Frigo Jr. was the recipient of the Rea Trophy as well as the Top WBS Angler award for the tournament.

Art Frigo Jr. and Reel Lucky Too will now have their names up on the walls next to those who have won this tournament the past 70 years. While everyone dreams about next year’s Derby, there is one thing that even a slow bite can’t prevent—winning Palm Beach’s prestigious Silver Sailfish Derby will secure your place in billfishing lore. Anglers are cordially invited to attend next year’s event for their shot at the history books. Billfishing ◆ February 2007

Los Sueños Signature Series I

Ready,

Set,

Fish! By Anthony Mendillo Photos By Peter Caspari

Billfishing ◆ February 2007

Los Sueños Signature Series I

t 6:25 a.m. on January 18, 54 boats and teams left their slips and went around the breakwater to begin the short wait for the clock to strike 6:30. Some teams had visions of winning big money while others had thoughts of battling one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful ocean species. But no matter what was on their mind, in the few seconds leading up to the adrenaline-pumping Bimini start, they were all ready to fish.

The location of this event would be none other than the world-famous Los Sueños Resort and Marina on the west coast of Costa Rica. Each year the resort is home to one of the most competitive tournament series in the world. The two-part Los Sueños Signature Series kicks off as Costa Rica weather transitions out of the rainy season. This new season also coincides with a better billfish bite thanks to cleaner water and more plentiful baitfish species. Before the start of the tournament, the fishing reports suggested that the sailfish bite was a bit lethargic, unlike last year’s event where 1,230 sailfish were caught in three days. It was believed that this year’s tournament would be decided by a different species of billfish. Most boats quickly changed their tackle and rigged their baits—this time for marlin.

for the event,” she explained. “The best sailfish bite usually takes a few weeks to get going after the wet season ends. We were all glad to hear that the bite was now here.” One boat that benefited the most from the unexpectedly good sailfish bite was the Stephanie Lee, a 63-foot American Custom Yacht. Onboard, Capt. Tony Carrizosa was able to lead his team comprised of anglers David Trombley, Jeff Stafford, John LaGrone and Mitchell Pierson to a first day total of 1800 points, including 13 sailfish and one marlin. Teams Dealer’s Choice, High Hook, El Jefe Grande and Adios all tried to keep pace with the leader, but at the end of first day of fishing Stephanie Lee was on top with a 400 point lead over second-place Dealer’s Choice. Day Two saw the fleet spread out a bit further. Most boats flirted with the 50-mile limit that was set forth by the tournament rules committee to insure radio contact. Team Desperado, a 60-foot Bertram captained by Jeff Schatman, was one of the boats that profited from the long run. Onboard, anglers Bob Del Vecchio, Peter O’Leary,

Just over 40 miles west-northwest of Los Sueños is a Costa Rican hotspot famous for its marlin bite. The location is a few miles offshore of Cabo Blanco (White Rock in Spanish). This spot will provide the waypoint destination for most of the tournament boats. The break of dawn on Day One saw the fleet floating in Herradura Bay, patiently waiting for the start. At exactly 6:30 a.m., all 54 boats simultaneously punched the throttles and roared out of the bay in search of tournament glory. Almost two-thirds of the fleet decided to test the marlin infested waters off Cabo Blanco. Fishing just a few miles offshore, it would be the number of sailfish releases that caught the attention of the fleet. Back in Radio Control, tournament director Ashley Bretecher wasn’t shocked to hear the numbers of sailfish being released. “The tournament committee weighed a lot of factors and put a lot of effort into choosing the dates Billfishing ◆ February 2007

Los Sueños Signature Series I

Ty Visscher and Ron Schatman released two marlin and one sailfish for a total of 1100 points on the day. High Hook, a 45-foot Cabo captained by Carlos Arguedas, finished the day in third with 1000 points after anglers Larry Allison, Einer Tenorio, Carlos Cambronero and Elmer Narvaez released five sailfish and one marlin. But it would be the Stephanie Lee that would steal the spotlight again. After a scare in the morning when the boat started puffing black smoke shortly after the shotgun start, the team quickly fixed the problem and picked up right where they left off by releasing three sailfish and two marlin earning them 1300 more points. Day Three saw more action and more boats fighting to catch the Stephanie Lee. El Jefe Grande, a 62-foot Viking captained by Victor Lopez, made a strong charge when anglers Daniel Arrieta, DeCarol Williamson, Sean Patrick and Miguel Villaga caught and released six sailfish and two marlin for a total of 1600 points.

David Badilla accepts his Top Angler award from tournament emcee Chris Fischer during the presentation ceremony.

“The tournament has grown so much in just a few years,” Bretecher said. “The amount of interest our tournaments generate around the world is incredible. More and more teams are registering each week while the number of sponsors has doubled.” Year-in and year-out the Los Sueños Signature Series Billfish tournaments prove why Costa Rica is one of the most sought-after billfish destinations in the world. To register or find out more about the Los Sueños billfish tournaments, contact Ashley Bretecher at (011)-506-637-8886 or by email at abretecher@lossuenosresort.com.

With 4600 points amassed over the course of the three-day tournament, the Stephanie Lee walked away with the lion’s share of the prize.

The High Hook followed up their stellar Day Two performance with another 1300 points, including three sailfish and two marlin. But the damage had already been done. Stephanie Lee had amassed 1500 more points on Day Three giving them a total of 4600 points, some 1600 points ahead of High Hook and 2100 points ahead of El Jefe Grande. At the awards dinner later that evening, Los Sueños President and CEO William Royster presented the winning teams with checks for their share of the tournament’s $140,250 cash jackpot. Team Stephanie Lee received a first place check for $70,125. David Badilla onboard the Adios received the Top Angler award for releasing a total of 16 billfish in the three-day event. With the award, David earned an invitation to fish the 2007 WBS World Tour Championships in his home waters of Los Sueños, Costa Rica this December.

The High Hook nailed down second place in the tournament.

Billfishing ◆ February 2007

H o t e l M a r i n a E l C i d • w w w. e l c i d . c o m • ( 6 6 9 ) 9 1 6 - 3 4 6 8

Are you a member? A one-year WBS Anglers Club membership includes: ▲

Twelve issues of Billfishing® Magazine, the official publication of the World Billfish Series.

▲

The right to compete for points in 60 tournaments on the WBS World Tour in eight geographic divisions worldwide.

▲

Qualifying anglers receive an invitation to the WBS Grand Championships and the opportunity to be crowned the World Champion of Billfishing.

▲

Discounts on boat insurance, financing and much more.

“Support Tournament Billfishing Now and Forever”

WBS Anglers Club Membership Has Its Benefits

JOIN ONLINE AT WWW.FISHWBS.COM OR CALL (727) 319-3449

Billfishing ◆ February 2007

Photos by Leonard Bryant

By Jeff Merrill

A Tale of Two Seasons

Buccaneer Cup

t’s tough being a weatherman these days. Just ask those who make a living on the evening news trying to explain one of the wackiest winters on record. A mild January in the northeast found temperatures spring-like and setting records above 70 degrees in New Jersey while southern California saw the opposite of the spectrum with bone-chilling cold freezing the area’s citrus crops. Whether it’s a result of El Niño or other climatic occurrences, this winter has been just plain weird for many normally frozen parts of the country. Meanwhile, as south Florida enjoyed a warmer-than-normal winter where beaches were crowded with locals as the snowbirds stayed home, those who focus their sights on the winter sailfish tournament season were hoping for a cold snap—soon! Thanks to unseasonably warm weather along the entire eastern seaboard, many of the sailfish that frequent Florida’s famed Gold Coast in the winter were still hundreds of miles away. Reports of large

pods of spindlebeaks off St. Augustine were well documented and word had filtered down that an occasional sailfish was still being caught off North Carolina’s Outer Banks, quite a contrast from the 2006 season which saw record numbers of sailfish released during several events off Stuart and Palm Beach. Despite the conditions, crews were ready to get down to business as they gathered for the captain’s meeting for the 44th Annual Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Tournament at the venerable Sailfish Marina on Singer Island in Palm Beach Shores, Florida. For over four decades the Buccaneer Cup was the primary fund raiser for the Buccaneer Yacht Club but that all changed last summer when ownership of the tournament was turned over to the Recreational Fishing Alliance to run in perpetuity as a major fundraiser. The RFA, saltwater fishing’s political action organization, has played a key role in many issues benefiting recreational anglers and is truly a voice in fisheries

Buccaneer Cup

politics fighting to protect the rights of anglers while spearheading the battle for wise management of fisheries resources. A cocktail hour and buffet dinner preceded the captain’s meeting where tournament director Gary Caputi, who also serves as director of corporate relations for the RFA, explained the rules which included some significant changes from the previous year. Most notably was the tournament was now mandated to use non-offset circle hooks with all live or dead bait. Caputi also noted the tournament had moved from an angler event to a boat tournament and any number of anglers could participate on any vessel though only six rods could be utilized at any time. Four days of fishing would be provided for crews to select three to fish under IGFA rules. Live or dead bait could be used but at no time could a combination of both be in the water at the same time. Live bait releases would earn 100

points while dead bait caught fish would receive 200 points. Day One dawned cloudy with the wind howling from the northeast at 20-plus knots creating sporty conditions in the Gulf Stream. Rain covered much of the area by mid-morning and of the 36 boats entered only 15 gave it a go and released 39 sailfish. Local sailfish pro Capt. Joey Drosey aboard his Osprey called in the first sailfish release of the event, a dead bait release for Dave Anderson followed shortly thereafter by Matt Rabenstine’s Miss Annie with a double-header on live bait for Barry Weshnack and Mark Donahue. The day however belonged to live bait specialists Todd and Sandra Kirkpatrick aboard the Sandman as they found the pod of fish everyone was looking for releasing a total of 12 sails on live bait including a triple and a quad. Summer-like weather returned on Day Two with winds light and variable

though an eight- to ten-foot swell remained from the previous day’s blow. The warm weather initially made for tough fishing for the 22 boats that sailed with only 38 sailfish caught and while Sandman and Ditch Digger took a lay day, the trolling bite turned on somewhat and a few boats racked up impressive catches. Captain Ronnie Fields, hot off the win just a week earlier at the Jupiter Billfish Tournament, had the Streaker dialed in as his crew let go six sails on dead bait including two each by Gary Ingram, Kevin Paul and Ed Joy. Rich Stallings at the wheel of Chris Ruisi’s Kid’s Stuff also found a pod of sails and his crew also released six sailfish on dead bait including a stretch of five straight called in during a hot mid-afternoon bite. Conditions changed only moderately on Day Three though cloudy skies and a northwest breeze at 15 to 20 knots did little to improve the bite. By afternoon the sun was shining brightly and tem-

Billfishing ◆ February 2007

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Buccaneer Cup

second place finish for the event. After a slow day on Day Three, Sandman had the hot hand once again and released nine sails on live bait for a total of 23 for the week and earned Top Boat honors as well as Top Lady Angler award for Sandra Kirkpatrick.

Kid’s Stuff had ten dead bait releases during the tournament to wind up in third place overall.

peratures were again warm and only 36 sailfish were caught on the day by 35 boats. Ronnie Fields put Streaker on top of the leaderboard after his brother Jimmy and Ed Joy let go two sails on dead bait. Sandman had a tough day while live baiting and only tallied two releases for the day but that was good enough to move them into second place while a single dead bait release aboard Kid’s Stuff moved them into third place. Pat Healy’s Viking factory demo, Viking 68, made a move up the leaderboard on the day adding four sails on dead bait to the three dead bait release from the day before while Miss Annie also made a strong move with five live bait releases. The entire field fished the final day of the event and thanks to a mild cold front and northwest breeze, the bite turned on a bit and catch numbers improved dramatically over the

The Streaker finished with 11 sailfish for the week and a set of second place trophies for the team.

three previous days with 69 sails released. Palm Beach Shores native and former WBS Grand Champion Mark Wodlinger aboard his Catch One made a strong move and earned top boat honors for the day after releasing ten sails on live bait including four double headers though combined with the seven sails on live bait for his previous two days left him short of the leaders at day’s end. Kid’s Stuff found the going tough until late in the afternoon and hit the jackpot releasing and a triple on dead bait giving them ten dead bait releases for the week and a third place overall finish. A single dead bait release followed by a doubleheader on Day Four gave Streaker 11 for the week and a

The Sandman backs into her slip, victorious in this year’s Buccaneer Cup tournament.

Nearly 300 tournament participants, sponsors and friends gathered at the beautiful Sailfish Club in Palm Beach for the awards banquet which featured a butler service cocktail hour followed by a lavish buffet dinner complete with lobster, shrimp, sushi and beef and a variety of side dishes and salads. In the absence of RFA executive director Jim Donofrio, Pat Healey graciously accepted a check for $70,000 for the RFA. A silent auction was followed by a live auction and a professional auctioneer entertained guests while helping to raise funds for the RFA featured artwork, fishing trips, tackle and other boating and fishing related articles and raised an additional $15,000. Tournament dates for next year are set for January 15-19 and with a gala kickoff party, nightly dockside score check parties and spectacular awards banquet, The Buc is already circled on many participants’ calendars.

Todd and Sandra Kirkpatrick accept their awards for Top Boat and Top Lady Angler during the presentation ceremony. While normally he’s behind the wheel instead of the reel, Adam is also an accomplished angler in his own right. Billfishing ◆ February 2007 BILLFISHING ◆ OCTOBER 2006 3333

Wound up in the

Cheeca Lodge Presidential

heeca Lodge has been a Florida Keys fixture since its inception in 1946 as a simple bed-and-breakfast. Located in Islamorada, the lodge quickly became a favorite destination of sportsmen and women throughout the post-war years thanks to its location, great year-round weather and access to a variety of outdoor activities. Those features still hold true today, as the AAA Four-Diamond oceanfront resort continues to shine. With a rich West Indies influenced style, the lodge now features more than 1,200 feet of beachfront beneath the swaying coconut palms, inviting overworked visitors to slip off their shoes and dig their toes into the sand. With six tennis courts, a nine-hole par three golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, signature fishing pier and access to a variety of watersports, the choices are numerous.

Billfishing â&#x2014;&#x2020; February 2007

Keys Photos by Linda Fisher-Morgan

By Bart K. Davis

After the day is done, guests retire to one of the 199 luxurious accommodations, suites and bungalows on property, appointed with the finest in furnishings including plasma screen televisions, paddle ceiling fans, rain showers and the finest linens. Dining options include the casual Ocean Terrace Grill or the fine dining at the Atlanticâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Edge. The Curt Gowdy Lounge, named for the famous sportscaster and avid angler, is the perfect spot to take in the view with a cold cocktail in hand.

Cheeca Lodge Presidential

The resort also boasts a full-service spa with 4,200square feet of space containing various treatment rooms, a fully-equipped fitness studio and an adults-only pool area complete with cabanas and poolside butlers.

Cheeca Lodge also hosts the annual Presidential Sailfish Tournament, drawing the best anglers, captains and crews from throughout southern Florida (and many from around the world) to compete for fame and fortune in the fish-rich waters surrounding Islamorada. With its location in the upper Keys, Islamorada is perfectly situated to intercept the vast packs of Atlantic sails as they migrate just offshore, giving the fleet a short run to productive fishing grounds. While Islamorada is famous for a wide variety of angling opportunities, including flats fishing for bonefish and tarpon, backcountry trout and redfish and reef fishing for grouper and snapper, it’s the sailfish that draw offshore anglers by the hoards. As is the norm in the lower part of the Sunshine State, sails are generally targeted using live bait which is considered the key to a successful outing. Securing a good supply of hand-sized baitfish can mean the difference between a productive day in the blue water or just a really long boat ride, so the top crews go to every effort to ensure they have the best baits available. This may mean spending long nights at sea in an attempt to catch live goggle-eyes, a species that usually shuns the daylight, or heading to areas of either reef or grass flats to procure threadfin herring or pilchards, both popular sailfish prey. While it may seem like a tremendous waste of time, the effort pays off for the best in the game. Once bait has been checked off the list, it’s time to examine the setup. Long ago, anglers realized that if they could suspend a baitfish very close to the surface of the water, its frantic swimming action quickly attracted the attention of any sailfish in the vicinity. The fishing kite was born. By using a kite attached to a separate rod and reel, a series of release clips could be attached to the kite line, giving anglers the perfect way to deploy live baits and keep them close to the water’s surface. An additional benefit would be that the leader would remain vertically above the bait and out of the water, leaving nothing to betray the game to the predator until it was too late. Kite fishing with live bait is one of angling’s truest art forms, and the partici-

pants at this year’s Cheeca Lodge Presidential rank as some of the best in the game. This year’s 18th anniversary event attracted 54 boats crewed by 153 anglers. From the start, it was clear that the fishing would be good—perhaps not stellar, but good enough to reward the most consistent team over the course of the two days of competition. It would be important to have a good showing on both days, since a wrong move or bad choice of position could result in a Day One deficit that would be difficult to overcome as the event progressed.

Cheeca Lodge rolls out the red carpet each year for the anglers participating in the Presidential Sailfish Tournament.

One team that definitely made the most of their first day on the water was the 4 Aces, with anglers Iggy Quintane, Dan Leahy and Neil Orange. Following the call for lines out, they returned to Islamorada in the enviable position as high hook of the tournament. Leading an event from the start can be a mixed blessing though, as the pressure mounts on both the captain and crew to maintain their strong start. Every single missed opportunity at a sailfish could prove very costly in the hours that remained. Consistency is one of the fundamental keys in tournament fishing—it’s the ability to maintain one’s composure in the face of adversity and still come through when it counts. Few events are won by a team that puts up a big release number on Day One then blanks out the rest of the tournament. It’s the teams that can put together a string of very good, consistent days that will usually find the winner’s podium by the end of the weekend, and that’s exactly what happened here at Cheeca Lodge. Warren and Janice Sands are veterans of WBS tournament competition, having fished in events far from their home in Miami up and down the East Coast. The husband and Billfishing ◆ February 2007

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Cheeca Lodge Presidential

The 4 Aces just slipped out of first place in the last few hours of the tournament, finishing in the runners-up spot. wife team are a potent combination in any tournament, especially when assisted by Capt. John Louie Dudas on the bridge and Brett Dudas and Roy Huff in the pit of the Wound Up. They were two fish down on the 4 Aces going into the final day but the team remained focused on the task at hand, eventually pulling ahead with just a few hours remaining in the tournament. “We caught six by 11:15 in the morning and two more by the end of the day,” Dudas reported. A combination of live pilchards and goggle-eyes fished from the kites

Janice and Warren Sands and the Wound Up team landed in first place in this year’s tournament. Toomey, skippered by Ray Rosher and with anglers Peter Miller, Kelly Mayo and John Cooper, the Get Lit also finished with 10 sailfish but fell just short based on their time of release. The fleet totaled 199 sailfish released for the two day tournament. So while the much of the continental U.S. remains blanketed beneath inches of January snow, why not schedule a getaway to Islamorada and the Florida Keys next year? The Cheeca Lodge Presidential will be there for you!

Always a tough team to beat, the Get Lit nailed down third place at Cheeca Lodge. proved once again to be the key to their victory. “Our success was based on lots of teamwork, consistency and just plain hard work. For the tournament, we caught 14 sails out of 17 hook-ups.” While they may have slipped a bit on Day Two, the 4 Aces team of Orange, Quintane and Leahy remained in second place overall for a very respectable weekend of offshore action based on their 10 sailfish releases. In third was the Get Lit, a constant tournament threat. Owned by Kitt

Get Lit’s Kitt Toomey was the tournament’s Top Angler.

Billfishing ◆ February 2007

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Bill Pino Profile Tournament Awards 2006 2nd Place: WBS Mid-Atlantic Division 3rd Place Gentlemen Most Billfish Released: Ocean City Marlin Club, Maryland 1st Place Private Boat Most Tuna: Ocean City Marlin Club, Maryland 1st Place Combined Weight Tuna: MSSA Tunament 3rd Place Dolphin: OC Marlin Club Canyon Kick Off, Maryland 2005 1st Place Most Billfish Release/Boat Under 34 Feet: OC Marlin Club Canyon Kick Off 2nd Place Dolphin: Canyon Kick-Off Tournament 2nd Place Wahoo: White Marlin Open 1994 2nd Place Mako: South Jersey Shark Tournament 1st Place Mako Release: South Jersey Shark Tournament 1984 2nd Place Mako: Ocean City Sharkers Tournament Favorite Billfishing Location: “La Guaira, Venezuela—the only place I have ever seen a grand slam in the spread at the same time. Truly my favorite place to billfish.”

y first tournament was in 1984 but I have only started fishing a full schedule of tournaments in the last three years. I fished ten tournaments last year and will fish about 12 this year.” “My personal best catch would have to be an estimated grander blue marlin that I caught on May 5, 1994 in Venezuela on the Gigi boat. We chose not to kill it but it was the largest fish I have ever seen. I would say other memorable days were an estimated 700-pound blue marlin out of Brazil and personally going 14 for 17 on whites and blues in Venezuela. The most memorable day on our boat Squidnation was October 4, 2005 when we had a quadruple header bigeye tuna bite. All four fish were landed stand-up style by the guys on the boat. The sizes ranged from 135 to 168 pounds.” “The fun part about our tournament fishing is that it is mostly done on my boat, so we are responsible for everything. All the team members are able to rig, angle, drive, wire, and gaff. We usually start scouting a tournament two weeks before the tournament itself. We will fish three or four days up to the day before. We typically re-line, rig all new leaders and rig baits on registration day.”

Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “Ocean City, Maryland. There is no place to be than on your home waters fishing with family and friends. We really do have it all in Ocean City: sharks in early summer, tuna all summer, billfish late summer and fall.” Other Interests: “Fishing takes up most of my free time but I also really enjoy watching my wife and son compete in their equestrian competition.” Occupation: “I am a telecommunications and data consultant and well as the owner of Squidnation, Inc, a provider of fine fishing products for the offshore fisherman.” Favorite Fish Story: “October 4th, 2005–I had my regular group of friends and family on the boat in the Washington Canyon. We knew there was a bigeye tuna bite over the last couple of days. We had a new colored squid that we wanted to try on this day so we set the spread with the new squids and started fishing. Within 30 minutes we got wolfpacked by a group of bigeyes. After an hour of fighting time all four hit the deck and we all agreed that our R&D trip was a success. We were back at the dock at 11:00 a.m.” Billfishing ◆ February 2007

Art Frigo Profile

Tournament Awards 2007 Top Boat/Top Angler/Rea Trophy Winner: Silver Sailfish Derby, Florida 2005 1st Place: Grand Slam KDW, Florida 1st Place: Jupiter Offshore Fishing Club KDW, Florida Favorite Billfishing Location: “It’s hard to beat Hawaii for anything. But, for me two miles straight out of Jupiter Inlet will always have a special place in my heart.” Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “Boca Grande–the tarpon in the inlet are magical.” Other Interests: “Golf, skiing, old trucks and vintage toys.” Occupation: “Commercial real estate owner/operator.” Thoughts on the Future of Sportfishing: Quality offshore tournaments are just starting to come into their own. In the future, I hope to see larger tournaments with bigger and better sponsors, more money, and more press coverage. The pressure is already starting on promoters to make their tournaments really special, because they are so expensive to compete in, and today’s anglers are smart enough to know the difference.”

began fishing tournaments on a local level in an attempt to improve my local knowledge of the Jupiter/Palm Beach area in 2003. I quickly noticed that the same group of boats always seemed to win or be in the money and that peaked my interest. Since then I have fished about six tournaments a year, mostly local. I’m on pace for about the same amount this year with my big finish being the WBS Grand Championships in Los Suenos, Costa Rica towards the end of the year.” “My most memorable day would have to be winning 2007 Silver Sailfish Derby Top Boat and Top Angler/Rea Trophy. We landed a tripleheader, a doubleheader, and a single to win on time and also released the only free flopping sailfish seen in the tournament, eleven releases out of eleven bites.”

Favorite Fish Story: “This year’s Silver Sailfish Derby, I saw the only free flopper of the whole tournament. It was on the last day of fishing and the fish first jumped about 500 yards away straight behind the boat. He then jumped five or six more times, each time coming closer to my bait. The over 100 pound fish jumped one more time and then hit my bait and took off with it. The sail also had a smaller sail following him down deeper that we didn’t see. It ended up being a double header that tied us with the leader.”

“I try to eat a lot the days prior to a multiple day tournament because when you get really deep into fishing a tournament you not only lose track of time but, you don’t have a lot of time to leave the deck. During the last three-day tournament I lost 10 or 12 pounds. After one rough day in 7-10 foot seas, my calves were so sore I couldn’t walk around so I slept from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m, then I got up to go fishing!”

Art enjoys a day on the boat with a very excited junior angler off south Florida. Billfishing ◆ February 2007

ALWAYS LEAD, NEVER FOLLOW

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No-bolt bolt rod r holder Fold down brackets on rocket launcher allow more room to fight. Brake handle is placed to the side of chair, so angler or mate can easily adjust chair Rod cups are engineered to not rattle. Patented “Quick-Change nge G Gimbal Cup” lowers/raises inn sse seconds Precision machining eliminates footrest mac rattle incorporating quick-change le while w adjustments and bushings. ad No-bolt bases are as functional as they are No attractive in securingg your chairr to t the deck; easyy to clean clean, no water spots or wax marks.

The patented “Quick-Change Gimbal Cup” can be raised or lowered with ease during the fight with just a squeeze of the actuator rods, so there’s no fumbling with loose pins. Release Marine’s guaranteed craftsmanship is designed to perform better and to keep performing as time passes.

Kitty McGowan Profile

Favorite Billfishing Location: “I may be a bit biased with this choice but I would have to pick the waters off Ft. Lauderdale and southern Florida in general. In the wintertime when the cold fronts come through and the wind blows, the sailfishing can be absolutely incredible. When you combine that with the great accommodations, restaurants and nightlife of this area, it’s really an unbeatable combination. We also have some of the best tournaments in the world here, too.” Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “This one is split between Florida and the Bahamas. Even if the sails aren’t biting here there’s always bottom fishing for grouper and snapper, kingfish and dolphin on the reefs, swordfishing at night, inshore fishing for tarpon and snook, you name it. I also like the Bahamas as much for the relaxation of being in the islands as much as the fishing.” Other Interests: “Cooking and travel.” Occupation: “Director of the Ft. Lauderdale Billfish Tournament and president of NautiCom Communications, an association and event-management company.”

was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and moved to Ft.Lauderdale in 1967 at the age of four with my family. After a few years of living here, my dad decided to buy a boat and really take advantage of the south Florida lifestyle. Some of my best childhood memories are of boating and fishing in Florida and the Bahamas. I was hooked from the moment I reeled in my first fish!” “Tournament preparation is a little different from a director’s standpoint compared to a competing angler. The most challenging part is achieving a balance—we have sponsors that want the most for their promotional dollars while providing a well-organized and competitive event with maximum payout for the anglers. We also have to keep our volunteers happy and motivated as well as keeping the event fiscally strong so it can continue to grow in the future. The needs of these groups are almost always moving in different directions so keeping them all moving forward can be daunting at times.”

Thoughts on the Future of Sportfishing: “I think we’re heading in the right direction, especially with the use of circle hooks. Our anglers are releasing just about all the billfish they catch these days anyway so circle hooks only make sense in order to make sure we’re doing everything possible for a healthy release.” Favorite Fish Story: “I have lots of fish stories but I would have to say my favorite is having the opportunity to get kids involved in fishing. We created a relationship with a group of hunting and fishing Rotarians who take kids fishing throughout the year. Many of these kids have never even been on a boat, much less ever caught a fish. Having opportunities like that creates such a feeling of self-confidence in them and it’s inspiring to the rest of us to give them the chance to do something that will make a tremendous difference in their lives.”

Billfishing ◆ February 2007

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2007 WBS WORLD TOUR SPONSORS

Billfishing ◆ January 2007

he following companies proudly support the World Billfish Series and the sport of billfishing as sponsors of the 2007 WBS World Tour.

Bacardi USA 2100 Biscayne Blvd. Marketer of fine spirits, including Miami, FL 33137-5028 the world’s number one rum.

Phone: 305-573-8511 www.bacardi.com

Bertram Yacht, Inc. Builder of sportfishing boats from 39 to 67 feet.

3663 NW 21st St. Miami, FL 33142

Contact: Kari Webber Phone: 305-633-8011 www.bertram.com

Contender Builder of sportfishing boats from 21 to 36 feet.

1820 Southeast 38th Avenue Homestead, Florida 33035

Contact: Marty Bistrong Phone: 305-230-1600 www.contender.com

Costa Del Mar Manufacturer of premium performance sunglasses.

123 N. Orchard St., Building 6 Ormond Beach, FL 32174

Contact: Nicole Miller Phone: 386-677-3700 www.costadelmar.com

Davis Yachts The most beautiful ride on the ocean.

P.O. Box 702 Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215

Contact: Bob Hazard Phone: 609-965-2300 www.buddydavis.com

El Cid Av. Camaron Sabalo S/N One of Mexico’s finest resort des- PO Box 183 tinations. Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico 82110

Contact: Geronimo Cevallos Phone: 011-52-669-916-3468 www.elcid.com

Fountain Powerboats Builder of high-performance sport and fishing boats.

PO Drawer 457 Washington, NC 27889

Contact: Clayton Kirby Phone: 904-838-3230 www.fountainpowerboats.com

Los Sueños Resort and Marina Costa Rica’s premier resort and marina.

PO Box 25635 Miami, FL 33102-5635

Contact: Ashley Bretecher Phone: 866-865-9759 www.lossuenosresort.com

Lowrance Electronics, Inc. Manufacturer of sonar, GPS and chartplotting equipment.

12000 E. Skelly Dr. Tulsa, OK 74128-2486

Contact: Dave Ittner Phone: 918-437-6881 www.lowrance.com

Mercury Marine Manufacturer of boat engines, propellers and racing products.

PO Box 1939 Fond du Lac, WI 54936

Phone: 920-929-5040 www.mercurymarine.com

MTU Detroit Diesel The leading name in marine power.

13400 Outer Drive West Detroit, MI 48239-4001

Phone: 313-592-7000 www.mtu-online.com

Release Marine Manufacturers of custom fighting chairs and accessories.

2100 Roger Lacy Ave. Savannah, Georgia 31415

Contact: Jimmy Dewberry Phone: 800-603-4448 www.releasemarine.com

Sperry Top-Sider, Inc. The leading brand of footwear for those who love the water.

191 Spring Street Lexington, MA 02420-9191

Phone: 617-824-6000 www.sperrytopsider.com

Underwater Lights USA, LLC 277 SW 33rd Court Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315 Underwater lighting & camera equipment as well as deck lights.

Phone: 954-760-4447 www.underwaterlightsusa.com

Topaz Building legends, one boat at a time.

P.O. Box 702 Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215

Contact: Bob Hazard Phone: 609-965-2300 www.topazboats.com

Versus Home of the finest in field sports programming.

Two Stamford Plaza 281 Tresser Boulevard Stamford, CT 06901

Contact: Greg Trager Phone: 203-406-2500 www.versus.tv

Viking Yachts Sportfishing boats from 45 to 74 feet.

Route 9, “On the Bass River” New Gretna, NJ 08224

Contact: Peter Frederiksen Phone: 609-296-6000 www.vikingyachts.com

XMWX The leader in mobile weather display software and receivers.

430 Research Drive Huntsville, AL 35805

Phone: 800-985-9200 www.wxworx.com

Yamaha Motor Corp. Manufacturer of two- and fourstroke outboard engines.

1270 Chastain Rd. Kennesaw, GA 30144

Contact: Mike Dixon Phone: 770-420-5700 www.yamaha-motor.com

2007 WORLD TOUR STANDINGS

800 200 725 350 275 575 575 275 500 0 125 0 0 125 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 0

0 575 0 350 350 0 0 350 0 500 350 425 425 275 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 350

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

TA L

IS LA M O RA DA M IA M TO I UR SW N OR AM D EN FIS T H

KI CK CH O EE FF CA LO DG BU E CC AN EE R SI CU LV P ER DE SA M RB ILFI IA Y SH CU MI P MA YO Râ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FT S .L AU DE RD CA P AL E LE TAIN W IS BO B YC M BT

BOAT NAME Fish Pig Get Lit L&H Contender One Wound Up No Mercy Gilligans Revenge Morning Dance Vitamin Sea Too Sweet Release Miss Britt Yabba Dabba Doo Caribee Double D Reely Tight Wound Up Qualifier Chips Ahoy Gilligans Revenge Hook and Tackle Top Vee Contender One Chips Ahoy Gotcha

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

ANGLER James Quinn Kitt Toomey Debbi David Wayne Savage Warren Sands Rick Arnold Carlos Martinez Bob Brockway Tim Maddoch Joseph Kraegy Bill Danko Robert Richardson Fulton Ivy Freddie David Vince Austin Roy Huff Trey Claus Chris Lemieux Alex Bienes Mike Simpson Ariel Pared Bill Cordes Mike Risely Jeffrey Deis

SA IL FI SH

S O U T H E A ST D I V I S I O N

800 775 725 700 625 575 575 575 500 500 475 425 425 400 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350

2 0 0 7 WO R L D TO U R S C H E D U L E TOURNAMENTS BY DIVISION

2 0 0 7

W O R L D

MID-ATLANTIC DIVISION Charleston Harbor Billfish Tournament, 6/27 – 6/30 N.C. Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish, 7/26 – 7/28 White Marlin Open, 8/6 – 8/10 Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament, 8/13 – 8/17 Mid-Atlantic $500,000, 8/19 – 8/24

NOV 30 - DEC 3, 2006 Miami, Florida South Florida Sailfish Kickoff Anthony Albelo (305) 461-2700

MARCH 15 - 18 Playa Herradura, Costa Rica Los Sueños Signature Series - #2 Ashley Bretecher abretecher@lossuenosresort.com

JANUARY 3 - 6 Palm Beach, Florida Silver Sailfish Derby Tom Twyford (561) 832-6780

MARCH 18 - 19 New South Wales, Australia Broken Bay Game Fishing Club Craig Findlay cfindlay@sge.com

JANUARY 16 - 20 Palm Beach Shores, Florida Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Gary Caputi caputifish@comcast.net

MAR 29 - APRIL 1 Miami, Florida Yamaha Contender Miami Judy Layne (305) 598-2525

JANUARY 18 - 20 Islamorada, Florida Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Liz Hill (305) 451-5094

APRIL 16 - 19 Boat Harbour, Bahamas Bahamas White Marlin Open Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

JANUARY 18 - 21 Playa Herradura, Costa Rica Los Sueños Signature Series - #I Ashley Bretecher abretecher@lossuenosresort.com

APRIL 20 - 23 Guanamar, Costa Rica Riviera Presidential Challenge Joan Vernon (305) 361-9258

JANUARY 25 - 28 Miami, Florida Miami Mayor’s Cup Anthony Albelo (305) 461-2700

APRIL 22 - 27 Boat Harbour, Bahamas BBC Marsh Harbour Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

FEBRUARY 7 - 11 Fort Lauderdale, Florida Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tourn. Kitty McGowan (954) 523-1004

MAY 2 - 5 Marsh Harbour, Bahamas MarineMax/Hatteras Billfish Invt'l Jessica Chavez (954) 618-0440 ext. 10634

FEB 25 - MARCH 3 Black River, Mauritius South Indian Ocean Billfish Tourn. JP de Ravel 011-230-483-6528

MAY 6 - 11 Eleuthera, Bahamas BBC Harbour Island Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

MARCH 1 - 4 Miami, Florida Capt. Bob Lewis Billfish Challenge Capt. Ernie Portuondo (305) 259-7273

MAY 20 - 25 Treasure Cay, Bahamas BBC Central Abaco Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

MARCH 4 - 10 Raiatea, Tahiti, French Polynesia Raiatea Int’l Billfish Tournament Dominique Goche 011-689-60-05-45

MAY 25 - 28 Orange Beach, Alabama Mobile BGFC Memorial Day Roger Setzler (251) 342-5326

SOUTHEAST DIVISION South Florida Sailfish Kickoff, 11/30 – 12/3 (2006) Silver Sailfish Derby, 1/3 – 1/6 Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Tourn., 1/16 – 1/20 Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tourn., 1/18 – 1/20 Miami Mayor’s Cup, 1/25 – 1/28 Ft. Lauderdale Billfish Tournament, 2/7 – 2/11 Capt. Bob Lewis Billfish Challenge, 3/1 – 3/4 Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tourn., 3/29 – 4/1 Islamorada Swordfish Tournament, 8/24 – 8/26 Miami Swordfish Tournament, 9/27 – 9/30

GULF COAST DIVISION Mobile BGFC Memorial Day Tournament, 5/25 – 5/28 Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, 6/6 – 6/10 New Orleans Invt’l Billfish Tournament, 6/13 – 6/17 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, 6/19 – 6/24 Pensacola Int’l Billfish Tournament, 6/28 – 7/1 Bay Point Billfish Invitational, 7/11 – 7/15 Orange Beach Billfish Classic, 8/1 – 8/5 Sarasota HBA/MarineMax Billfish Pro-Am, 8/8 – 8/11 Old Salt Loop Tournament, 8/15 – 8/19

CARIBBEAN DIVISION Bahamas White Marlin Open, 4/16 – 4/19 BBC Marsh Harbour Championship, 4/22 – 4/27 MarineMax/Hatteras Billfish Invt'l, 5/2 – 5/5 BBC Harbour Island Championship, 5/6 – 5/11 BBC Central Abaco Championship, 5/20 – 5/25 Boat Harbour Billfish Blast, 5/28 – 6/1 BBC Treasure Cay Championship, 6/3 – 6/8 BBC Boat Harbour Championship, 6/17 – 6/22 Int’l Billfish Tournament of San Juan, 8/16 – 8/22 U.S.V.I. Open Atlantic Blue Marlin Tourn., 8/25 – 8/29 Presidential Caribbean Cup-Venezuela, 10/11 – 10/14

PACIFIC DIVISION Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series - Tourn. I, 1/18 – 1/21 Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series - Tourn. II, 3/15 – 3/18 Presidential Challenge-Costa Rica, 4/20 – 4/23 Mazatlán Billfish Classic, 11/7 – 11/10 Presidential Challenge-Guatemala, 11/15 – 11/18

SOUTH PACIFIC DIVISION South Indian Ocean Billfish Tournament, 2/25 – 3/3 Raiatea Int’l Billfish Tournament, 3/4 – 3/10 Broken Bay Game Fishing Club, 3/18 – 3/19 Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic, 10/13 – 10/20

2007 WBS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS December 5 – 8, 2007 *The World Billfish Series reserves the right to make any changes in the Tournament Schedule, including additions and deletions of events, at any time during the course of the year. Please visit www.worldbillfishseries.com for the most up-to-date tournament information. 54

Billfishing ◆ January 2007

2 0 0 7 WO R L D TO U R S C H E D U L E T O U R

S C H E D U L E

B Y

D AT E

MAY 28 - JUNE 1 Marsh Harbour, Bahamas Boat Harbour Billfish Blast Mike Dickman (954) 926-0400

AUGUST 1 - 5 Orange Beach, Alabama Orange Beach Billfish Classic Joan Norris (251) 458-4656

OCTOBER 11 - 14 La Guaira, Venezuela Presidential Caribbean Cup Joan Vernon (305) 361-9258

JUNE 3 - 8 Treasure Cay, Bahamas BBC Treasure Cay Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

AUGUST 6 - 10 Ocean City, Maryland White Marlin Open Jim Motsko (410) 289-9229

OCTOBER 13 - 20 Lizard Island, Australia Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic Bob Lowe 011-61-2-9546-8540

JUNE 6 - 10 Biloxi, Mississippi Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic Bobby Carter (228) 436-7928

AUGUST 8 - 11 Sarasota, Florida Sarasota HBA/MarineMax Pro-Am T.J. Nutter (941) 650-2321

NOVEMBER 15 - 18 Mazatlán, Mexico Mazatlán Billfish Classic Kathie Hundley (714) 258-0445

JUNE 13 - 17 Venice, Louisiana New Orleans Invt’l Billfish Tourn. Gino Rendeiro (504) 529-5100

AUGUST 13 - 17 Manteo, North Carolina Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tourn. Nick Griffith (800) 422-3610

NOVEMBER 15 - 18 Iztapa, Guatemala Presidential Challenge Joan Vernon (305) 361-9258

JUNE 17 - 22 Boat Harbour, Bahamas BBC Boat Harbour Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

AUGUST 15 - 19 St. Petersburg, Florida Old Salt Loop Tournament Tom Verdensky (727) 867-9388

JUNE 19 - 24 Sandestin, Florida Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Shawna Meisner (866) 505-4458

AUGUST 16 - 22 San Juan, Puerto Rico Club Náutico Int’l Billfish Tourn. Luis Infanzon (787) 722-0177

JUNE 27 - 30 Charleston, South Carolina Charleston Harbor Billfish Tourn. Deidre Menefee (843) 345-0369

AUGUST 19 - 24 Cape May, New Jersey Mid-Atlantic $500,000 Bob Glover (609) 884-2400

JUNE 28 - JULY 1 Pensacola, Florida Pensacola Int’l Billfish Tourn. Greg Whibbs (850) 433-7671

AUGUST 24 - 26 Islamorada, Florida Islamorada Swordfish Tourn. Richard Peeples III (305) 282-1006

JULY 11 - 15 Panama City, Florida Bay Point Billfish Invt’l Josh McCulley (850) 235-6911

AUGUST 25 - 29 Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands U.S.V.I. Open Atlantic Jimmy Loveland (340) 775-9500

JULY 26 - 28 Morehead City, North Carolina N.C. Ducks Unlimited Mark Shouse (252) 247-2106

SEPTEMBER 27 - 30 Miami, Florida Miami Swordfish Tournament Richard Peeples III (305) 282-1006

DECEMBER 5 - 8 WBS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

Los Sueños, Costa Rica Sam White (727) 319-3449 www.worldbillfishseries.com

The WBS World Tour is a group of individual billfish tournaments, each operated individually but sanctioned by the World Billfish Series. These events are grouped according to geographic location in one of six WBS worldwide divisions. Competing WBS anglers strive to not only win or place in these individual events but also to accrue enough points to win one or more of these divisions. Top anglers at each sanctioned event as well as divisional winners and top points qualifiers will receive an invitation to compete in the WBS Grand Championships at the end of the season, where the WBS will crown the World Champion of Billfishing. Billfishing ◆ January 2007

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