Vol 8, Issue 9 by Linda Fisher

Boat Division 2008 Viking

473

Hatteras

120

Contender

Spencer

Cabo

Motor Division 2008

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup Kona Blue Trophy by Geoffrey Smith www.geoffreysmith.com

Caterpillar

204

MAN

136

MTU/Detroit Diesel

122

Yamaha

Cummins

This award is presented annually to the top boat and motor manufacturing companies based on performance in over 70 tournaments on the WBS World Tour. The current standings are presented above.

T A B L E

O F

C O N T E N T S

“Supporting Tournament Fishing, Now and Forever” On the Cover The fleet prepares to head offshore for another great day of Costa Rican billfishing off Los Sueños Resort and Marina. Photo courtesy of Los Sueños.

Departments

Introduction to the 2008 WBS Grand Championships

Editor’s Message

Upcoming Event Calendar

Industry News

12 Caught On The WBS World Tour

18 The 2008 WBS Grand Championships Once again, the finest anglers in the world will gather in Costa Rica to crown the World Champion.

Tournament Tales 28 Mid-Atlantic $500,000 The East Coast swing hits Cape May.

32 Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tourn. The tournament goes all-release in 2008.

36 Sarasota Slam-HBA Fishing Tournament The west coast of Florida hosts an annual favorite.

40 Islamorda Swordfish Tournament The best swordfishing teams in the Southeast converge on Islamorada for this year’s event.

Angler Profiles 45 Jason Buck 47 David Perry 49 Juan Carlos “Juanca” Torruella

Inside the WBS

Winners Wear Sebagos

55 2008 Standings

17 The Top Anglers for 2008

58 2008 World Tour Schedule

Billfishing Magazine

FROM THE WBS

E D I T O R ’ S

BILLFISHING

M E S S A G E

Even though 2008 is starting to wind down, there are still quite a few events left on the schedule for those of you whose competitive itch has not yet been scratched. We’ll finish up the East Coast series with tournaments in Charleston, St. Augustine and New Smyrna before moving over to Mexico for the International Gamefish events out of Los Cabos, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Farther south, the Presidential Challenge still has two tournaments left in their series this year, targeting the marlin and sailfish off El Salvador and Guatemala respectively. So even though the calendar says we’re moving into fall, there’s still plenty of fishing left to be done before we close the book on this season. Despite the fact that we still have several events left, our staff is already deep in the planning stages for the year-ending WBS Grand Championships, to be held once again this year out of Los Sueños Resort and Marina in beautiful Costa Rica. This is the only true Championship event of its kind in the world of sportfishing, where every angler in attendance must prove themselves through tough competition on the WBS World Tour in order to receive a qualifying invitation—just earning an invitation is a heck of an achievement. Anglers attending this year’s event will be fishing for the title of World Champion of Billfishing, the Grander Marlin custom bronze trophy by marine artist Geoffrey Smith and the keys to a new Mercedes C-300 automobile. Qualified anglers should return their completed registration forms to us as soon as possible, as space for this tournament is limited. For more information on this tournament, check out the preview article in this issue or call our offices.

The Official Monthly Publication of the WBS Volume 8 No. 9, September 2008

Published monthly by SportsUSA Group, Inc. 9293 Bay Pines Blvd. St. Petersburg, Florida 33708 phone: (727) 864-4400 fax: (727) 867-1149 email: info@fishwbs.com

President & CEO James R. Simons

Editor-in-Chief Sam White

Creative Director Linda Fisher-Morgan

We’re also moving forward with our plans to expand the WBS World Tour for 2009. Any anglers or tournament directors that would like to discuss having their favorite events added to the tour should contact our offices as soon as possible. I’d like to see between 70 and 80 tournaments sanctioned by the WBS in 2009, so that gives us a little room to fill out a few of the divisions with new events. We’ll release the WBS World Tour Calendar before the end of the year to make sure everyone has a chance to plan for their 2009 fishing seasons.

Administrative Director Jana E. Simons

Finally, I would like personally thank all the sponsors, advertisers, anglers, tournament directors, captains, crews and volunteers for their ongoing support of the World Billfish Series and tournament sportfishing in general—your dedication and hard work is tremendously appreciated. Thank you all.

Destinations Editor Jeff Merrill

Sam White World Billfish Series

Account Executive Robbie Carter

Special Contributors

Upcoming Events November 5 - 8 Mazatlán, Mexico November 12 - 14 Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico November 10 - 12 Bahia Del Sol, El Salvador November 19 - 22 Playa Herradura, Costa Rica November 21 - 23 Iztapa, Guatemala December 3 - 6 WBS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS Los Sueños, Costa Rica

Bailey Bobbitt

Heather Maxwell

David A. Brown

Kitty McGowan

Laurie Ciecierski

Jim Niemiec

Bart K. Davis

Bruce Paul

Capt. Rob Ellyn

John E. Phillips

Brenda Fletcher

Walt Rhodes

Rick Gaffney

Capt. Jim Sharpe

Greg Gawlikoski

Tom Twyford

Scott Kerrigan

Capt. Joan Vernon

Alaric Lambert

Eric West

Marty Locke

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.

Order the WBS Tournament Calendar at www.FishWBS.com. Billfishing Magazine

I N D U S T R Y

N E W S

SPORTFISHING ACCESS PROTECTED BY U.S. PRESIDENT

hrough the efforts of the Center for Coastal Conservation, President George W. Bush signed an amendment to an earlier executive order giving access of more federal lands and waters to the nation’s recreational anglers and boaters. While recognizing National Hunting and Fishing Day 2008, President Bush said, “My administration has created, protected, and restored millions of acres of wetlands. Through my Ocean Action Plan, we are protecting fish populations and marine habitat. I was pleased to amend Executive Order 12962 to recognize the value of recreational fishing as a sustainable activity in federal waters.” Ellen Peel, president of The Billfish Foundation, said the amendment to the Executive Order signed by President Bill Clinton on June 7, 1995 ensures that recreational fishing shall be managed as a sustainable activity in national wildlife refuges, national parks, national monuments, national marine sanctuaries, marine protected areas, or any other relevant conservation or management areas or activities under any Federal authority, consistent with applicable law. “It’s all very significant,” said Peel, who also serves on the board of the CCC, “as is the administration’s on-going work on the Ocean Action Plan as it relates to the conservation and nation’s offshore sportsmen. The plan, which promotes an ethic of responsible use

and preservation of our oceans and coastal resources, is working to stop over-fishing in America by 2011, especially by foreign commercial interests, and through the Magnuson Stevens Act which enacted a 200-mile jurisdiction. Now two-thirds of federal waters— about 2.3 million square nautical miles—are off-limits to harmful bottom-trawling and dredging.” “Today’s billfishermen are among the most conservation-minded citizens,” said Peel. “Hopefully the recent actions by the government will help to re-nourish an ailing marine economy.” This past summer, TBF among a coalition of five associations, individual conservationists and businesses helped to form the CCC into a non-partisan national organization dedicated to enacting sensible marine conservation laws through education and political action. Along with TBF, the other groups in the CCC include the International Game Fish Association, American Sportfishing Association, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Coastal Conservation Association. Though the groups hold a wide range of interests the new coalition is already focusing on federal policy–as it did in working with the White House on the executive order—and candidates in the upcoming 2008 elections. For more information please visit www.coastalconservation.us.

BAY POINT TO ADD 40/40 SHOOTOUT FOR 2009

fter the successful implementation of a release-only format for billfish in the 2008 Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament, the event continues to change the face of big-game tournament sportfishing along the Gulf Coast with the addition of the 40/40 Shootout for the 2009 calendar season. The 40/40 Shootout is a tournament within a tournament that will feature up to 40 boats of 40 feet or less in length, that will be fishing for dolphin, tuna and wahoo. This growing fleet of high-performance fishing machines will be able to participate in the tournament at an affordable price point with a separate purse and optional entry categories. Participants will attend all regular tournament events and parties and may depart with the fleet on Thursday evening or Friday morning. “The addition of the 40/40 Shootout opens the participation in the Bay Point Tournament to a wider group of anglers,” said tournament director Scott Burt. “We

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Invitational made history during its 25th anniversary in 2008 by going to an allrelease format for billfish species, a significant change that was embraced by participants and spectators alike. In fact, nearly 50 boats vied for almost $1 million dollars in prize money during the 2008 Invitational. are pleased to broaden the reach of the tournament, and the Friday night weigh-ins will be a great way to engage the Friday night crowds as they await the boats from the Invitational to return to port.” Weigh-ins for the 40/40 Shootout will round out the already popular Friday night festivities which include the Al Hubbard Kids Fishing Experience in the late afternoon, live entertainment throughout the evening and the official weigh-in as the boats participating in the Invitational hit the docks. With 25 years of success under its belt, the Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament is recognized as one of the most prestigious billfish events on the Gulf Coast. The

From the beginning, the event has been deeply rooted in the Florida Gulf Coast community and now reigns as the premier social event of the Panama City Beach area with more than 13,000 spectators over the tournament weekend enjoying live entertainment, the Sponsor Village, the Invitational’s world-famous Dock Walk and of course, the Friday and Saturday night weigh-ins. The Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament is hosted by the St. Joe Company and Bay Point Marina. For more information, please visit www.baypoint.com

I N D U S T R Y

N E W S

LOS CABOS, MEXICO: SPORTFISHING YIELDS HUGE ECONOMIC IMPACT

nce a small, quiet fishing destination at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, today the sportfishing triangle of Cabo San Lucas, East Cape and San Jose del Cabo generates an unprecedented impact on tourism that ripples through the local, regional and national economies, according to a new socio-economic study recently released by The Billfish Foundation. The results are impressive, with over one billion dollars per year generated through the area’s sportfishing tourism. In recent years, the triangle has experienced unprecedented growth as it has become a major North American tourist destination

driven largely by its worldclass striped marlin fishery. It’s a major provider of jobs and new dollars to Mexico’s economy. The 126-page study was conducted in 2007 and 2008 to estimate the dollars, jobs and tax revenues created by anglers visiting the region. A series of surveys were conducted of visitors, both anglers and non-anglers, to gain an understanding of the number of people fishing in the Los Cabos region as well as the dollars spent in those pursuits. The study showed that in 2007, over

354,000 people, nearly all international visitors, fished in Los Cabos, spending an estimated $633.6 million for lodging, charters, food, transportation, tackle, fuel and more. These expenditures created a series of cascading economic effects in the local economy, including over 24,000 jobs, $245 million in local and federal tax revenues and $1.125 billion in total economic activity. Visitors fishing in the region accounted for nearly 25 percent of the Los Cabos economy, also adding $145 million to Mexico’s Gross Domestic Product. Additional information on this important socio-economic study will be reviewed in next month’s Industry News. For more information and a copy of the complete report, please visit www.billfish.org.

FERRETTI TO PURCHASE ALLIED RICHARD BERTRAM MARINE GROUP

erretti S.p.A., the parent company of yacht manufacturer Ferretti Group, is acquiring the assets, brands and ongoing operations of Allied Richard Bertram Marine Group, the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-based yacht distribution and service provider. The transaction is expected to

be completed shortly. “We are extremely satisfied with this move, which is yet another step forward in the growth of our group in a strategically important market, that of the U.S,” said Ferretti CEO Vincenzo Cannatelli.

The Allied Richard Bertram Marine Group has nine yacht service and distribution centers, from Jacksonville, Florida through the Florida Keys. “The transaction will be a great benefit to our customers and associates,” said Robert Tomsich, chairman of Allied Richard Bertram.

BUSTED: ILLEGAL COMMERCIAL FISHING OFF BAJA, MEXICO

ommunity-based enforcement efforts in Mexico, supported by The Billfish Foundation through the Center for Marine Protection and funded by the recreational fishing license fees, have resulted in three recent seizures of vessels carrying multiple tons of illegally harvested dolphin off Baja. A commercial vessel from Mazatlan was recently seized in waters north of Loreto with 1,300 kilos (nearly 1.5 tons) of dolphin (also called dorado in Spanish), a species strictly relegated for sportfishing and not commercial long-lining or netting. Local FONMAR agents said the crew was filleting the illegal fish at sea. Then, two boats owned by commercial longline king Henry Collard were seized and charged with illegally harvesting dorado while using a shark permit in

Magdalena Bay. The two vessels were carrying 14 tons of dorado along with several tons of shark. News reports in the local La Paz newspaper El Sudcaliforniano were critical of the illicit activities. The report said it’s been happening for years. Collard, a prominent representative of commercial fishing interests, was reported to have threatened fisheries enforcement agents. The news report also said the CONAPESCA boarding party received a call from senior officials in Mexico City and opted to withdraw from the arrest site, leaving the responsibility for the inspection staff of FONMAR. The news reporter said the FONMAR personnel were not intimidated by the threats of the crew of the seized boat. Investigations are also underway by U.S.

and Mexican officials regarding the transportation of hundreds of tons of the illegal dorado catches from the Port of Guaymas into Arizona through Nogales, and into California through Tijuana.TBF president Ellen Peel said, “Apparently the recent interest of U.S. enforcement officials in the import of illegally caught dorado has persuaded CONAPESCA that they need to concede TBF’s position that there is no basis in Mexican law to allow bycatch in the conservation zones and enforce the federal fisheries law.” Working with governments worldwide The Billfish Foundation advances the conservation of billfish and associated species to improve the health of oceans and economics. Since 2002, TBF has been working in the “triangle” an area bounded by Los Cabos, La Paz and Magdalena Bay in the southern Baja peninsula. Billfishing Magazine

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?

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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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Caught On WBS Tourâ&#x20AC;? Contest.

Billfishing Magazine

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Billfishing Magazine

caught on tour the place to see your face 22

Congratulations to our most recent contest winners: Brian Thomas — Slidell, LA Scotty Boudreaux — Lizana, LA Claire Shadler — Houma, LA

29 “Caught On WBS Tour” Contest The WBS Anglers Club member who correctly identifies the most people on pages 12, 13 and 15 by October 29, 2008 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@fishwbs.com, fax to 727-867-1149 or mail to 112 Pinellas Bayway, Tierra Verde, FL 33715. 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 Magazine

Dave Dickman - Silver Sailfish Derby

Matt Jackson - Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic

Rudy Polselli Jr. - Jupiter Billfish Tourn.

Luis Bacardi - Abaco Billfish Challenge

Mariano Da - Los Sueños Signature Series I

Boyd Mothe Jr. - New Orleans Invt’l Tournament

Debbi David - The Sailfish Tournament

Barry Weshnak - BBC Boat Harbour Champ.

Mark McDevitt - Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Tourn.

Dave Perry - Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic

Rick Arnold - Cheeca Lodge Presidential

Douglas Miller - Charleston Harbor Billfish Tourn.

Van Wicher - Palm Beach Sailfish Classic

Nicole Russel - HMY-Viking Megadock

Carlos Martinez - Miami Mayor’s Cup

Arlen Charpentier - Bay Point Billfish Invt’l.

Mark Wodlinger - Ft. Lauderdale Billfish Tourn.

Gray Ingram - VIGFC July Open

Peter Adrian - Capt. Bob Lewis Billfish Challenge

Jay Johnson - A.H. Riise Billfish Tournament

Edwin Bustos - Los Sueños Signature Series II

Rocky Jones - Outcast Blue Marlin Classic

Amanda Nichols - Miami Billfish Tourn.

Joel Broussard - Orange Beach Billfish Classic

Cleynor Ruiz - Pres. Challenge of Costa Rica

Peter Cherasia - White Marlin Open

Lainey Jones - BBC Central Abaco Champ.

Dave Monda - Sarasota Slam-HBA Fishing Tourn.

Barry Weshnak - BBC Boat Harbour Champ.

Trey Irvine - Pirate’s Cove Billfishing Tournament

Tom Russell - BBC Harbour Island Champ.

Rene Ramírez Alzamora - San Juan Int’l Billfish Tourn.

Drew Andrews - Los Cabos Billfish Classic

Luis Isais - Islamorada Swordfish Tournament

Chace Nelson - MBGFC Memorial Day Tourn.

Ken Cummins - Old Salt Loop Tournament

Greg Barber - Boat Harbour Billfish Blast

Peter Cherasia - Mid-Atlantic $500,000

Robert Southard Sr. - BBC Treasure Cay Champ,

S B W s 8 p 0 i 0 h 2 s n mpio

a h C d d a n e a h a Gr k o o AL

ite h W m By Sa

The World Billfish Series Grand Championships is unlike any other event in the world of bluewater sportfishing. It’s a true Championship tournament, where anglers must first qualify on the WBS World Tour just to earn the right to attend. And it’s based on the individual angler—it’s up to the individual to prove their worth on their own, with rod and reel in hand. Finally, it’s set in a world-class billfishing destination, right in the heart of the action off Costa Rica’s central west coast. What finer way to crown the 2008 World Champion of Billfishing.

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2008 WBS GC

set amid stunNing scenery as well as some of the world’s finest billfishing off the pacific coast of costa rica, los sueños resort and marina has become the hottest destination in sportfishing. Put all this together and you have one heck of an exciting tournament. Eleven months and seventy-plus tournaments later, and it’s all come down to this: the WBS Grand Championships. Here’s a look at what to expect, from both an angler’s and a spectator’s point of view. Once again for this year, Los Sueños Resort and Marina is the tournament host. Once home to free-ranging cattle and horses against the edge of the rainforest, Los Sueños is now the epicenter for billfishing action in Central America. The marina here was the first of its kind built in Costa Rica and was the basis for the country’s first set of laws governing the construction and operation of future facilities along the coastline. Costa Ricans are known for their love of the natural resources that abound within their nation and they go to great lengths in order to protect these resources from over-exploitation, pollution and other harmful effects of man—in fact, nearly a quarter of the entire nation’s land mass is set aside in the form of natural preserves, entirely removed from development. The Los Sueños marina itself is a blueprint for how marinas should be constructed, from the teak-topped floating docks to the

24hour security, firefighting and emergency spill response gear, easily accessible fuel docks and more. A quick check of the boats reveals that some of the hottest names in the sport of billfishing now call Los Sueños home for a better part of the winter months, another tribute to just how good the fishing is off this stretch of coastline. There are also plenty of charter operations, among the country’s finest, so even boatless anglers can be assured of finding a great ride with a topnotch crew. Back ashore, anglers and their guests can be assured of a wide variety of lodging options. The most popular are the many condominium units that dot the hillsides surrounding the marina. While nearly all are privately owned, most are available for rent when the owners are not in the country, making a condo unit one of the most comfortable ways to rest your weary head while in Los Sueños. These range from quaint two-bedroom, two baths all the way up to mammoth multi-story luxury units that are literally fit

Billfishing Magazine

for royalty. No matter what the choice, a condo gives you the flexibility to stretch out, do your own laundry or fix a quick snack in the kitchen, and all have freshwater swimming pools nearby for a relaxing swim after a day on the water.

2008 WBS GC

Anglers traveling solo or in pairs may want to take a look at the Marriott Golf and Beach Resort that’s also conveniently located on the property just a short distance up the road from the marina. It’s a great alternative, featuring Spanish Colonialstyle architecture, multiple swimming pools and restaurants and of course luxurious accommodations. It’s one of the hottest properties in the entire worldwide Marriott chain in terms of occupancy though so guests are urged to make their reservations early, or at least check frequently for any cancellations. Right across from the Marriott is Los Sueños’ signature golf course, La Iguana. The Ted Robinson-designed 18-hole course winds its way lazily through the rainforest for the front nine holes, finding its way back along the beachfront on the home stretch. Along the way, players usually encounter a wide variety of Costa Rican wildlife depending on the time of day, including monkeys, exotic birds like toucans and many other creatures both familiar and unfamiliar. Should you slice a ball well off the course, it’s advisable to take your drop rather than wander too far off the beaten path though. Dining options also abound here, thanks to the creative and forward-thinking management staff. Several of the Grand Championships events will take place at The Hook-Up, an American-style sports pub located just above the entrance

to the marina. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s a great spot to grab a quick bite to eat or just relax after a long day offshore, and its views of the marina and surrounding bay make it a favorite of all who visit. Just a short distance away is El Galeon, the resort’s fine dining restaurant. It’s sophisticated yet unpretentious, as diners gather beneath an enormous thatched roof that’s home to a fiberglass replica mount of a grander blue marlin feeding on dolphin. Other options include Bambu for sushi, Thai and Asian-influenced cuisine, and La Lanterna for continental Italian specialties. The Terrace Lounge is a great spot for after-dinner drinks and entertainment, while La Dolce Vita features coffees and pastries. All four are located in the new Marina Village, alongside other services like rental cars, banking and shopping. Now let’s get back to the real action at Los Sueños: the fishing. After all, the history and even the location of the place all revolves around the swirling waters of the deep blue Pacific that meanders past. California developer William Royster was cruising along the Costa Rican coast well over a decade ago when his crew started searching for a suitable anchorage for the evening. They had just released a nice black marlin and several other billfish during the day, and so after examining the charts, they decided to drop anchor in Herradura Bay, along the central coastline near the surfer’s beach town of Jaco. Even though he was officially on sabbatical, Royster’s developer’s mind went to work as he took in the stunningly beautiful scenery, and at that moment, Los Sueños Resort and Marina was officially born. It would take years of environmental impact and socio-economic studies before the first

Billfishing Magazine

2008 WBS GC

stone could be overturned in construction but perseverance does indeed pay off. And the fishing’s still pretty darn good here. Late fall sees the end of the rainy season in coastal Costa Rica, bringing with it the much-anticipated marlin bite. For some reason the marlin usually show up prior to the main body of sailfish which make their appearance a few months later. When the marlin fishing’s good here, it’s as good as anywhere in the world, due in part to the multiple species that inhabit these waters during overlapping times of the season. It’s not at all uncommon to have shots at blue, black and striped marlin within the same day, and even within the same hour (or minute!). Naturally, there are Pacific sailfish here just about throughout the year although their populations seem to start peaking in December through April. What does this all mean for the traveling angler? Take a page from the Boy Scouts and be prepared. Especially early in the season, the first fish to show itself may be a 100pound sailfish, a 150-pound stripey or a 500-pound blue or black marlin. It’s wise to have a variety of tackle options that are readily accessible—there’s no reason to bring a peashooter to an elephant hunt or vice versa. Trolling with dead ballyhoo gets the nod nine times out of ten off Costa Rica, and there’s usually a good supply of high-quality bait available. And because Costa Rica tries its best to safeguard its natural resources, circle hooks are mandatory for any dead baits or dead bait/lure combinations when targeting billfish of any species, so those who have mastered the art of the dropback will find themselves a leg up over those who prefer to simply “drag and snag.” Above: Pacific sailfish provide the majority of the action off Los Sueños, although several species of Teaser fishing also plays an marlin can appear at any moment. Most teams important part in the overall will choose a spread of circle-hook rigged ballyscheme of things. For the first hoo on 20- to 30-pound class tackle for the sails, two days, each angler may have keeping a heavier outfit ready for marlin. a maximum of two lines and two teasers in the water

on their side of the boat, so by effectively utilizing fish-raising teasers an Below: A few teams have been experimenting with angler puts themselves in a much an all-artificial spread to cover more ground while better shape to raise (and hopefully troliing and entice more bites from blue, black hook) more billfish. Plus, marlin and sails that are raised on a teaser and and striped marlin. efficiently pulled into the spread are much more likely to really nail a trolled or pitched bait, shooting the hook-up ratio through the roof. That’s really the key, the ability to convert strikes to hook-ups, and the angler that has the highest ratio is likely to be near the top of the leaderboard. The WBS Grand Championships is unique because it’s an angler tournament, not a team or boat event. Individual anglers must first qualify for the right to attend the tournament, making it a true championship. Participants will fish the first two days paired up with another angler, where they will rotate sides of the boat and fish as individuals, with the top five anglers advancing to the final day. This is where it really gets interesting, as they fish solo in the cockpit manning as many as three rods at one time. Some of the participants last year reported that it was at the same time one of the toughest and most rewarding challenges they had ever faced as they attempted to hook, fight and release multiple billfish as a solo angler. Indeed, success or failure at that point rests squarely on their shoulders—no falling back on a teammate’s ability or blaming misfortune on anyone else. Win or lose, it’s up to the angler to make it happen. And that’s why the winner will depart with the title of World Champion of Billfishing. Billfishing Magazine

GETTING THERE Most visitors to Los Sueños will fly into the Costa Rican capital city of San Jose, located in the mountainous highlands roughly in the center of the nation. From there it’s about two hours down to the western coast. The beachside town of Jaco is about ten minutes by car from Los Sueños. There are several options for this trip. The adventurous may choose to rent a car although it’s certainly not advisable for the faint of heart. Most Costa Rican drivers would feel right at home behind the wheel of a New York City taxicab, and the winding roads are a daunting challenge for those unfamiliar with the feeling of a thousand-yard drop (and few guardrails) as they wind around the mountains. A far better choice is to book a private transfer from the airport to the resort. This usually runs about $100 for a small minivan that can carry up to four or five passengers and their gear. Transfers can be booked through the resort by calling Tina Weller at Los Suenoas at 866-865-9759. If you’re staying in a condo, the agent can also book transfers, and don’t forget to book a transfer for your departure as well. Finally, if time is truly of the essence, there’s a service that books helicopter flights from San Jose directly to the helipad at the resort—check with your travel agent or the resort for more information.

STAYING THERE While the Marriott is certainly a fine option for anglers traveling solo or with a guest, a far more comfortable option for an extended stay at Los Sueños is to rent one of the many condominium units on property. There are two notable agencies that rent units here: Stay in Costa Rica (a tournament sponsor) and Costa Rica Luxury Rentals. Both have access to some of the finest units on the entire property and can readily assist visitors with their lodging as well as airport transfers, golf carts, fishing charters and more. To make reservations, please contact Joaquin Rodriguez at Stay in Costa Rica, 866-888-6424 or www.stayincostarica.com or Avi Gaddu, Costa Rica Luxury Rentals at 866-525-2188 or www.crluxury.com. To contact the Marriott Golf and Beach Resort at Los Sueños, call 011-506-2630-9000 or visit www.marriott.com.

GETTING AROUND The first thing visitors notice when they first arrive in Los Sueños is that the place is absolutely beautiful. And big. And hot. Getting from the hotel or condos to the restaurants or marina is usually just a short walk but the heat and the hills can really take it out of you. The solution is to rent a golf cart for the tenure of your stay in Los Sueños. The preferred operation is Gato Gordo Golf Carts, located just outside the main gate on the right side of the road. Like many other things, it’s always better to make a reservation well in advance to ensure availability. Upon arrival, their friendly staff will get you all set up with a new golf cart, allowing you to easily and safely navigate the many cart-friendly paths that entwine throughout the resort. For more information, please call 561-935-4665 or visit www.Gatogordogulfcartrentals.com.

2008 WBS GC

Mid-Atlantic $500,000 Cape May, NJ www.MA500.com

c i t n a l t Mid-A S S E N MA D By

l Jeff Merril

he full moon was glowing like a luminous omen to good fishing as it hung above Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May and Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland on the eve of the 2008 Mid-Atlantic $500,000. As with many species of billfish, those that inhabit the offshore canyons and Gulf Stream depths due east of the tournament locations can respond quite nicely to this phenomenon—this year, the fishing would turn on in grand style, making for more than a little madness at the Mid-Atlantic.

The tournament had grown to the point where a second port was needed and Sunset Marina was added as a satellite port a few years back. However, the punch-drunk economy and record fuel prices were on the minds of event organizers and participants at both marinas as many speculated on how the tournament field would shape up. In the end, the registration tables were quite busy prior to the captain’s meeting as favorable weather combined with better-than-average billfish action the weeks leading up to the event had stimulated additional interest and by day’s end a field of 141 boats would fill out the roster with over $1.8 million up for grabs. Tournament director Bob Glover was indeed pleased with the turnout and offered his thoughts as to why the Mid-Atlantic $500,000 continues to be such a populart. “The key players in the sportfishing community come here not only to experience the world class sport 28

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Mid-Atlantic $500,000

While this year’s fleet was below the previous record, the tournament still had an excellent turn-out of the sport’s top teams in 2008.

fishing but to enjoy the world class service and hospitality we provide at the Mid-Atlantic $500,000” he noted. Day One was flat calm and flags hung motionless as 122 boats took advantage of a beautiful summer day and headed offshore. Brandon Famous aboard Pipe Dream took the early lead in white marlin points as his crew let go five white marlin including a double header. Capt. Bob Konz wheeled Joe Parisi’s A-Lure into the points fray after releasing three whiteys while Capt. Mark McDevitt put Sydney Sussman’s Certifiable on the board with a blue marlin release. WBS Grand Championship veteran Art Kontos got into the points mix with three white marlin releases aboard Let It Ride. The month of August had seen several large blue marlin boated along the mid-Atlantic coast including tournament winners of 935 pounds at the White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Maryland and a new state record blue of 1,228 pounds at the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament in Manteo, North Carolina. They say things happen in threes so it would be only fitting that word of a big blue in the boat began to circle Canyon Club and Sunset Marina by mid-afternoon on Day One though it would be late in the evening’s weighin session before Adam Demeusky backed his Impulse IV to the scales at Canyon Club to weigh the fourth heaviest blue marlin in the tournament’s history at 719 pounds and by far, the largest marlin ever caught by angler Frank Massa. “We lost two white marlin in the morning and at about 2:15 we had two blues come up in the spread,” recalls crewmember Bob Consedine noting the 124-inch 719-pounder was the smaller of the two blues. “We had her on an 80W and she came within a few wraps of spooling us,” he noted adding the crew had the huge marlin to the boat for the first time after about an hour and 15 minutes. “We got a good look at her but couldn’t get her to the gaff and she made another run and it took another hour and 20 minutes to get her back to the boat but she wasn’t done yet,” Consedine explained adding it the marlin made several more runs including one of over 300 yards before being brought to gaff. A cool steady breeze kept most of the fleet tied to the dock and only 42 boats gave it a go on Day Two. Though no changes occurred in any of the weight categories, several boats did manage to find pods of billfish and added to their point total. Jonathon

Duffie’s Billfisher was top boat for the day with three white marlin releases while Let It Ride added a single white marlin release to their tally. The weather was much the same on Day Three and all but 21 boats took a lay day as the wind continued and made for a comfortable day ashore but conditions were quite different on the rip. The weight categories all remained unchanged though Jim Foulke’s Trust Me released three white marlin to move into contention in the points category while Steven Scioscia’s Tail Spin got on the board after releasing a blue marlin. The weather on Day Four improved significantly as a light breeze and calm seas returned and 109 boats took advantage of the near-perfect conditions. The backside of the full moon typically Billfishing Magazine

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Mid-Atlantic $500,000 is a good time to chase billfish off the midAtlantic coast and when conditions are right the area ranks among the best anywhere so it’s no wonder the fleet of billfish pros in this event were biting at the bit to get offshore. The marlin responded as nearly 200 would be caught on the day and the leaderboard changed significantly in both weight and point categories. Among the four white marlin caught aboard Frank Bongiorno’s Dealer’s Choice was a fat 88-

winning fish in the white marlin category would tie the existing tournament record, be caught on the final day and also be weighed in Ocean City just as it was in 2007? Well that’s just what happened as Capt. Dale Gurgo backed Susan McCart’s Reel Joy to the scales at Sunset Marina late in the afternoon with the only billfish the crew would catch for the week in the cockpit. It may have been the one and only but it couldn’t have come at a better time as it

Adam Demeusy’s Impulse IV had the event’s largest blue marlin at 719 pounds, good enough for first place in that division and a check for over $193,000.

pounder which jumped to the lead in the category. Capt. Matt Rabenstine wheeled Barry Weshnak’s Miss Annie into second place with a 79-pound whitey in addition to releasing four others on the day. Capt. Dave Christman was able to cull a 75pound white marlin from the six caught aboard Adam Buchman’s Gina Lea and moved into a tie with Anthracite for third place. Capt. Rich Barrett guided Peter Cherasia’s Shark Byte to top boat honors for the day with seven white marlin released including a double header while Mack Boring’s Mack Attack, Trust Me and Ron McQuaid’s Sea Cure each added six white marlin releases to their respective totals. On the day no less than 54 boats released at least one billfish while of that number 39 released two or more.

weighed 92 pounds and was worth $699,300. Frank Bongiorno’s 88-pound white marlin caught aboard Dealer’s Choice on Day Four was bumped into second place but still nabbed $124,955 while Barry Weshnak’s Miss Annie finished in third place with their 79-pounder, also caught on Day Four and won $68,747. Adam Demeusy’s Impulse IV was the clear winner in the blue marlin category with the 719 pounder he caught on Day One and received $193,622 followed by Joe Bernert’s Kwik Raze with his

625-pounder caught on Day Four which earned $124,955. The hot bite on the final day caused quite a shake up in the point categories as 48 boats released a billfish with 33 releasing two or more. Though Michael Mitrow’s Bac in Five led the day with nine white marlin releases he fell short of the top boats for the week. Peter Cherasia’s Shark Byte released seven white marlin on Day Five and 15 for the week to win the Most Points White Marlin award as well as the Most Points Overall trophy. Cherasia also received the coveted WBS Grand Championship invitation as the Top Angler of the tournament. Miss Annie also released seven white marlin on Day Five and 12 for the week and finished in second place in points. Pipe Dream released four white marlin on Day Five and 12 for the week to finish in third place. At the awards ceremony under the big top tent after handing out well over $1.8 million to the winners, Glover was indeed pleased with the results of the tournament. “It’s been a terrific tournament and we’re very happy with the level of participation both here in Cape May and at Sunset Marina, in Ocean City, Maryland. The weather has been excellent and the fishing has been equally good as well,” he noted. With a recipe that includes nightly buffet dinners and cocktail parties, live entertainment and a million-dollar-plus purse, it’s hard not to be impressed with this event given the times we are in. Oh, and by the way, how about 468 billfish with well over 90 percent released by 141boats fishing three days each for a one billfish per-boat-per-day average. That too is indeed impressive.

The billfish bite on Day Five continued to be red hot and 129 boats left the dock to once again find calm seas and a light breeze offshore and released nearly 150 marlin. Even the best gamblers in Atlantic City couldn’t have laid odds of the 2008 tournament’s outcome. What are the chances the tournament Billfishing Magazine

Bay Point Billfish Tournament Invitational Panama City Beach, FL www.baypointbillfish.com

This year marked a major shift for the Bay Point Invitational, just in time for its 25th silver anniversary as one of the longestrunning billfish tournaments on the Gulf Coast. The 2008 rendition of this highlyanticipated summer spectacle would turn to an all-release format for billfish species.

Life Is Good At Bay Point By Bart K. Davis 32

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great way to introduce the sport of fishing to the next generation of anglers (see sidebar).

In partnership with the Freedom Alliance, the Invitational also paid tribute to members of America’s armed forces by hosting five soldiers, each wounded in the war in Iraq, for a day of fishing aboard Team Galati prior to the start of the tournament. The soldiers, along with all those who had ever served in the military, were honored during the tournament with a touching standing ovation from the event crowds. According to tournament co-director Scott Burt, the tribute was very special and a great success, and it certainly would not be the last time the tournament honors the military community.

ack in 1983 when the tournament was founded, all three popular Gulf Coast billfish species were fair game, as sailfish, white marlin and blue marlin were all brought to the docks to be weighed in. As the conservation ethic among bluewater anglers continued to flourish in the mid-1990s, only blue marlin over a minimum size length were still allowed to be brought to the scales. This year, the event became the first major billfish tournament of its kind on the Gulf Coast to feature a 100-percent release format for all billfish species, a move that brought praise from conservation organizations. The move didn’t seem to faze the crowds, either. Famous for its draw of tens of thousands of spectators throughout the weekend, the tournament decided to play up the format switch—the spectators were now treated to video replays of the fishing action on the huge JumboTron screens that dotted the landscape around Bay Point Marina. After a team’s video was approved by the judging committee, it was replayed for the spectators who gathered to ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’ at the spectacle of a live blue marlin being released to fight again. The enthusiasm was instantly contagious, as a team on the video would cheer at a released billfish, which in turn caused the crowd to cheer in response. In addition, there was plenty of live entertainment, and artist’s colony, local food, sponsor displays and the usual gamefish weigh-ins on Friday and Saturday night to keep everyone adequately occupied in what has become the hottest social weekend of the year in the Panama City Beach area. Along with the new format, the tournament planners added two new community events to the Bay Point Invitational—the Al Hubbard Fishing Experience and a special military tribute. Appropriately named after local fishing legend Al Hubbard, the children’s fishing experience reached out to nearly 30 children ages 8 to 13 from the Boys and Girls Club of Bay County, the Anchorage Children’s Home and the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center. Nine local charter captains willingly donated their time and resources to take the kids fishing during an afternoon “tournament” before the Friday night weigh-ins. It was a

One thing to remember about the upper Gulf of Mexico is not only the quantity of billfish caught there but also the quality of the fish that roam these waters. The Florida state record for blue marlin, a 1,046-pounder, was landed in this tournament by Conrad Hawkins in 2001 aboard the appropriately-named Lucky 2, while Barry Carr weighed in a 998.6-pound blue marlin on

The Al Hubbard Experience The Bay Point Invitational has established itself as not only one of the top-tier events in the world of billfishing (and also the party of the year in the Panama City Beach area) but also as a powerful venue for bringing together the local community. One of the new events added this year was the Al Hubbard Kids Fishing Experience. Hubbard was a fisherman like Yogi Berra was a baseball player, full of pragmatic advice and a deep love for not only the sport but also the next generation of anglers. He believed that it was something to be shared with others, not kept selfishly for oneself. This year, the Invitational partnered with several local children’s groups to host kids for a day of fishing and a glimpse into life on the water. It was a chance to offer them something that most had never experienced before in their lives. The children were divided into teams for a little friendly competition and just like the anglers in the Invitational, each carried their catch to the scales and waited patiently for the results from the weighmaster. In the end it was Capt. Greg Burnett’s Osprey with the top prize, but it was clear from the smiles on the kids’ faces that everyone came out a winner in this inaugural event. Al would have been very proud.

Billfishing Magazine

the Sea Wolff in 2006. Boats fishing in Gulf tournaments often return to port with numerous billfish release flags, and having a grand slam of three species in one day is not that uncommon here when the fishing’s good. One theory popular with many anglers bases this abundance on the plentiful bait schools found in the upper Gulf, while another angle is based on fishing pressure—many boats in the fleet will fish a long distance from shore, putting themselves in virtually virgin waters that have received little or no fishing pressure in the past. Whatever theory works, the billfishing off Panama City can be some of the best on the planet.

Although Team Wynsong finished in second place in the billfish division with a blue marlin and sailfish release, they also brought home the first place yellowfin tuna, a 105.5-pounder, to win that category.

This year’s Bay Point Invitational certainly held true. Among the 47 participating boats, the team aboard Life is Good walked away with the lion’s share of the purse by the end of the weekend, having bested a trio of blue marlin plus a white marlin kicker, good for just over $210,000. Not bad for two days of billfishing! Angler Arlen Charpentier was able to release the white and one of the blues, while Devon Hunt and Grant Nicholson added the other two blue marlin to the team’s scorecard. It was a strong enough effort that Charpentier would be named the event’s Top WBS Angler, also earning him an invitation to the WBS Grand Championships later this year in Los Sueños, Costa Rica. Second place, with a blue marlin and sailfish release, went to the Wynsong—angler James Wilson III added to his point totals in the WBS Gulf Coast division by releasing both billfish. Remarkably, the Wynsong team added to

their winnings by placing first in the highly coveted yellowfin tuna category with a nice 105.5-pound tuna. So with the 25th anniversary behind them, what’s ahead for the Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament? The organizers won’t let too many secrets out yet but they promise that next year’s tournament will be one that’s not to be missed by any serious bluewater enthusiast.

Bay Point Marina Bay Point Marina is situated along the Grand Lagoon in Panama City Beach, Florida, just five minutes from the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and fifteen minutes from the Intracoastal Waterway. The protected 180-slip full-service marina offers world-class facilities and services and access to the award-winning Bay Point Marriott Resort. Marina guests can explore the resort on complimentary bicycles and take advantage of the resort’s tasty waterfront dining, the only Nicklaus-designed golf course in Northwest Florida, the new 12,000square-foot Serenity Spa, clay tennis courts and more. Easily accessible from the Gulf of Mexico through St. Andrew’s Bay, the marina is only minutes from prime Gulf fishing and a great jumping off port for a southern trip across the Gulf. Bay Point’s top-notch amenities and relaxing atmosphere alone are enough to inspire a visit, but the warm hospitality and exceptional service keep boaters coming back for more.

The Life Is Good team had a great tournament, releasing three blue marlin plus a white marlin to easily win the billfish division. Angler Arlen Charpentier was the event’s Top WBS Angler as well.

For more information, please visit their website www.baypointmarina.net. Billfishing Magazine

Sarasota Slam-HBA Fishing Tournament Sarasota, FL www.sarasotabillfish.com

By Ron Gauthier Photos by Taryn Daley

loridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s western coast may very well be one of the last frontiers in the sport of billfishing. Unlike the east coast of the Sunshine State, the underwater topography off Tampa Bay slopes very gradually, necessitating triple-digit runs to reach water deep

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enough to harbor blue marlin. However, with the influence of the Loop Current, sweeping nutrients and baitfish in a counterclockwise swirl around the Gulf of Mexico, the marlin fishing here can be phenomenal. Combine that with very light fishing pressure and when the conditions are right, the west coast can really go off.

The annual Sarasota Slam-HBA Tournament kicked off with over 220 anglers heading out to get a share of the purse. Held at Marina Jacks in beautiful Sarasota, Florida, this event gets better and better every year. Sarasota is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the world and many other places of interest including art museums, shopping, the Mote Marine aquarium, and several PGA-caliber golf courses. Marina Jack’s first-class marina and restaurant loves to host this fishing tournament, and welcomes others to enjoy their fully updated docks and other amenities. The weather forecast looked great as the teams prepare to leave after the captain’s meeting for the 100-plus mile ride to the 100fathom lines and beyond. Several teams, including our own, elect to head south for the nice-looking water in the Loop Current over 140 miles away. Joining us is noted gamefish artist Steve Whitlock, who donates his artwork for this event. Other teams spread out north and south over productive temperature breaks and bottom structure in search of marlin, sailfish, swordfish and the other fun fish: dolphin, wahoo, and tuna. The long run was great with flat

seas and clear night skies filled with shining stars. Most teams take their time getting out there to conserve on fuel for these multiple day tournaments so far out in the Gulf of Mexico. All teams should leave a float plan and buddy up with another in case of unexpected problems. Anything can happen this far offshore, and in a tournament like this, something usually does. Unfortunately, team Use of Proceeds lost a transmission 106 miles out, hindering the team with one engine left to fish and get back to the weigh-in. With things looking so difficult they pulled out an amazing first day with releases on two blue marlin and a white marlin—a great day of billfishing anywhere in the world but even more so under the circumstances here in the Gulf. The angling team of Dave Monda and Johnny Koontz combined to earn the team 1,400 points for their releases. This team came from the professional kingfish trail, trading in their triple-engined open fish boat for a Viking sportfish to lead the first day. Coming back a day early, Use of Proceeds picked up a sailfish release to secure their victory, also giving them a two-day grand slam of three different billfish species released. The team

Billfishing Magazine

Left: Despite being down an engine for much of the tournament, the Use of Proceeds team made the best of the situation, releasing two blue marlin, a white marlin and a sailfish in two days to earn first place. Below: The Miss Lona team prepares to weigh their yellowfin tuna, a 129-pounder that would win that division.

banked over $71,600 in prize money along the way, more than enough to cover their repair bill. Use of Proceeds angler Dave Monda would be the Top WBS Angler for the tournament, earning an invitation to the WBS Grand Championships to be held later this year in Los Sueños, Costa Rica. The First Draw found second place in the tournament, also returning to the docks with a tournament grand slam and plenty of flags flying from their outriggers. Tom Jackson and Brad Hickman released a blue marlin, a pair of white marlin and a sailfish to accumulate 1,200 points and second place in the billfish division. Over 28 billfish were released before the teams had to be back at Marina Jack’s for the weigh-in and review of the releases recorded on video and cameras. Like all WBS sanctioned tournaments, IGFA rules apply to all anglers, and the team aboard Miss Lona followed them well when a huge yellowfin tuna slammed their long center rigger rod that was being fished way back off a rodholder on the flybridge. Angler Matt Barry worked his way off the bridge and down to the cockpit without handing

off the rod and finishing the fight after a grueling 70 minute battle, returning back to the dock with a first place tuna win in the bag with their 129-pounder. It was sushi time on the docks! Team Fins took the win in the dolphin category with a 35-pound bull dorado; they also released nine sailfish for a tournament record. Unfortunately, their point total wouldn’t be enough to overcome the mark set by Use of Proceeds. However, anyone familiar with this region will agree that to release nine sails in two days is definitely world-class angling. Fish or Cut Bait won the wahoo division with a 36-pounder but lost an estimated 700-pound blue marlin before getting the leader in hand. With a modified release format where only the largest fish are allowed to be brought aboard, this could have meant the difference in winning or losing the tournament so the loss of that fish was a real heartbreaker for everyone aboard. Later at the awards though, team angler Stuart Danemin won the 22-foot Pathfinder bay boat in the tournament raffle, proving that you win some and lose some.

Nearly a thousand pounds of fish were donated to The Food Bank of Manatee County, one of the tournament’s many charity ties, to help feed the needy in the local community. Camp Florida Fish Tales and the Suncoast Foundation for the Handicapped also received a portion of the proceeds to help their great organizations. It’s just another example of how tournament sportfishing benefits the local and regional areas in which they are held.

Staying There Although they remain one of the area’s top attractions, there’s far more to Sarasota than white sandy beaches. Stroll through an art museum where the Venetian-style architecture is as much an art form as the masterpieces within. Gaze upon rare exotic orchids. Find the perfect gift in one of the most renowned shopping areas in the world. Paddle through lush tropical forests. Listen to a full orchestra ensemble. Make a tee time, or if you prefer, make time for tea. Want to hit the links? Sarasota was home to Florida’s first golf course and one of America’s first courses dedi-

cated to the Scottish game of kings. Sir John Hamilton Gillespie, a Scottish colonist, built the nine-hole course in 1905. Perhaps a little more solitude is up your alley. Myakka River State Park, at 28,875 acres, is Florida‘s largest state park based on land area. Rent a kayak and take a lazy paddle down the river, stopping for a picnic lunch along The way. No matter what your distraction from the beach, the Sarasota area has a multitude of activities. For more information please visit. Billfishing Magazine

Islamorda Swordfish Tournament Islamorda, FL www.miamiswordfishtournament.com

www.FishWBS.com

wordfish are one of the most interesting and resourceful of the world’s billfish species. They can be caught both night and day on a wide variety of baits, both alive and dead, and can put up a fight worthy of a heavyweight boxer. Scientists have discovered that these fish can range from the surface to depths of over 2,000 feet in search of prey, and have specialized cells that enable their eyes to actually heat themselves to allow for increased vision in the dark depths.

ow more than ever before, anglers are targeting swordfish thanks to both an increase in their populations through sound conservation management measures and a wider understanding of the techniques used in this fishery. From the Texas coast to the Mid-Atlantic canyons off New York and New Jersey, more anglers are trying their collective hands at catching a swordfish or two, and more often than not, the ones putting in the time and effort are reaping the rewards.

Like many other fisheries around the world, what works in one place can be adapted to work in another. The swordfish fishery is really no different, with the techniques being adapted from place to place depending on the situation. It’s generally accepted that the stretch of the Sunshine State from Miami south through the Florida Keys is the birthplace of modern swordfishing techniques and know-how—it was these intrepid anglers who first learned that the best time to target these predators was after the sun set, and that by using chemical glow-sticks attached to the leader, more fish would be able to locate the bait (and therefore, the hook). Refining these simple guidelines even further led to the development of lighting, both above and below the water’s surface, to attract schools of squid, and to fish baits at different depths throughout the water column. Now, it’s not uncommon to hear reports of boats catching swordies in places like North Carolina and Louisiana, thanks to those early innovations by “those Florida boys.”

So with that being said, it’s always interesting to return to the birthplace of the fishery. Now with a few years under its belt, the Florida Swordfish Series is the most prestigious of its type found anywhere in the world, with anglers and captains that are truly on the razor’s leading edge of the sport. This year’s series, once again proudly sponsored by Southstar Development Partners, kicked off in the fishing community of Islamorada in the Florida Keys, where teams would compete for the individual tournament prizes as well as a shot at the overall series champion and an additional $10,000.

By Eric West Photos by Peter Caspari

Following a diet-busting buffet at the historic Islamorada Fishing Club, the gathered teams were ready to hit the water for the first evening of competition. While the Florida Swordfish Series is modeled after traditional billfish tournaments, the fishing times are reversed: lines in happens at eight o’clock in the evening, and lines out is at three o’clock in the morning. To help ward off hunger and thirst, on the first night each team received a complimentary boxed dinner as well as beverages from Red Bull, Fiji Water and Miller Beer. Billfishing Magazine

Staying There: Cheeca Lodge

Just over an hour into the tournament, angler Shawn Truesdale was able to release the first swordfish of the night aboard the Boat Center. The radio remained fairly quiet the rest of the night, with the fleet releasing seven swordfish in all. However, the Shock and Awe team called in that they had a fish in the boat and were headed to the scales. A short while later, angler Scott Salley and the team were rewarded with a healthy 169-pounder to their credit. According to the tournament’s rules, a swordfish must be a minimum of 60 inches from the tip of the lower jaw to the fork of the tail. This is substantially longer than the federal requirement of just 47 inches, meaning that the majority of fish will be released unharmed. Released swordies are worth 100 points and any legal fish weighed in score one point per pound—the early lead in the

Visitors to Islamorada’s Cheeca Lodge often feel as if they have found a special hideaway. At this resort, an hour and a half south of urban Miami, elegance comes wrapped in a casual atmosphere that’s unmistakably the Florida Keys. Rooms here feature Italian-marble baths, plasma TVs, and views of either the Atlantic or a serpentine, manmade lagoon. A large pool overlooks the ocean and the 525-foot pier that stretches out into it. Days here start with breakfast under a thatch-roof porch and end at Atlantic’s Edge, the white-tablecloth restaurant serving five-star cuisine. In between, there are plenty of opportunities for sportfishing (Islamorada is known as the Fishing Capital of the Keys) tennis, spa treatments, and drinks at the tiki bar. The sun, water, and coastal vibe make any trip to The Keys a fun one, but a stay at Cheeca makes it special. For more information, please visit www.cheeca.com or call 800-327-2888.

tournament’s big fish of the series division would therefore go to Shock and Awe with 169 points. Capt. Jim Mulcahy and his anglers Peter Miller and Kelly Mayo scored two releases on the Get Lit, and Randy Towe skippered the My Sea Cin to a pair of releases and 200 points as well. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had a change in store for the fleet for Night Two. Where they fished the previous evening in calm seas under a stunning full moon, the second evening brought with it the first few puffs from the still-developing Tropical Storm Faye—15 knot winds and higher gusts meant a tough time offshore. And whether the full moon or the weather was to blame, but the fishing was also uncharacteristically slow by Islamorada standards. The only bright spot of the evening fell on Capt. Ricky Linder and the Jichi team, who tallied three releases in fairly rapid succession to quickly take over first place in the tournament. Luis Isias would be the event’s Top WBS Angler, upping his point total in the Southeast Division by three releases along the way. The Kiss Country team had the only other release of the night.

Luis Isais was the event’s Top WBS Angler, fishing aboard the Jichi.

At that point, Tropical Storm Faye really became a nuisance, causing a mandatory evacuation of all non-residents from the Florida Keys. This also caused the awards celebration to be postponed as the participants were more concerned with high-tailing it out of Islamorada ahead of the crowds, but despite the weather and slow fishing an outstanding time was had by the crowd once again this year.

Billfishing Magazine

Jason Buck Profile Tournament Awards 2008 1st Place Blue Marlin: Miss. Gulf Coast Billfish Classic 1st Place Wahoo: New Orleans Ladies Tournament 3rd Place Release Div: Outcast Blue Marlin Classic, AL 3rd Place Release Div: Cajun Canyons Classic, LA 2007 1st Place Wahoo/2nd Place Dolphin: New Orleans Ladies Tournament 3rd Place Dolphin: Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic 2006 1st Place T&R: Mobile Big Game Ladies Tournament 1st Place Release: Orange Beach Billfish Classic, AL 1st Place Release: Outcast Blue Marlin Classic, AL 2005 1st Place T&R: Orange Beach Billfish Classic, AL 1st Place Blue Marlin: Outcast Blue Marlin Classic, AL 2003 1st Place Release Div: Dominican Republic Billfish Cup, DR Favorite Billfishing Location: “Panama. Predictably the most unpredictable place in the world, according to Randy Baker.” Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “I didn’t know there was a difference!”

he first tournament I fished was the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo in the late 1980s when I was 13 years old. We killed a sailfish and I caught a snake mackerel at night to win $250 for the most unusual category. The crew was very professional and I knew what I wanted to do for a living after that weekend. After I got out of the Coast Guard in 1999, I only fished two or three tournaments a year until I moved back to Alabama and have fished all the eastern Gulf tournaments for the past four years.” “I’ve been blessed with fishing and working with great owners and crews that have provided some unforgettable experiences. Some of the ones that really stand out for me are going five for 10 on blue marlin in one day at Cocos Island, Costa Rica, and five for eight on blues in Panama. The biggest one was a blue we called at 800 [pounds] with only the crew aboard fishing our way back to the city in Panama. Recently in the Greens Canyon out of Louisiana we were reeling in three yellowfins all over 60 pounds—we had the first two in the boat and our mate Travis was wiring the third when a big blue tried to eat it. It was so close and in clean water so you can imagine the excitement. We caught it and it measured 124 inches short length with a 64-inch girth as best we could measure in the water.”

Other interests: “Deer hunting. I like the challenge to take one with my bow because I’m not yet an experienced bow hunter. The challenge really gets me going.” Occupation: “Cleaning bilges.” Favorite Fish Story: “We had a dozen shots at blues before 1:30 one day in Panama. We had to go back to the lodge to watch the Saints lose to the Bears in the NFL playoffs. It’s my favorite because I can let my imagination run wild on what we could have done with the second half of that day. Thanks Dubby, black and gold to the toilet bowl!”

“We practice fish like we’re in a tournament. Hopefully the boat and tackle are constantly maintained so that when tournament time comes around there isn’t too much additional work to do. I try to get some extra sleep so you’re alert in that few seconds that really count, then try to go out and have some fun no matter how much it’s worth.” Billfishing Magazine

David Perry Profile Tournament Awards 2008 Top WBS Angler: Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin 1st Place Marlin: ECBC/Sandestin 1st Place Tuna: ECBC/Sandestin 2007 1st Place Tuna: Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin (Tournament Record 179 pounds) 3rd Place Dolphin: Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic 2006 3rd Place Marlin: Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic 2004 1st Place Tuna: Mobile Big Game Fishing Club Labor Day Invitational 2nd Place Dolphin: Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin Favorite Billfishing Location: “The Gulf of Mexico is all I know. Give me a blue/green push of water and a fat weedline at Lloyd’s Ridge and it’s go time!” Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “I really enjoy fishing for tuna at night around the oil rigs off the Louisiana coast.” Other Interests: “SCUBA diving, wild boar hunting, and motorcycle riding, dirt and street.” Occupation: “Custom motorcycle builder.”

was invited to fish with team Up To It by owner Trip Tolbert in 2004. I missed the 2005 season but came back strong in 2006, 2007 and 2008. We fish an average of five tournaments a year in the Gulf Coast division of the WBS. Special thanks go to Trip Tolbert and the Up To It team for the opportunity to fish with some of the most talented and dedicated bluewater fishermen in the world.” “For personal records, I’d have to say being named the WBS Top Angler in the 2008 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic at Sandestin is a definite highlight for me. That same year, we had the first place blue marlin at 406.3 pounds and also the first place tuna at 145.1 pounds. Not to mention that it’s our first place in the tuna category for two years in a row in that tournament—we set the event record in 2007 with a 179pound yellowfin, and followed up to repeat the win in the category this year.”

Favorite Fish Story: “The 2008 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic started out to be a long tournament for us. It was our first event using circle hooks and we missed a few small fish right away. Near the end of the first day, something smashed the long rigger and two hours later we boated a nice tuna. That night we motored about 100 miles inshore to get set up for Day Two. Around midday we found a nice patch of grass and started live-baiting it, and an hour later we had a nice blue marlin crashing bait all around us. The fish showed itself about three times every hour, but by now other boats had seen it as well—we even had a boat pulling lures come between us and the grass. All we could do was shake our heads in disbelief. Then we saw a second marlin feeding, smaller than the first one. Finally I had a bite—I was using a 3-pound chicken dolphin so I went to freespool then eased the drag up and she was on. Two hours later we had her in the boat and so we took off for home where we waited for four hours to weigh the only two fish we had on board: the marlin and our tuna. It was a nail-biter, with our marlin winning first place by one-tenth of a pound and beating third place by a pound and a tenth.”

“I prepare myself before each season by getting in good physical condition. I feel that getting the fish to the boat fast puts less stress on the fish. The bulk of the tackle and boat prep is done by first mates Brandon Fredrick and Jim Kennedy and Capt. Jeremy Miles. These guys are pros. They deserve all the credit for tackle prep. We start three days before each tournament by relining all the rods, sharpening hooks and making new wind-on leaders. Then we rig dead baits and catch live bait before we put a line in the water.” “Sportfishing has grown at a phenomenal rate over the past 10 years. The technology in new boats and tackle is amazing, and I think this trend will carry on through the future thanks in part to organizations like the WBS.”

David Perry, right, caught a 406.3 pound blue marlin this year at the Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Tournament. Billfishing Magazine 47

Juan Carlos “Juanca” Torruella Profile Tournament Awards 1990 1st Place Blue Marlin: Club Nautico de San Juan Int’l Billfish Toun. 1994 1st Place: Puerto Rico Light Tackle Anglers Tarpon Tourn. 1995 1st Place: Puerto Rico Light Tackle Anglers Bluewater Tourn. 1997 Best Angler: Puerto Rico Marlin Cup 2003 Best Boat: Club Nautico de San Juan Int’l Billfish Tourn. 3rd Place Angler: San Juan Int’l Billfish Tourn. 2004 2nd Place Boat: Club Nautico de San Juan Int’l Billfish Tourn. 2005 Best Boat/Best Angler: Cangrejos Yacht Club Tourn. Favorite Billfishing Location: “The Mona Passage, west coast of Puerto Rico. It’s like spring break for our blue marlin: they feed, they spawn and they have a good time there.” Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “Pinones, Puerto Rico. I can catch tarpon at sunrise and then go vertical jigging for tuna, wahoo, kingfish and amberjack ending up sore and bruised by 10 o’clock in the morning. Then I have the rest of the day to catch my blue marlin. Five times out of ten, I’ll get one if the moon is right.” Other Interests: “Fishing, fishing and more fishing.” Occupation: “Owner and editor of El Pescador, Puerto Rico’s first and only sportfishing magazine.”

started fishing tournaments 25 years ago aboard my father’s 45-foot Chris-Craft, Sharon. My first event was the Club Deportivo del Oeste’s blue marlin tournament in Mayaguez. Since then I’ve fished in over 150 tournaments in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, Mexico and Venezuela.”

Thoughts on the Future of Sportfishing: “We must start area closures and longline bans in all of the world’s oceans because if not our billfish will not stand a chance—the current measures do not adequately protect the resource. Longliners and purse seiners are the cause of our billfish decline and their regulatory agency, ICCAT, is always going to protect commercial interests. As long as ICCAT is in control, our billfish will continue to be in serious jeopardy.” Favorite Fish Story: “The one I bring back from me every time I go fishing seems to

“My best personal day was going five for eight on blue marlin at the Pichincho Bank on the western coast of Puerto Rico, all on 30- and 50-pound test line. I tagged and released four of those blues on my rod. My biggest blue ever weighed was 676 pounds and my largest released so far was over 700 pounds. And in Guatemala I caught 34 sails in four days on my own rod.” “We catch our own bait here—we clean them, brine them and they swim great, so that plays a very important part in our tournament preparation. Fresh bait makes a huge difference, especially with the whites and sails. And circle hooks rock! They are awesome.”

Juan Carlos aboard the El Pescador, on the hunt for another Puerto Rican blue marlin release. Billfishing Magazine

2008 WORLD TOUR SPONSORS The following companies proudly support the World Billfish Series and the sport of billfishing as sponsors of the 2008 WBS World Tour.

www.FishWBS.com

Bacardi USA Marketer of fine spirits, including the world’s number one rum.

2100 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33137-5028

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

Bank Of America Helping customers fulfill their dreams every day.

100 North Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28255

Phone: 866-887-3259 www.bankofamerica.com

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

3663 NW 21st St. Miami, FL 33142

Phone: 305-633-8011 www.bertram.com

Blue Water Shirt Club For Saltwater Sportman, who enjoy finding interesting and unique Tees.

1826 Sally Hill Farms Blvd. Florence, SC 29501

Contact: Chris Lynch Phone: 843-679-0045 www.bluewatershirtclub.com

Costa Del Mar Manufacturer of premium performance sunglasses.

2361 Mason Ave. Suite 100 Daytona Beach, FL 32117

Phone: 386-677-3700 www.costadelmar.com

El Cid One of Mexico’s finest resort destinations.

Av. Camaron Sabalo S/N PO Box 183 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

Marina Pez Vela Costa Rica’s newest full-service marina project.

International Sales 5349 SW Running Oak Circle Stuart, FL 34997

Contact: Glen Mumford Phone: 772-342-1240 www.marinapezvela.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

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

Sebago Footwear Fit, durability, comfort and style since 1946.

9341 Courtland Drive HA-140 Rockford, MI 49351

Phone: 800-789-8586 www.sebago.com

Underwater Lights Limited If it doesn’t say “limited” on the box, it is not our lights.

Royale Palm Yacht Basin, Ste. C 629 NE 3rd Street Dania, FL 33004

Contact: Martyn Bignell Phone 954-524-2844 www.underwaterlights.com

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

YachtPath Providing global yacht transpot services to the world’s most popular destinations.

2401 PGA Boulevard, Suite 155 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Krista Kersey Phone: 561-784-6700 www.yachtpath.com

Yamaha Motor Corp. Manufacturer of two- and four-stroke outboard engines.

1270 Chastain Rd. Kennesaw, GA 30144

Contact: Mike Dixon Phone: 770-420-5800 www.yamaha-motor.com

2008 WORLD TOUR STANDINGS

Sil ve r

Boat Name Catch One Sandman Rude Awakening Sandman Miss Britt 1 Priceless Catch One Miss Annie Money Shot Blank Check Chips Ahoy Get Lit Certifiable Sandra T Miss Britt 1 Big Oh Covert Mission Anejo Certifiable Masque Lady Lane Money Shot Sandra T X Generation

350 350 350 350 650 50 275 275 0 0 0 575 200 125 575 275 125 0 0 0 500 0 125 500

350 50 450 75 275 50 0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 125 0 0 0 0 0 0

650 875 150 650 0 0 200 425 725 675 500 0 275 125 0 200 350 350 575 125 0 500 125 0

275 0 350 0 0 275 0 0 0 0 0 0 125 200 0 0 0 0 0 350 0 0 125 0

650 0 0 0 0 275 350 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Angler Mark Wodlinger Sandra Kirkpatrick Rudy Polselli Jr. Todd Kirkpatrick Dave Dickerson Lev Mullins Erik Waldin Mark Donahue Eddie Lopez Dan Doyle Jr. Chip Sheehan Kitt Toomey Matt Lynch Serena Wilson Danny Farkas Gray Ingram Tom Craig Dave Przysinda Colin Murphy Mark Schwartz Rob Lane Manny Menendez Sandy Kaupe Doug Kontz

Sa ilfi sh De Jup rb y ite To r B ur ill na fis me h nt Bu cc Sa ane ilfi er sh C Re up lea se We st Sa Pa ilfi lm sh B Cla eac ss h Fo ic rt Bil Lau lfis de h T rda ou le rn am El en Pe t To sca ur do na B me ill nt fish Ne w Bil Sm lfis yr h I na nv Be ita ac tio h na l

TREASURE COAST DIVISION

0 150 0 150 100 200 0 100 50 50 100 50 0 150 0 100 100 100 0 100 50 50 150 0

2275 1425 1300 1225 1025 850 825 800 775 725 650 625 600 600 575 575 575 575 575 575 550 550 525 500

0 0 2700 575 900 650 0 1675 0 1450 1700 175 900 0 1700 700 0 125 0 0 0 525 900 450 0 525 2150 0 1700 0 900 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 450 0 300 0 300 1250 0 0 0

Ha rb ou Ha r rb Bo ou a r Isl Bil t H an lfis arb d h B ou las r BB t C Tre as ur eC Ab ay ac oB i l lfis BB hC C Ch Bo ha lle am at ng pio Har e ns bo VI hip ur GF C Jul yO A.H pe To . R n ur iis na e B me V Clu nt I B illf Bil b N ish lfis au t Pr h To ico I Caesid urnantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l rib ent me be ial nt an Cu p C

ars h

BB C

Boat Name Big Oh Mama Who Domarlo Cerveza Loose Crew Liquid Gold Therapy Smooth Finish Deguello Big Oh Wave Paver Juel Marie Rum Bum Desperado Miller Time Southern Comfort Gulf Rascal Gregarious Off the Hook Miss Annie Uno Mas Our Dream Adios Rude Awakening

0 0 925 450 1328 450 0 0 575 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 175 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 450 450 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 450 450 0 1650 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 850 975 0 0 0 450 0 450 0 1250 850 0 0 0 0 0 0 1375 0 0 1250 175 0

0 0 125 0 0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 1650 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 450 0 0 0

0 450 450 900 0 0 175 0 50 0 450 0 0 0 0 175 0 0 175 850 0 0 0 0

2050 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 450 0 0 0 450 0 0 0

1250 0 0 0 0 0 450 0 450 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 1250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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

1700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1725 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 375 0 0 1500

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Angler Gray Ingram Lainey Jones Heather Rintoul Steve Schmeusser Laura Beth Hannah Susan Clements Morgan Miller Brad Aery Chris Domel Kevin Paul Jr. Davis Dugan McLauglin Luis Bacardi John Lancaster Dan Roebuck III Peter Angel Rod Windley Greg Barber Robert Southard Sr. Frank Naparano Brooks Smith Bill Gardner Steve Lewis Austin Texas

BB C

Ce nt ral

Ab ac o

CARIBBEAN DIVISION

150 0 0 150 0 0 0 0 500 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 100 150 0 0 100 0

5150 4575 4025 3175 2778 2775 2425 2400 2300 2275 2225 2200 2175 2150 2150 1725 1700 1650 1650 1625 1575 1550 1525 1500

Billfishing Magazine

2008 WORLD TOUR STANDINGS

FY I

Sa ilfi sh Kic ko Th ff eS ail fis hT ou Ch rn . ee Pr ca es Lo ide dg nt e ial Sa M ilfi iam sh iM ay or ’s Ca Cu pt. p Bil Bo lfis b h C Lew ha is M lle iam ng e To i B ur ill na fis me h nt Isl am Sw ora o r da dfi sh M To iam ur n. Sw i or dfi sh To ur n.

SOUTHEAST DIVISION

275 200 425 275 425 200 275 200 275 200 275 200 0 200 0 200 125 0 125 275 200 200 125 125

275 425 125 0 0 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 500 275 200 0 0 125 0 0 125 0 0 0

500 425 0 0 500 125 350 0 575 350 0 0 0 200 0 425 200 0 350 0 0 0 0 0

0 200 275 425 200 0 0 200 0 200 200 275 275 125 125 200 200 125 0 200 0 200 125 125

200 400 650 700 0 425 350 350 275 200 125 500 200 125 0 0 200 725 0 275 200 275 250 250

650 350 275 500 425 425 350 575 125 275 575 200 200 200 800 250 275 0 475 125 350 200 375 350

800 300 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

550 300 300 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Boat Name Jichi Get Lit G Team Uptight Wound Up Weez in the Keys Team Costa Night Prowler No Mercy Wound Up Sandman Ventolera L&H Get Lit Bouncer’s Dusky Wound Up Miss Costa 4 Aces Off the Hook Boat Center Game Time Sandman Priceless Priceless

Angler Luis Isaias Peter Miller Johnny White Jeffrey Fiorentino Warren Sands Scott Robins Rick Murphy Raul Gonzales Rick Arnold Janice Sands Sandra Kirkpatrick Osvaldo Vento Debbi David Kitt Toomey Amanda Nichols Brett Dudas Bill Danko Peter Adrian Robert Southard Jr. Gary Lawson Angel Veliz Todd Kirkpatrick Bill Crabill Jorge Sanchez

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

3250 2600 2100 1900 1550 1375 1325 1325 1250 1225 1175 1175 1175 1125 1125 1075 1000 975 950 875 875 875 875 850

Boat Name Spanish Fly Sweet Dreams Super Fly Hattaboy Prime Time Super Fly Miss Behavin’ Lady Columbo Dream Maker Prime Time Muy Caliente Gringo Honeymoon The Bite Iron Trader After You Penguin El Jefe Grande Dealer’s Choice Uno Mas Predator Miss Behavin’ Clean Sweep Miss Behavin’ Sweet Dreams

www.FishWBS.com

2275 2350 1775 1950 2350 1400 1475 1875 1800 1225 1325 1550 2150 1325 1400 1000 900 850 925 0 350 275 1000 575

1750 950 950 1025 275 650 1125 600 650 1200 1000 650 0 825 650 975 1025 975 825 1750 1350 1425 675 1100

275 0 425 0 0 575 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Angler Mainor Oporto Ron Lea William Easum Arturo Nunez Keylor Vindas Jimmy Taylor Roberto Gonzales Ron Hutchings Warner Porra Russ Nixdorf Paul Snow Hector Rodriguez Mariano Da Brian Bemis Chris Fischer Chris Lepping Carlos Cambronero Eric McDowell Darwin Aranda Edwin Bustos RJ Lily Andrew Shapiro David Finkelstein Robert Beasley

Lo s Sig Sue na ño tu s re Se rie sI Lo sS Sig ue na ño tu s re Se rie sI Th I eP Ch re all sid en en ge tal of Co sta Th Ric eP a Ch re all sid en en ge ta of l El Sa lva Lo do sS r Inv ue ita ño tio s M na a l rlin Th e Ch Pre all sid en en ge tia of l Gu ate ma la

PACIFIC DIVISION

4300 3300 3150 2975 2625 2625 2600 2475 2450 2425 2325 2200 2150 2150 2050 1975 1925 1825 1750 1750 1700 1700 1675 1675

2008 WORLD TOUR STANDINGS

0 0 0 850 0 0 0 0 650 450 250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 450 450 450 450 450

450 450 0 0 0 575 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 550 0 450 0 0 0 0 0

300 450 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 50 400 0 575 575 575 450 0 525 0 0 0 0 0 0

175 175 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 175 0 800 0 0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

575 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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

0 0 450 0 850 0 0 0 0 0 0 600 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 450 0 0 0 0 700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Boat Name Reel Addiction Quick Time Use of Proceeds High C’s Use of Proceeds Sophie Louise Born 2 Run Cabo Loco You Never Know! Jena Suzanne Ultimate Lure FINS Sea Spray Honey Jolly B First Choice Desperado Bella Maria First Choice Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

EVENT CANCELLED

Angler Rocky Jones Michael Burroughs Johnny Koontz Chace Nelson Scott Elliot Troy Turner Kyle Avenarius Steve Pappen Sari Turner Terry Stewart Frank Fabre Andy Ford Blan Marriott Harry Coleman Hugh Scott Dennis Pasentine David Wilkins R. Wayne Lewis John Pasentine Bradley Shivers Brett Loper Charles Nelson Chuck Jordan Joey Brewer

M o M bile em BG ori FC M iss al D ay Co iss as ipp Tou tB iG rn Ne i . w llfish ulf Bil Or C lfis lea las h n Em To s In sic u v e r Blu ald rnam t’l e M Co en t a as Pe ns rlin t C a Bil co lfis la lassi Ba h To Int’l c y u Bil Poin rnam lfis t e I Ou h To nt’l nt u t M cast rnam arl B in lue ent C Te xa lass ic To s In ur t’l na F Or me ishi n n a Bil nge t g lfis Be Sa h Cl ach ra a Fis sota ssic hin S g T lam ou -H Ol rn BA dS am alt en Lo t op To ur n.

GULF COAST DIVISION

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 0

1675 1350 900 850 850 800 800 700 650 650 650 600 575 575 575 575 550 525 500 450 450 450 450 450

0 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 150 0 0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 100

4050 1279 1150 1125 1125 1109 900 750 750 725 675 675 650 625 625 625 608 600 600 575 575 575 575 575

Boat Name Shark Byte Mimi Roulette Sea Splendour Reel Jim Last Run Shark Byte Sea Wolf Turn Me Loose Cerveza Daymaker Judge DA Sea Rascal Syked Out Cookie II Over the Top Viking 68 Triple A Maximus A-Lure Sea Hunt Cookie II Let it Ride

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 125 275 0 0 425 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 0 0 200 350 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

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

3125 0 0 300 0 1109 350 750 300 175 0 675 650 0 0 575 608 425 0 575 575 575 575 300

0 1229 450 0 850 0 0 0 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 175 600 0 0 0 0 175

925 0 0 825 0 0 550 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 575 0 275 0 0 0 0 275 200 0 0 0 275 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Angler Peter Cherasia Trey Irvine Richard Pingree Andy Levy Jim Hobbs Robert Lockwood Chris Wood Dwight Wolf David Thomas Greg Boger Mark Daniels Martin Judge Valerie Dunn Douglas Miller Holly McAlhany John Caputo Ben Marino Don Gemmell Jeff Stonehill Bill Demchack Keith Kurek Rick Hoenes Sonny Falcone James Kontos

Ch a Re rles s to Bil ort & n H lfis M ar h T a bor ou rine HM rn am Bil Y-V en lfis ik t h T ing ou M rna ega me do N. nt ck C Ba . Du nd ck the s U Bil nlim lfis it h T ed W ou hit rn. eM arl in Op Pir en a To te’s ur C na ov me e nt Bill fis h M idAt lan tic $5 00 ,00 Th eS 0 ail fis hS lam

MID-ATLANTIC DIVISION

Billfishing Magazine

2008

WBS

WORLD

*The World Billfish Series reserves the right to make changes in the Schedule, including additions and deletions of events, at any time during the course

Tournaments By Division MID-ATLANTIC DIVISION Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina Billfish Tourn., 6/25 - 6/28 HMY-Viking Megadock Billfish Tournament, 7/9 - 7/12 N.C. Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish, 7/31 - 8/2 White Marlin Open, 8/4 - 8/8 Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament, 8/11 - 8/15 Mid-Atlantic $500,000, 8/17 - 8/22 The Sailfish Slam, 10/1 - 10/4 SOUTHEAST DIVISION FYI Sailfish Kickoff, 12/6 - 12/9 (2007) The Sailfish Tournament, 1/10 - 1/12 Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament, 1/17 - 1/19 Miami Mayor's Cup, 1/24 - 1/27 Captain Bob Lewis Billfish Challenge, 2/28 - 3/2 Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament, 4/3 - 4/6 Islamorada Swordfish Tournament, 8/15 - 8/17 Miami Swordfish Tournament, 9/12 - 9/14 TREASURE COAST DIVISION Silver Sailfish Derby, 1/7 - 1/10 Jupiter Billfish Tournament, 1/9 - 1/11 Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Tournament, 1/15 - 1/19 Palm Beach Sailfish Classic, 1/22 - 1/26 Ft. Lauderdale Billfish Tournament, 2/27 - 3/2 El Pescado Billfish Tournament, 10/2 - 10/4 New Smyrna Beach Billfish Invt'l, 10/9 - 10/12 GULF COAST DIVISION Mobile BGFC Memorial Day Tournament, 5/23 - 5/26 Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, 6/4 - 6/8 New Orleans Invitational Billfish Tournament, 6/11 - 6/15 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, 6/24 - 6/29 Pensacola International Billfish Tournament, 7/3 - 7/6 Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament, 7/9 - 7/13 Outcast Blue Marlin Classic, 7/23 - 7/26 Texas International Fishing Tournament, 7/30 - 8/3 Orange Beach Billfish Classic, 7/30 - 8/3 Sarasota Slam-HBA Fishing Tournament, 8/6 - 8/9 Old Salt Loop Tournament, 8/15 - 8-18 CARIBBEAN DIVISION BBC Central Abaco Championship, 4/13 - 4/18 BBC Marsh Harbour Championship, 4/27 - 5/2 BBC Harbour Island, 5/11 - 5/16 Boat Harbour Billfish Blast, 5/26 - 5/30 BBC Treasure Cay Championship, 6/1 - 6/6 Abaco Billfish Challenge, 6/10 - 6/13 BBC Boat Harbour Championship, 6/15 - 6/20 VIGFC July Open, 7/14 - 7/17 A.H. Riise BVI Billfish Tournament, 7/19 - 7/23 Club Nautico Int’l Billfish Tourn. of San Juan, 8/11 – 8/16 Presidential Caribbean Cup, 9/12 - 9/14 PACIFIC DIVISION Los Sueños Signature Series #1, 1/21 - 1/24 Los Sueños Signature Series #2, 3/12 - 3/15 The Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica, 4/12 - 4/14 The Presidential Challenge of El Salvador, 11/10 - 11/12 Los Sueños Marlin Invitational, 11/19 - 11/22 The Presidential Challenge of Guatemala, 11/21 - 11/23 SOUTH PACIFIC DIVISION South Indian Ocean Billfish Tournament, 2/10 - 2/16 Broken Bay Fishing Club Invitational Tournament, 3/14 - 3/16 Raiatea International Billfish Tournament, 3/24 - 3/29 Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic, 10/13 - 10/20 MEXICO DIVISION Cancun Billfish Classic, 4/23 - 4/26 Puerto Los Cabos Billfish Classic, 5/12 - 5/16 Puerto Los Cabos World Cup, 10/14 - 10/18 Mazatlán Billfish Classic, 11/5 - 11/8 Puerto Vallarta Billfish Classic, 11/12 - 11/14

2008 WBS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS December 3 – 6, 2008

DECEMBER 6 - 9, 2007 Miami, Florida FYI Sailfish Kickoff Anthony Albelo (305) 461-2700

MARCH 12 - 15 Playa Herradura, Costa Rica Los Sueños Signature Series - #2 Ashley Bretecher abretecher@lossuenosresort.com

JANUARY 2 - 5, 2008 Palm Beach, Florida Silver Sailfish Derby Tom Twyford (561) 832-6780

MARCH 14 - 16 Broken Bay, Australia Broken Bay Game Fishing Club Craig Findlay cfindlay@sge.com

JANUARY 9 - 11 Jupiter, Florida Jupiter Billfish Tournament Scott Nichols (561) 262-6424

MARCH 24 - 29 Raiatea, Tahiti, French Polynesia Raiatea Int’l Billfish Tournament Dominique Goche 011-689-60-05-45

JANUARY 9 - 12 Playa Herradura, Costa Rica Los Sueños Signature Series - #I Ashley Bretecher abretecher@lossuenosresort.com

APRIL 3 - 6 Miami, Florida Yamaha Contender Miami Judy Layne (305) 598-2525

JANUARY 10 - 13 Miami, Florida The Sailfish Tournament Richard Peeples III (305) 672-38075

APRIL 12 - 14 Samara, Costa Rica Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica Joan Vernon (305) 361-9258

JANUARY 15 - 19 Singer Island, Florida Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Gary Caputi (732) 899-9988

APRIL 13 - 18 Treasure Cay, Bahamas BBC Central Abaco Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

JANUARY 17 - 19 Islamorada, Florida Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Liz Hill (305) 451-5094

APRIL 23 - 26 Cancun, Mexico Cancun Billfish Classic Harvey L. Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899

JANUARY 22 - 26 West Palm Beach, Florida Palm Beach Sailfish Classic Pat Ross (561) 818-6095

APRIL 27 - MAY 2 Boat Harbour, Bahamas BBC Marsh Harbour Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

JANUARY 24 - 27 Miami, Florida Miami Mayor’s Cup Anthony Albelo (305) 461-2700

MAY 11 - 16 Eleuthera, Bahamas BBC Harbour Island Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

FEBRUARY 10 - 16 Black River, Mauritius South Indian Ocean Billfish Tourn. Kapil Ramnarain bvmarketing@intnet.mu

MAY 12 - 16 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Puerto Los Cabos Billfish Classic Harvey L. Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899

FEB 27 - MARCH 2 Fort Lauderdale, Florida Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tourn. Mark Constantino (877)-561-7245

MAY 23 - 26 Orange Beach, Alabama Mobile BGFC Memorial Day Bill Waechter (251) 402-8392

FEB 28 - MARCH 2 Miami, Florida Capt. Bob Lewis Billfish Challenge Janice Sands (305) 525-8941

MAY 26 - 30 Marsh Harbour, Bahamas Boat Harbour Billfish Blast Mike Dickman (954) 926-0400

OUR

SCHEDULE

of the year. Please visit our website at www.fishwbs.com for the most up to date tournament information.

JUNE 1 - 6 Treasure Cay, Bahamas BBC Treasure Cay Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

JULY 23 - 26 Orange Beach, Alabama Outcast Blue Marlin Classic Tommy Holmes (850) 457-1450

SEPTEMBER 12 - 14 La Guaira, Venezuela Presidential Caribbean Cup Joan Vernon (305) 361-9258

JUNE 4 - 8 Biloxi, Mississippi Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic Bobby Carter (228) 436-7928

JULY 30 - AUGUST 3 South Padre Island, TX Texas Int’l Fishing Tournament (TIFT) Betty Wells (956) 943-8438

OCTOBER 1 - 4 Charleston, South Carolina The Sailfish Slam K.C. Rennie (843) 278-4914

JUNE 10 - 13 Marsh Harbour, Bahamas Abaco Billfish Challenge Amy Withers (305) 934-0505

JULY 30 - AUGUST 3 Orange Beach, Alabama Orange Beach Billfish Classic Beth Reed (251) 978-2524

OCTOBER 2 - 4 St. Augustine, Florida El Pescado Billfish Tourn. Dennis Rosa (904) 642-0210

JUNE 11 - 15 Venice, Louisiana New Orleans Invt’l Billfish Tourn. Charlie Catlinger (504) 237-4030

JULY 31 - AUGUST 2 Morehead City, North Carolina N.C. Ducks Unlimited Bob Lichauer (336) 454-5493

OCTOBER 4 - 11 Lizard Island, Australia Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic Bob Lowe 011-61-2-9546-8540

JUNE 15 - 20 Boat Harbour, Bahamas BBC Boat Harbour Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

AUGUST 4 - 8 Ocean City, Maryland White Marlin Open Jim Motsko (410) 289-9229

OCTOBER 9 - 12 New Smyrna Beach, Florida New Smyrna Beach Billfish Invt’l. Jon Zellar (386) 290-4181

JUNE 24 - 29 Sandestin, Florida Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Shawna Meisner (866) 505-4458

AUGUST 6 - 9 Sarasota, Florida Sarasota Slam-HBA Fishing Tournament T.J. Nutter (941) 650-2321

OCTOBER 14 - 18 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Puerto Los Cabos World Cup Harvey L. Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899

JUNE 25 - 28 Charleston, South Carolina Charleston Harbor Billfish Tourn. Deidre Menefee (843) 345-0369

AUGUST 11 - 15 Manteo, North Carolina Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tourn. Harry Hindmarsh (252) 473-1015

NOVEMBER 5 - 8 Mazatlán, Mexico Mazatlán Billfish Classic Harvey L. Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899

JULY 3 - 6 Pensacola, Florida Pensacola Int’l Billfish Tourn. Doug Quigley (850) 438-7561

AUGUST 11 - 16 San Juan, Puerto Rico San Juan Int’l Billfish Tourn. Gonzalo M. Ferrer (787) 727-7700

NOVEMBER 12 - 14 Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico Puerto Vallarta Billfish Classic Harvey L. Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899

JULY 9 - 12 Charleston, South Carolina HMY-Viking Megadock Billfishing Tourn. McKenzie Hutaff Estes (843) 278-4920

AUGUST 15 - 17 Islamorada, Florida Islamorada Swordfish Tourn. Richard Peeples III (305) 282-1006

NOVEMBER 10 - 12 Bahia Del Sol, El Salvador Presidential Challenge of El Salvador Joan Vernon (305) 361-9258

JULY 9 - 13 Panama City, Florida Bay Point Billfish Invt’l Chris Miller (850) 348-1489

AUGUST 15 - 18 St. Petersburg, Florida Old Salt Loop Tournament Tom Verdensky (727) 867-9388

NOVEMBER 19 - 22 Playa Herradura, Costa Rica Los Sueños Marlin Invitational Ashley Bretecher abretecher@lossuenosresort.com

JULY 14 - 17 St. Thomas, Virgin Islands VIGFC July Open Jeff Kreiner (404) 580-4126

AUGUST 17 - 22 Cape May, New Jersey Mid-Atlantic $500,000 Bob Glover (609) 884-2400

NOVEMBER 21 - 23 Iztapa, Guatemala Presidential Challenge of Guatemala Joan Vernon (305) 361-9258

JULY 19 - 23 Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands A.H. Riise BVI Billfish Tournament Lawrence Wheatley (284) 495-8002

SEPTEMBER 12 - 14 Miami, Florida Miami Swordfish Tournament Richard Peeples III (305) 282-1006

DECEMBER 3 - 6 WBS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS Los Sueños, Costa Rica Sam White (727) 864-4400 or www.FishWBS.com Billfishing Magazine