Vol 8, Issue 11 by Linda Fisher

Boat Division 2008 Viking

529

Hatteras

135

Contender

Spencer

Cabo

Motor Division 2008

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

Caterpillar

248

MAN

145

MTU/Detroit Diesel

141

Yamaha

Cummins

This award is presented annually to the top boat and motor manufacturing companies based on performance in over 50 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 Pirate’s Cove Marina Text Photo courtesy of Harry Hindmarsh

Departments 7

Editor’s Message

Upcoming Event Calendar

Industry News

12 Caught On The WBS World Tour

Desintations 18 Outer Banks, North Carolina Along North Carolina's Crystal Coast, beaches, nature and history all wait to be explored, and a new defini tion of vacation escape is yours to discover.

Tournament Tales

28 Los Sueños Marlin Invitational A Text

32 PCCA El Salvador Venezuela fishing hits high gear for the PCC.

36 PCCA Gualemala The Florida Swordfish Series winds up in Miami.

Angler Profiles 45 Rusty Ansell 47 Mark Fortier 49 Drew McDowell

Winners Wear Sebagos 17 The Top Anglers for 2008

Inside the WBS 52 2008 Standings 54 2008 World Tour Schedule

Billfishing Magazine

FROM THE WBS

E D I T O R ’ S

BILLFISHING

M E S S A G E

As we close out the books on the past twelve months and look ahead to 2009, I think it’s vital to keep an optimistic outlook. We’ve had an absolutely incredible season on the WBS World Tour this year, with some down to the wire tournament finishes as well as some long-standing records broken, despite the doom and gloom portrayed by the mainstream media. Even though tournament participation was down in a few geographic areas (the Bahamas were especially hard-hit this year) it remained strong in other regions, with a handful of events even seeing record payout levels in 2008. In short, tournament sportfishing is alive and well. And there are some bright spots ahead. Fuel prices appear to have dropped to much more realistic levels while the economy also seems to be stabilizing. Tournament sponsorships are down but there are still sponsors out there with money to spend, who understand that tournament sportfishing is a way for them to directly impact the bottom line for their businesses, whether they’re manufacturing top of the line sportfishing boats or ancillary products like electronics, hooks, lures or bottom paint. And finally it seems that the housing market, especially here in Florida, is also starting to recover. So what does 2009 hold for us? The most important thing to remember is that perception drives reality. Just because the talking heads on the evening news continue to bemoan the current state of the economy doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s true. Tournament directors will be working harder than ever to put on great events for us to enjoy in the coming year, gathering as much support as possible along the way, so we need to step up and get involved. Anglers and team captains need to research the events that offer what they’re looking for, whether it’s a big payout on Sunday or just a good time during the week (or both), and then commit to fishing those tournaments. Along the way, you’ll be supporting a whole industry, from the dealers that sell the boats all the way down to the guys on the dock that pump the fuel and sell the bait. The economic impact from this trickle-down effect is enormous, whether it’s in Pirate’s Cove, West Palm Beach or Los Sueños. And one of the benefits of a downturn in the global economy is the art of the deal— they’re out there, whether it’s a new or used boat, discounts on dockage and fuel or tournament early entry specials. It’s possible to trim some significant expense over the course of the fishing season by taking advantage of these bargains wherever they may exist. There’s no doubt that the next twelve months will be filled with trials and tribulations for us all, but along the way we’ll also see boatloads of sun and a few jumping marlin along the way as well. Things could definitely be a lot worse.

The Official Publication of the WBS Volume 8 No. 12, December 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 World Tour Coordinator Robbie Carter Membership Services Kaela Morgan Administrative Director Jana E. Simons Destinations Editor Jeff Merrill

Good luck, hope to see you on the docks in ’09. Special Contributors

Sam White World Billfish Series

Upcoming Events JANUARY 1 – 3, 2009 Palm Beach Sailfish Classic JANUARY 7 – 10 Silver Sailfish Derby JANUARY 14 – 16 Jupiter Billfish Tournament JANUARY 15 – 17 Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish JANUARY 21 – 24 Los Sueños Signature Series #1 JANUARY 21 – 24 Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release JANUARY 22 – 25 Miami Mayor’s Cup

Bailey Bobbitt

Marty Locke

David A. Brown

Heather Maxwell

Robbie Carter

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

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

TEAMING UP TO TAKE MARLIN OFF THE MENU

he International Game Fish Association, National Coalition for Marine Conservation and The Billfish Foundation recently joined forces to take marlin and other billfish species off the menus of Americas restaurants. According to the NCMC, a successful campaign would take a bite out of commercial overfishing for billfish species in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The United States remains the world’s largest importer of billfish despite laws that prohibit the importation of marlin and sailfish from the Atlantic Ocean.

chasing billfish in their local seafood markets or grocery stores. Finally, the campaign will bring awareness to the potentially harmful effects of eating marlin due to the increased amount of mercury found in them. According to the EPA’s health guidelines, large marlin often contain much higher levels of mercury than other fish species. For more information, please visit www.takemarlinoffthemenu.org.

The “Take Marlin Off The Menu” campaign will utilize a threeprong strategy to reduce consumption of billfish. The first step will be persuading the nation’s top chefs and restaurant owners from serving marlin and sailfish, while offering sustainable seafood options as replacements. Consumers will also be asked to refrain from ordering marlin or sailfish in restaurants or pur-

NEW TOURNAMENTS JOIN WBS WORLD TOUR

spate of new tournaments will join the WBS World Tour schedule in 2009 in the Caribbean and Pacific Divisions, giving anglers the opportunity to further expand their event participation. The first to come aboard was the Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament. Now in its 26th season, this event is a longstanding favorite among those who frequent the islands of the Bahamas. The event features a modified release format with four days of fishing, social parties, dinners and fun competitions, and new for this year is a guaranteed cash payout based on boat participation. In addition, all tournament boats will receive fuel discounts and other benefits. In addition to the cash prizes, winners receive beautiful trophies for their efforts and will also have their names engraved in a statuesque Perpetual Trophy that’s showcased in the resort’s Spinnaker Restaurant, one of the largest air-conditioned restaurant facilities in the Out Islands of the Bahamas. This year’s tournament is scheduled for June 7-12 in beautiful Treasure Cay. For more information, please call 954-525-7711 or visit www.treasurecay.com. Also joining the World Tour this year is the 3rd Annual Fishing Tournament of the North Coast, held in the Dominican Republic and hosted by Ocean World Adventure Park, Marina and Casino. The resort is centrally located on the north shore of the Dominican Republic in Playa Cofresi, just three miles west of Puerto Plata. Ocean World features a wide variety of services and truly unique experiences unmatched in the Caribbean, making it

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the perfect tournament for a family getaway. All in one facility, visitors can swim with dolphins, take photos with tigers and exotic birds, have a sunset dinner or poolside drink with spectacular ocean views, enjoy a Vegas-style tropical show or hit the Caribbean's most glamorous new aquatic-themed casino. The Ocean World Marina features 104 slips for vessels up to 250 feet in length, and is the only marina of its kind located between the Florida/Bahamas region and Puerto Rico and the Eastern Caribbean. It’s also a government approved port of entry, with full Customs and Immigration facilities for visitors. Their tournament is scheduled for July 30-August 2, 2009. For more information please visit www.oceanworld.net. Finally, the Presidential Challenge of Central America series will expand their tournament offerings to include the nation of Panama. All PCCA events are produced with two goals in mind: to promote sportfishing-related tourism within Central America and to raise money for charitable organizations who specialize in protecting gamefish. The stunning Hacienda del Mar Resort will host the PCCA’s Panama leg, July 3-5. The Perlas Islands are situated within an archipelago located directly south of Panama City. San Jose Island is the second largest of the islands with 44 square kilometers, located in the middle of the Gulf of Panama and just 90 kilometers away from Panama City—it can be reached by boat in approximately two hours and by propeller plane in 20 minutes, with outstanding billfishing opportunities just a short distance offshore. For more information, please visit www.preschallenge.com.

I N D U S T R Y

N E W S

CAPE ELEUTHERA MARINA GULF OF RECEIVES BLUE FLAG AWARD MEXICO BLUEFIN T TUNA UPDATE he new Cape Eleuthera Resort and Yacht Club was awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification for its marina by the non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education, based in Denmark. The marina achieved this certification for exceeding standards relevant to sustainable development and environmental responsibility. Transcending 23 areas of strict criteria covering environmental education, environmental management, safety, services and water quality, Cape Eleuthera certainly appreciates the value of the marine ecosystem and how it affects the future social and economic development of the islands.

“We are honored to achieve this internationally recognized certification, especially as Cape Eleuthera is the third to receive

the Blue Flag out of 64 total marinas in the Bahamas,” said general manager Stephen Kappeler. “The Bahamas now host more accredited marinas than any other Caribbean nation.”

Easily accessible, with depths of up to 10 feet, the state-of-the-art marina hosts the longest mega-yacht dock in the Bahamas at 450 feet in length in a 360-degree surge-proof marina basin. Unlike other destinations in the Bahamas, the undeveloped and authentic Cape Eleuthera has no crowded markets or high-rise hotels, but rather features pristine beaches and unspoiled lagoons thanks to its location on a private 4,300-acre peninsula on Eleuthera Island. For more information please visit www.capeeleuthera.com.

BROWNLEE NAMED TBF CHAIRMAN

ohn Brownlee has been named by The Billfish Foundation as chairman of its board of trustees recently. A member of TBF for over a decade as well as an internationally respected marine journalist and editor, Brownlee was appointed to the board in 2002, serving as vice chairman before being appointed to succeed Joan Vernon as chairman. “I will strive to continue TBF’s groundbreaking conservation work in areas like Mexico, Latin America and South America, as well as continuing to attempt to persuade ICCAT to take a stronger stand on billfish conservation,” Brownlee said. As a committed conservationist, Brownlee also served two years as the South Atlantic

Fisheries Management Commission’s recreational representative to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna’s advisory committee. Prior to that, he served as treasurer of Florida’s highly successful “Save our Sealife” amendment campaign to ban commercial netting off Florida’s coasts that was approved by its voters in 1994. He’s been Florida’s chairman of the Coastal Conservation Association and has served on CCA’s national board, as well as being an upper Keys representative for the International Game Fish Association. For more information, please visit The Billfish Foundation at www.billfish.org.

he National Marine Fisheries Service is recommending that the Atlantic bluefin tuna’s spawning grounds in the Gulf of Mexico be designated a federal Habitat of Particular Concern. The recommendation is in response to a joint request made last year by the National Coalition for Marine Conservation and the Tag-A-Giant Foundation. Electronic tagging studies conducted by Dr. Barbara Block of Stanford University confirm that the Gulf of Mexico is the sole breeding ground for the severely depleted western Atlantic bluefin population. The HAPC designation would highlight the importance of the area for bluefin tuna spawning and would also provide added conservation benefits if steps are taken to reduce impacts from development activities, according to NMFS. NCMC president Ken Hinman added, “Closing the Gulf to longlining in areas where and when bluefin tuna are spawning would do more than anything else to protect what’s left of the western bluefin spawning stock and preserve a U.S. fishery for the future.” While NMFS denied the longline closure petition, the HAPC designation would focus conservation efforts and bring heightened awareness about the area’s ecological importance and vulnerability, facilitating more stringent conservation measures down the road.

HAMLIN JOINS CASA VIEJA FLEET

arly next year, Capt. Ron Hamlin will join the growing fleet at Casa Vieja Lodge in Guatemala as skipper of

the Buddy Boy, a beautiful 43-foot Merritt. Hamlin is perhaps best known as one of the early pioneers of both Guatemalan sportfishing and the use of circle hooks in the pursuit of billfish, and recently celebrated the release of his 10,000th career billfish.

tions and service that anglers have come to expect in Guatemala,” Hamlin said. “You’ll recognize many familiar faces from the old Fins n’ Feathers days, and I look forward to this great new opportunity.” For more info on Casa Vieja Lodge, please visit www.casaviejalodge.com.

“Jim Turner and the Casa Vieja Lodge exemplify the best in fishing, accommoda-

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 6

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 18

Congratulations to our most recent contest winners: Claire Shadler — Houma, LA Eddie Teartt — Gulfport, FL Paul Peter — Franklin, MS

“Caught On WBS Tour” Contest 24

The WBS Anglers Club member who correctly identifies the most people on pages 12, 13 and 15 by January 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 9293 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33708. 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

Barry Weshnak - BBC Boat Harbour Champ.

Rudy Polselli Jr. - Jupiter Billfish Tourn.

Dave Perry - Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic

Mariano Da - Los Sueños Signature Series I

Douglas Miller - Charleston Harbor Billfish Tourn.

Debbi David - The Sailfish Tournament

Nicole Russel - HMY-Viking Megadock

Mark McDevitt - Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Tourn.

Arlen Charpentier - Bay Point Billfish Invt’l.

Rick Arnold - Cheeca Lodge Presidential

Gray Ingram - VIGFC July Open

Van Wicher - Palm Beach Sailfish Classic

Jay Johnson - A.H. Riise Billfish Tournament

Carlos Martinez - Miami Mayor’s Cup

Rocky Jones - Outcast Blue Marlin Classic

Mark Wodlinger - Ft. Lauderdale Billfish Tourn.

Joel Broussard - Orange Beach Billfish Classic

Peter Adrian - Capt. Bob Lewis Billfish Challenge

Tyler Dean - Ducks Unlimited

Edwin Bustos - Los Sueños Signature Series II

Peter Cherasia - White Marlin Open

Amanda Nichols - Miami Billfish Tourn.

Dave Monda - Sarasota Slam-HBA Fishing Tourn.

Cleynor Ruiz - Pres. Challenge of Costa Rica

Trey Irvine - Pirate’s Cove Billfishing Tournament

Lainey Jones - BBC Central Abaco Champ.

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

Barry Weshnak - BBC Boat Harbour Champ.

Luis Isais - Islamorada Swordfish Tournament

Tom Russell - BBC Harbour Island Champ.

Ken Cummins - Old Salt Loop Tournament

Drew Andrews - Los Cabos Billfish Classic

Peter Cherasia - Mid-Atlantic $500,000

Chace Nelson - MBGFC Memorial Day Tourn.

Beck Daniel - Miami Swordfish Tournament

Greg Barber - Boat Harbour Billfish Blast

Gray Ingram - Presidential Caribbean Cup

Robert Southard Sr. - BBC Treasure Cay Champ,

Richard Pingree - The Sailfish Slam

Matt Jackson - Mississippi Gulf Coast Classic

Paul Spencer - El Pescado Billfish Tournament

Luis Bacardi - Abaco Billfish Challenge

Patrick Brogran - New Smyrna Beach Billfish Int’l

Boyd Mothe Jr. - New Orleans Invt’l Tournament

Bill Easum - Presidential Challenge Guatemala

The Banks of Carolina:

From the earliest days of exploration, the thin ribbons of sand and scrub oaks that came to be known as the Outer Banks have offered shelter and sustenance for settlers, pirates, rum-runners and more. Today, they feature some of the best fishing action available anywhere in the United States, plus a host of other opportunities for the vacation-minded. 18

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A History of Adventure L

ocated just off the coast of North Carolina, the Outer Banks stretch along the Carolina coast from just south of Morehead City to the Virginia border, and although most are unaware, these islands are one of the most historic pieces of real estate in the country. In the late 1500s, Queen Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh made the first attempt at English colonization of America here, failing miserably. The settlement of 117 men, women and children disappeared without a trace and became known as The Lost Colony. Decades later, the region was a favored waypoint for the hordes of pirates, including the notorious Blackbeard, who preyed on the English and Spanish shipping that passed by just a short distance offshore. The many inlets, coves and small islands made for a perfect haven for these raiders of the high seas, who seemed to come and go at will. Tales of buried gold and precious gems still attract treasure-seekers to this day, wandering the dunes with metal detector in hand, fame and fortune on the mind. While the First World War saw little impact on the Outer Banks, much would change during World War II as German submarines often operated just offshore and often within sight of land. While the treacherous shoals had already given the area the nickname “Graveyard of the Atlantic” during the time of sail and steam, the U-boats added scores of new wrecks, nearly crippling the U.S. war efforts to aid Britain and the Allies in their conquest over the Axis powers. Eventually, the U.S. Navy began to gain the upper hand in the war against the German subs, and several U-boats joined their previous victims at the bottom of the Atlantic.

Following the war, sportfishing in the area began to boom. For centuries, the locals relied upon the bounty of the seas for sustenance, surviving largely on their ability to hunt and fish in the pristine waters. Gamefish of all sizes were plentiful and as the technology emerged, a small sportfishing fleet soon emerged, ready to take returning veterans out in search of the catch of a lifetime. In fact, it was the often-rough seas encountered here that gave birth to Hatteras Yachts, as Willis Slane developed and built by hand a boat he considered tough enough to venture out in high seas and still return safely to port. As the sport continued to grow throughout the 1950s and 60s, boatbuilding took on a new life and soon became a mainstay of the local economies as builders began to turn out what soon became known as the Carolina-style sportfisherman. Today, the Outer Banks are still known world-wide for two things: high seas and big fish, especially the gamefish of the Gulf Stream, which passes by just offshore. For many years, the record for Atlantic blue marlin was held by a succession of anglers fishing here, a testament to just how good the billfishing can be. The largest charter fleet on the banks is based in Pirate’s Cove, located in the northern region and centered around the town of Manteo. The Pirate’s Cove fleet features scores of Carolina boats averaging 50 feet or larger in length, rigged to take on the toughest of gamefish. In addition, there are also numerous smaller boats that cater to the nearshore and inlet fishing enthusiasts. There’s also the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center just down the road with perhaps a dozen more boats. Farther south, there are fleets fishing out of both the Hatteras Village and Teach’s Lair Marinas as well as on

Billfishing Magazine

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

In November of 2007, Cabin Fever Communications, Inc acquired the Pirate’s Cove Big Game Tournaments. Cabin Fever is a marketing communications firm specializing in corporate communications, photography and event management headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Lead by CEO Harry R. Hindmarsh and COO Kevin S. Crum, Cabin Fever plans to offer exclusive, high-end fishing tournaments, fishing schools, boat shows and corporate events annually at Pirate’s Cove. By reaching qualified consumers for each event, our tradeshow-style, waterfront pavilion is the perfect setting for corporate sponsors to reach their target audience.

Thanks to the one-of-a-kind, 13,000 square foot waterfront pavilion, Pirate’s Cove is the only location that allows hosting of nearly everything, from internationally acclaimed billfish tournaments, fishing schools, boat shows and corporate events.

the island of Ocracoke, although most veteran anglers choose the Manteo area to the north due to its proximity to the productive fishing grounds that lie just a short distance offshore. While originally a seaside resort community, Pirate’s Cove has also grown into the home of one of the East Coast’s largest tournaments, the WBS-sanctioned Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament. With a purse of over one million dollars and boats from across the sportfishing world journeying to the Outer Banks each season for this event, it’s definitely the place to be in August. The white marlin run is in full swing at that point, plus there’s also the chance at hooking one of the sport’s true challenges: a blue marlin weighing in at more than 1,000 pounds, known as a ‘grander.’ The month of August is undoubtedly the best time and the northern Outer Banks are the right place to cross paths with one of these rare catches. In fact, the 2008 Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament was won by a blue marlin that tipped the scales at 1,228 pounds caught by angler Trey Irvine, one of the largest blues ever caught off the East Coast of the United States and a new record for the state of North Carolina. In the 2008 Pirate’s Cove event, 99 boats released a total of 22 blue marlin, 59 white marlin, 20 sailfish and one spearfish.

Sponsors of the Big Game Fishing Tournaments have arguably the best platform for conducting business in a tradeshow-style environment. These facilities are considered world-class thanks to the spacious 13,000 square foot waterfront pavilion. Sponsors are close to the action which allows for intimate conversations and product demonstrations with consumers from their core market segment. The tournament pavilion was built to handle consumer traffic, corporate sponsors, and entertainment and provides ample space for banners, performers, business and more. With more than 500 homes in the Pirates Cove community, visitors have their choice of luxury accommodations within walking distance from the event pavilion. Amenities include tennis courts, pools, spas, fitness center, restaurant and on-site shopping.

Above: Pirate’s Cove Marina shown in its night time luminesence. In just a few short hours, these docks will be filled with anglers anxious to head offshore in search of marlin and other gamefish.

Left: The Wright Brothers Memorial at Kitty Hawk honors the brothers who take off from these dunes over a century ago and is a popular destination for area visitors. The North Carolina state slogan remains “First in Flight.” Billfishing Magazine

Back ashore, the Outer Banks offer a tremendous variety of options, especially for families and history buffs. The area’s beaches provide a wonderful natural playground for everyone to enjoy, with fishing, surfing, sunbathing and kite flying as just a few pastimes. While the billfish take center stage come tournament time, the mainstay of the charter fleet usually targets the area’s abundant population of gamefish throughout the spring, summer and fall. Yellowfin tuna are the most coveted species due to their excellence not only on rod and reel but also on the dinner table at the end of the day, while wahoo and dolphin also hold their own in both respects and are sought after on a daily basis. As the winter winds blow and the water temperature cools down, bluefin

tuna make an appearance in these waters as well, giving anglers a chance to tussle with another of King Neptune’s true giants. It’s not uncommon for boats to hook and often land bluefin tuna in excess of 500 pounds during the winter migrations. For those adventurous enough to head over the side with SCUBA gear, the Outer Banks features some of the finest diving this side of the Caribbean as the aforementioned wrecks move into the fore-

front. While the wooden ships of old have long since succumbed to the corrosive nature of the sea, the steel-hulled vessels of the 20th century provide divers with some amazing opportunities for exploration. Indeed, few areas in the United States can offer the wide variety of wreck diving that’s possible in just a day or two off the Banks. Back ashore, the Outer Banks offer a tremendous variety of options, especially for families and history buffs. The area’s Billfishing Magazine

The Alice Kelly

The Outer Banks Cancer Support Group welcomes you to the 20th Annual Alice Kelly Memorial Billfish Tournament. This charity event is produced by the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group and is hosted at Pirate’s Cove. The main purpose of this event is to raise money for the charity during this event that has become an Outer Banks tradition, as the community once again comes together to support the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group and the exceptional work this group does. The Outer Banks Cancer Support Group received nearly $23,000 in donations from the 2008 event, and this year their goals are even higher. The tournament offers an open bar both nights through the generous sponsorships of Bluewater Yacht Sales and Bacardi, and are also grateful to have excellent pricing from their caterers, who are able to provide exceptional meals with a larger percentage of proceeds benefiting the OBCSG. This year’s caterers are Basnight’s Lone Cedar Café.

In addition, they are able to offer additional value to each team compliments of Bluewater Yacht Sales. This year each team will receive four complimentary tournament shirts. Additional apparel will be available for sale with a portion of each sale donated to the OBCSG.

This tournament is for ladies only and is considered a practice day for the famed Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament. Slips are extremely limited so register as soon as possible. Please call (252) 4731015 for more information. Cabin Fever Communications and the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group thank you for your support.

beaches provide a wonderful natural playground for everyone to enjoy, with fishing, surfing, sunbathing and kite flying as just a few pastimes. During the summer months, the population of the Outer Banks expands by nearly 100,000 visitors, although the extensive beach spans are seldom crowded. At nearby Jockey’s Ridge, visitors can try their hand at hanggliding off the tall sand dunes, emulating Orville and Wilbur Wright and their famous first flight from nearby Kitty Hawk. A memorial still stands commemorating the day when the brothers first took to the skies and changed America forever. The surfing in the Outer Banks is among the best on the entire East Coast given the beach’s proximity to the deepwater swells of the Atlantic. It’s not uncommon to see dozens of surfers plying their acrobatic trades offshore, especially when there’s a good swell running. A tour of the area’s lighthouses offers an insight into the amazing history found on the Outer Banks. From Ocracoke in the south up to Cape Hatteras, Bodie Island and Currituck to the north, these silent sentinels still stand as a living reminder of a past that was romantic yet treacherous, as iron men in wooden boats attempted to earn an honest living sailing their cargo-laden ships past the banks. The lighthouses would offer navigational landmarks long before the days of GPS while also

warning ships that they were approaching the dangerously shifting sands. While many vessels were lost here, hundreds more were saved (along with their passengers) both by the lighthouses and the brave men of the United States Lifesaving Service, an early precursor to the U.S. Coast Guard. These men would keep watch over the beaches and would venture out in the worst weather imaginable to aid those who found themselves in need. The Outer Banks off North Carolina offer a rare glimpse into life at a crossroads, embracing modern times while also hanging on defiantly to a proud and storied history of life revolving around the sea. It’s a vacation like no other.w

Billfishing Magazine

Los Sueños Marlin Invitational Los Sueños, Costa Rica www.lstournaments.com

High Scores Dominate Los Sueños Marlin Invitational 28

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By Ashley Bretecher

With 1,000 points awarded for each successful marlin release and just 100 points for sailfish releases, it was no surprise that the first annual Los Sueños Marlin Invitational, held out of Los Sueños Resort and Marina, would tally some world-class scores.

THE HIGH FIVE Prime Time: 5800 points; 28 sailfish, three marlin Penguin: 5300 points; 23 sailfish, three marlin Hook: 4800 points; 18 sailfish, three marlin Team Bayliss/Uno Mas: 4500 points; 15 sailfish, three marlin Clean Sweep: 3200 points; 22 sailfish, one marlin However, tournament organizers were unsure the event would even get off the ground this year but when the final registration confirmed the participation of 15 teams, everyone was truly relieved and elated. This would be an event that would put more focus on the outstanding fishing for blue, black and striped marlin off Costa Ricaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central Pacific coastline. The total of 15 teams and 48 anglers ended up releasing 219 billfish in three days, of which 21 were marlin, representing a total combined score of 40,800 points. Strong winds and unusually high seas set the stage for mixed moods on the first day of competition, but the weather seemed to agree with the team aboard the Prime Time, a perennial favorite in any tournament held out of Los SueĂąos. With Rusty Nixdorf at the helm and anglers Bob Yanover and George Ross in the cockpit of the 60-foot Bertram, the team released the first sailfish of the event and just two hours after lines in had amassed 1200 points with two sailfish and one marlin released. They went on to score ten more sails during the remainder of the day for a total of 2,200 points. Despite their best efforts though, they would be in second place behind the Hook, a 42-foot Maverick captained by Ronnie Riebe. The husband and wife angling team of Harry and Cindy Shufflebarger, along with Brian and Catherine Barrett topped the Day One scoring with five sails and two of those valuable 1,000-point marlin for a total of 2,500 points. Billfishing Magazine

outstanding display of ability, showcasing why Los Sueños has become such a world-renowned destination for billfishing. They now led the tournament with 4,800 points, followed by the Hook and Prime Time, each with 4,500 points. Day Three would certainly tell the tale of winners and also-rans.

Rusty Nixdorf, George Ross and Bob Yanover led the Prime Time team to victory in the inaugural Los Suenos Marlin Invitational

Throughout the third and final day of competition, the three teams battled tenaciously for the lead, knowing that a lost fish could mean the difference between winning it all and settling for a disappointing second or third place finish. By 2 p.m, Penguin had amassed 5,300 points and a significant lead over Hook, which trailed with 4,800 points. Prime Time was third with 4,700 points. Despite the attractive lead, it would take just one marlin release by any of the top three to snatch first place. By 3:49 p.m, it appeared that Penguin had locked up victory, as the minutes ticked down to the 4 p.m. lines out call. But one minute later, the Prime Time called in a marlin hook-up that sent shockwaves through the fleet. Everyone listened intently but no one more so than Capt. Josh Ruskey at the helm of the Penguin.

Los Sueños: Beyond Compare Los Sueños Resort and Marina, located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, represents a world of adventure, excitement, incredible landscapes and lush rainforest. It also represents home to many looking for unsurpassed luxury. Los Sueños is undoubtedly the place to be to experience a truly unique and exclusive residential community with vibrant tropical surroundings. Los Sueños began as one man’s vision; however it has become the realization of a dream for so many more.

Although they led the event going into the final half-hour, Bob Pacilli’s Penguin team would have to settle for a heartbreaking second place. Day Two started off much as Day One had ended, with the Hook and Prime Time continuing to challenge each other for the lead. By the 10 a.m. update, the pair were knotted up at 3,600 points, Prime Time having scored 16 sails and two marlin releases against Hook’s six sails and three marlin let go. By noon, the Hook had the slimmest of leads but surprisingly, both teams were shotgunned by Bob Pacilli’s Penguin by the call for lines out. Fishing aboard the 48-foot Viking, Pacilli and anglers Matt Traber, Chris Lepping and Bob German tallied 18 sailfish and three marlin in an

Los Sueños Resort and Marina is a 1,100-acre master planned destination resort community, encompassing a private 600-acre rainforest reserve; a 201-room five star Marriott hotel; over 500 luxury residences, including single-family homes, lots, condominiums and lavish villas; a full service 200-slip international marina; an exclusive Beach Club for residents; an 18-hole championship golf course, and much more. For more information please visit . At 4:05, the fateful call echoed over the VHF radio waves—the Prime Time had released their marlin and moved into first place. With 28 sailfish and three marlin releases, good for 5,800 points, they had sealed their first place win and went down in history as the champion of the inaugural Los Sueños Marlin Invitational. Penguin, with an amazing 23 sailfish and three marlin, scored 5,300 points for second place, while Hook held onto third place with 18 sails and three marlin and 4,800 points. Nearly 150 people gathered at the El Galeon Restaurant that evening for the awards presentation. There were two clearly superior anglers in this year’s event. Cindy Shufflebarger certainly deserved to be recognized for her contributions to the Hook team. Cindy released seven sailfish and two marlin over the course of the previous three days to tally 2,700 points. But it was George Ross aboard the Prime Time that really excelled during this tournament. Ross racked up an astonishing 22 sailfish and two marlin for a total of 4,200 points and the title of Top Angler. In addition to the beautiful marlin trophy designed and sponsored by Gray Taxidermy, George also won a gorgeous gold, diamond and sapphire champion’s ring for his efforts.

The husband and wife team of Harry and Cindy Shufflebarger landed the Hook in third place.

The Los Sueños Marlin Invitational now joins the Los Sueños Signature Series events. For more information please visit www.lstournaments.com. w Billfishing Magazine

PCCA El Salvador Bahia del Sol Hotel, El Salvador www.preschallenge.com

By Joan Vernon Photos by Bill Boyce and Joan Vernon

While the Presidential Challenge of Central America series has hosted tournaments in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Venezuela and Panama, it was interesting to note the amount of interest from series anglers, potential event sponsors and the local population in having a PCCA event in the nation of El Salvador. The billfishing off the coast certainly falls into the â&#x20AC;&#x153;above average to excellentâ&#x20AC;? category, so it was just a matter of logistics to finally get a world-class tournament in the country. Two thousand eight marked the year where everything came together and the tournament was finally given the green light. And the response was nothing short of incredible.

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The region has long been known for their superb blue marlin fishing. Indeed, it seemed that the majority of local boats favored techniques geared more toward these greyhounds of the sea, preferring to utilize both heavy tackle and a spread of trolling lures to entice the big blues to come up and play. However, knowing that Presidential Challenge events mandate the use of 20pound test Berkley Big Game line and Eagle Claw circle hooks (with natural baits or bait/lure combinations), it was clear that this would be a test of light-tackle angling at its finest.

The first Presidential Challenge of Central America event held in the nation of El Salvador was one for the record books. In a country known for its blue marlin, their Pacific sailfish finally made an appearance and had a significant outcome on the results. Bahia del Sol Hotel, Casino and Marina, located in the Costa del Sol region, hosted this premier event. Located just a short drive from the international airport in the capital city of San Salvador, the trip to the resort passes quickly while providing broad vistas of the countryside. The teams, observers and crews met at the hotel to review the rules for the competition. Afterward, the tournament participants were treated to Bacardi cocktails and a delicious buffet dinner while a local musical group entertained everyone well into the evening. The first day of the tournament began with a beautiful sunrise over the picturesque river estuary that runs through the coastal region. Teams were anxious to get through the boca, or inlet, and out to sea. The run to productive fishing grounds was long, averaging around 50 miles, but the trip

paid off with lots of sailfish. The final day saw a classic battle to the wire between Decisive and Maverick Sport Fishing. Winning first place in the highly coveted Baptist Health International Center Top Angler Award was Daniel Espinosa from Team Maverick, fishing aboard the 42-foot Maverick, Super Fly, with 1400 points. Second place fell to John Price aboard the 31-foot Bertram White Marlin with 1300 points, followed by Bill Easum, also aboard the White Marlin, with 1200 points. In the Contender Boats/King Sailfish Mounts Team Division, Team Decisive of Bill Easum, Jimmy Taylor and John Price emerged victorious with an impressive showing of 3300 points, based almost entirely on their sailfish releases. Decisive angler John Price released the only marlin of the

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tournament. While El Salvador has been known as a haven for blue marlin, their surprising numbers of big Pacific sails are now well established among Presidential Challenge anglers. Team Maverick with Bim Lebo, Larry Drivon and Daniel Espinosa finished in second place with 3100 points, also based on their sailfish catches. Team Marciano finished third with 1800 points—Rodrigo Gonzales, Luis Ricardo Gonzalez and Jose Ramon Sanfelio all contributed to the effort for the team.

Third place in the inaugural PCCA El Salvador tournament fell to the local entries aboard the Marciano.

Conservation Counts Richard “Bim” Lebo (left) and Larry Drivon (right) brought the Super Fly down from Costa Rica for this year’s event and landed themselves in second place overall in the tournament. The top boat on Day One was the Super Fly with eight releases, followed by the White Marlin taking top boat honors for both Day Two and Day Three with 16 and 1 5 releases respectively. The Top Angler on Day One was Bim Lebo of the Super Fly with 300 points. John Price followed suit on Day Two with 600 points but it would be Daniel Espinosa on Day Three that would tally the largest point total with 900 points. For the tournament there were 119 sailfish and one marlin released, a testament to the fish-rich waters off the coast of this scenic Central American nation. w

Like most other Central American nations, El Salvador realizes the importance of developing sportfishing as a source of tourism for the nation and is moving aggressively toward strong conservation measures to ensure a healthy population of these gamefish for many years to come. El Salvador native and International Game Fish Association representative Paco Saca gave a presentation to the anglers and crews regarding the IGFA’s efforts to limit the importation of Pacific Ocean billfish into the United States, a move which could effectively reduce billfish mortality by eliminating the U.S. market for these species. On behalf of The Presidential Challenge of El Salvador anglers and sponsors, $1000 will be contributed to this project. The Billfish Foundation will also receive $1,000 from the tournament which will be used to help fund TBF’s conservation work in Central America. For more information, please visit

Team Maverick’s Daniel Espinosa was the event’s Top Angler.

Team Decisive, (John Price, Jimmy Taylor and Bill Easum) had the hot hand during the tournament and found first place overall. Billfishing Magazine

PCCA Guatemala Marina Pez Vela, Guatemala www.preschallenge.com

The Presidential Challenge of Guatemala Presented by INGUAT historically provides red-hot action which always produces a close finish both within the tournament and for the overall season rankings for PCCA anglers in search of the Top Angler and Top Team titles for the year. The anglers were not to be denied a final day of nailbiting lead changes in the 2009 series.

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By Joan Vernon Photos by Bill Boyce and Joan Vernon

Unbeknownst to the tournament anglers, an earthquake that measured 5.9 on the Richter scale shook the underwater plateaus off the coast of Guatemala just prior to the start of the tournament, which sent the billfish out of the area and made for very slow fishing conditions in this normally ultra-productive fishery. But after all, this is Central America and it is a geologically active region—the volcanoes that ring the coastal area provide a testament to that activity. Daniel Espinosa fishing aboard the Super Fly got the tournament started by releasing a sailfish at 8:44 a.m. on Day One. Team A-Fin-Ity with anglers Davis Clapp, Henry Riggs-Miller and Gerber Chavez got off to a good start on the first day releasing a black marlin and a handful of sails to top the daily leaderboard, as A-Fin-Ity and Capt. Juanga Lopez earned top boat honors for the day Anglers returned to Marina Pez Vela on the second day ready to get out to the fishing grounds and find the large schools of sails

that make Guatemala world-famous as a billfishing hotspot. The fleet quickly spread out in search of finding fish, and the VHF radio was soon alive with calls. The local fleet here does an excellent job, even during tournaments, of letting other boats know once they’ve found the pods of Pacific sails that were in a feeding mood. Team Decisive and anglers Bill Easum, Jimmy Taylor and Mike Vivieros made their move up the ladder by releasing thirteen sails by the 3 p.m. lines out call. Capt. Brad Philipps led the Decisive team to the top spot for the day and claimed the tournament lead. Boats traveled far and wide to find the fish and the long trip paid off for the Casa Vieja team fishing with Capt. Chris Sheeder on the Buddy Boy. Anglers Jim Turner, Roy Cronicher and Mike Wnek found the fish and started their upward climb. The International Women’s Fishing Association team of Gwen Hahn, Diane Locke and Martha McNab also made a move, led by Diane’s blue marlin release. At stake in the PCCA Guatemala event was the prize for the Bertram/Evermarine Grand Champion Team and the Eagle Claw Grand Champion Angler Awards. Going into this event, A-Fin-Ity had a sizeable lead due to an incredible catch in the Caribbean Cup tournament in Venezuela. Team Decisive was coming off a win in the PCCA–El Salvador event and the luck was carrying over to Guatemala. On the final day of fishing, Decisive was red hot. They added 2100 points to their total which gave them the win making the team back to back PCCA winners. Decisive angler Bill Easum won the top angler honors with his 1300 points. Casa Vieja made it back to Marina Pez Vela just under the wire for scores to count. Their long run paid off and they claimed second place. Jim Turner accumulated 1200 points and took third place angler on time behind Henry Riggs- Miller from A-Fin-Ity. Not to be denied a top three team finish, AFin-Ity scored enough points to give them third place. When the scores were tallied and recorded, scorekeeper Joan Vernon had to call in chief judge, Bill Boyce, to verify the results. Only one sailfish made the difference for the 2008 Grand Champion Team. After careful review, it was official: A-Fin-Ity won the Bertram/Evermarine Grand Champion Team award for the third consecutive year with a record 15,300 points. Decisive gave them a good run and was awarded second place with Billfishing Magazine

CONTENDER TEAM DIVISON Sponsored by Marina Pez Vela 1st Place: Decisive, 3,400 points 2nd Place: Casa Vieja, 3,100 points 3rd Place: A-Fin-Ity, 2,600 points BAPTIST HEALTH INTERNATIONAL ANGLER DIVISION 1ST Place: Bill Easum, 1,300 points 2nd Place: Henry Riggs-Miller, 1,200 points 3rd Place: Jim Turner, 2,600 points KING SAILFISH MOUNTS BOAT DIVISION Top Boat: Decisive, 3,400 points 2nd Place: Buddy Boy, 3,100 points 3rd Place: A-Fin-Ity, 2,600 points The rustic surrounding is just one of the many things that make Guatemala exotic travel and fishing location

BERTRAM/EVERMARINE GRAND CHAMPION TEAM 1st Place: A-Fin-Ity, 15,300 points 2nd Place: Decisive, 15,200 points 3rd Place: Maverick, 6,450 points EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER 1st Place: Henry Riggs-Miller, 5,300 points 2nd Place: Jimmy Taylor, 3,900 points 3rd Place: Mike Vivieros, 3,750 points

Above: Second place was awarded to Casa Veja

Below: WBS Top Angler Bill Easum

Henry Riggs-Miller pictured here on the left, was the tournament Winner for this years event. PCCA events. Jimmy Taylor also fished all of the PCCA tournaments and claimed second place angler with 3900 points. Right behind him as his teammate, Mike Vivieros, who fished three PCCA tournaments for a total score of 3750 points.

15,200 points. The Costa Rica team, Maverick Sport Fishing with anglers Larry Drivon, Bim Lebo and Daniel Espinosa slid into the third place Grand Champion slot. Anglers fish all year for points toward the Eagle Claw Grand Champion Angler honors. This year Henry Riggs-Miller won this prestigious award by accumulating 5300 points fishing in all four

For the tournament there were 210 sailfish, one blue marlin and one black marlin released, all on circle hooks. It was an exciting conclusion to an action packed Presidential Challenge season. The tournament series had conquered foreign governments, illnesses, earthquakes and weather but the Series teams stuck it out to make this a successful year. The four tournaments raised $50,000 for various conservation projects.w Billfishing Magazine

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Rusty Ansell Profile Tournament Awards 1989 1st Place: Holiday Isle Dolphin Tournament, FL 1988 1st Place: Holiday Isle Dolphin Tournament, FL Favorite Billfishing Location: “Pinas Bay in Panama. It’s the most exciting place I’ve ever traveled to. It was a lifechanging experience to fish the Darien Peninsula and to interact with the locals, seeing the way they live. Not to mention the massive schools of tuna and dolphin plus some extreme billfishing. I would have to say that Cuba is a close second though.” Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “Islamorada, by far. There’s always something going on whether you’re on the Gulf side or the Atlantic side. It almost seems impossible not to have a good day there because if you’re not getting the bites you can do a minor change of location and baits and be in a completely different world. That’s one reason it’s called the Sportfishing Capital of the World.” Other Interests: “I love being on the Crystal River with my wife and grand-daughter, catching trout and reds out of my pontoon boat.” Occupation: “I’m the owner of one of the largest repo companies in the U.S. and I also have a line of boxing equipment called Double A. I do equipment liquidation, develop real estate, manage fighters have a towing and locksmith company and an auto auction.”

y first event was a bream tournament on Lake George when I was seven years old. Everyone was a winner and I was hooked from that point on. I was fortunate enough to be picked as the first American group to go to Cuba and fish the Hemingway Tournament in 1990, and I also fish the Gold Cup Sailfish Series almost every year along with all the dolphin tournaments in the Florida Keys.” “I happened to be fishing with my great friend Larry Pence when he broke the world record at the time with a 63.5 pound dolphin on 15-pound test line. I also personally had the Florida state record with a 320-pound blue marlin on 20-pound test line before I passed the rod to my friend Sam Carolla. Another one that sticks in my head was catching a 54-pound dolphin on the practice day before the Coconuts Tournament when a 45-pounder won the tournament.” “Every time the boat leaves the dock, we act as if we are fishing the final day of a tournament and we are definitely in it to win it. Fun days are always practice days. Eddie Yannetty always makes sure the tackle is 100 percent, with all eyes on the rods in mint condition, the reels have brand new line and the drags are in top shape. You only have so many opportunities to win so you have to make sure you’re prepared for anything. Equipment failure is the hardest thing to accept when first place is on the line.”

Favorite Fish Story: “All trips with Capt. Eddie Yannetty are a wild ride. One time we headed out to catch sailfish on six-pound test, hooked a double and caught them both, while another time we were fishing for bluefin tuna with Paul O’Donnell where I caught one each day in the 750-pound range. Last but not least, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to fish the Caribbean aboard the J.A.C.S, the finest boat I’ve ever fished aboard, a real class act.”

This beautiful sailfish in only one of the numerous billfish and game fish that Rusty has caught over the years.

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Mark Fortier Profile Tournament Awards 2008 Largest Blue Marlin: Barta Billfish Tournament, NC 2006 3rd Place Billfish/Amateur Division: Barta Billfish Tourn., NC 2005 Most Tagged Billfish: Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament, NC 1st Place Billfish/Amateur Division: Barta Billfish Tournament, NC 2004 1st Place: Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament, NC 2003 Most Tagged Billfish: Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament, NC Favorite Billfishing Location: “I love fishing during August and September in the Outer Banks of North Carolina for white marlin and the chance at a monster blue marlin.” Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “We have a house in Morehead City, NC that allows me to fish on a regular basis down there—it seems there are always different species biting year-round.” Other Interests: “I have a wonderful wife and three great children, and I also love to hunt.” Occupation: “Financial planner with Edward Jones Investments.”

started fishing as a young guy with my Dad. While in college and for many years afterward, I used to volunteer as an observer in a few tournaments each year, so I was able to watch and learn from some of the best captains and mates in North Carolina. The first billfish tournament I actually entered was in 1999 and since then I normally fish in from two to five tournaments a year. The last several years I’ve only averaged two to three per year due to the fact that I have three great children.” “In 2004, our team caught a double grand slam in one day to help us win the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament, and the year after I was lucky enough to go seven for seven on white marlin in the same event. One day in April fishing for yellowfin tuna out of Morehead City, two of my friends and I were pulling seven lines on 50Wides with 90-pound leaders and hooked seven bluefin tuna at the same time. Normally the bluefin are long gone by this time of the year so we were quite surprised. We were able to get three to the boat, with the first two being over 350 pounds and the last one well over 600. I still cannot believe the leader held up for over three and a half hours.”

Favorite Fish Story: “Any time my buddy Andy Elliott is on the boat and has to use the head, we take the opportunity to play a few tricks on him. The first time we tied a bucket to a TLD25 and screamed, ‘White marlin!’ so naturally he came running up on deck. He fought the ‘fish’ until it was about ten feet from the boat. On our next trip, he went to the head and we hooked a blue marlin with just Ronnie Sawyer and I onboard. We started yelling for Andy to come out and run the boat but he never showed—finally, he cracked the door and peeked out and was able to see this 500pound blue jumping so he came running out with his pants down around his knees. Now when the fishing’s slow, we try to get Andy to use the head.”

“Being a weekend warrior with no true captain or mate, our team has learned the hard way to work together. Each of us is extremely competitive and we all have jobs where we’re used to being ‘the boss.’ We eventually started focusing on everyone’s strengths and departmentalized each person’s responsibilities. Edward Faison is responsible for the working order of the boat, while Andy Elliott is our networker—he’s responsible for where we fish and he normally runs the boat. Ronnie Sawyer and I take care of the cockpit duties. We’re allowed to make suggestions to each other but the head of each department gets the final say.” Billfishing Magazine

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Drew McDowell Profile Tournament Awards 2008 1st Place: Buccaneer Sailfish Cup, Florida 1st Place: Fish for Life Sailfish Tournament, FL 3rd Place: Marlin Masters, Dominican Republic 2007 2nd Place: Los Sueños Signature Series Leg 2, Costa Rica 2006 1st Place: Fish for Life Sailfish Tournament, FL 2nd Place: Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament, NC 2nd Place: Ft. Pierce Sailfish Derby, FL 2nd Place: Pelican Sailfish Tournament, FL 2nd Place/Most Points White Marlin: Mid-Atlantic $500,000, NJ 3rd Place: Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Tournament, FL 3rd Place: Los Sueños Signature Series Leg 2, Costa Rica 3rd Place: Venezuela Super Slam Tournament, VZ 2005 1st Place: Buccaneer Sailfish Tournament, FL 1st Place: Fish for Life Sailfish Tournament, FL 2004 1st Place: Los Sueños Signature Series Leg 2, Costa Rica Favorite Billfish Location: “Venezuela. You just never know which species is going to come up next or how many there will be.”

started fishing tournaments as a mate in 1978 out of Ocean City, New Jersey and have been very fortunate to have fished several hundred tournaments in the last 30 years. Now I compete in about ten tournaments per season for all types of billfish in some of the greatest locations possible.” “Some of my m0st memorable days on the water have been in the last few years fishing in Venezuela, where we had five blue marlin and five sails in one day and 72 billfish including several slams in five days of fishing. Some great tournament days for me include while I was still a captain winning the Top Boat title in the 2000 Masters tournament in Cancun. We were also fortunate enough to have a come-from-behind win in the 2008 Buccaneer Cup and in the 2006 Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournaments.”

Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “I still love the Mid-Atlantic region. The eastern U.S. is where I grew up fishing and this area has some great white marlin fishing with the occasional blue one. It can be as good as anywhere during August and September.” Other Interests: “Spending time with my family, watching and talking about all types of sports with friends and home projects.” Occupation: “General manager of Palm Beach Towers.” Favorite Fish Story: “I’ve been blessed to have many but one that stands out was fishing with my wife Debbie in the Turks and Caicos and catching her first blue marlin aboard the Tightline.”

“I have fished with Pat Healey [executive vice president for Viking Yachts] and my brother Eric for over 25 years. We all fish pretty much the same cockpit positions for each tournament and are ready for the fish to show up anywhere in the spread. Before a tournament we will discuss any changes or new ideas with the crew ahead of time. Our current team with Capt. Mike Brady at the helm has fished together for the last six years, so we’re fortunate to have that experience in competing together as a team on the boat. When we’re fishing competitively we are all very focused and pay attention to the baits all day. Our crew works extremely hard all tournament long, so I never want to be out of position when a fish shows up.” “When it comes to the future of sportfishing, I strongly believe that longlining must be reduced in many areas of the world. Just look at the recovery of swordfish in South Florida since longlining was closed there. The use of circle hooks for recreational fishermen is making a difference in the survival of billfish—everyone must contribute for the future.”

Billfishing Magazine 45

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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. Richard Jenkins Gary Lawson Angel Veliz Todd Kirkpatrick Bill Crabill Jorge Sanchez Ed Poole Gary Newgent John Salom Eddie Lopez Spencer Bennett Rob Ruwitch Mike Dixon John Burke Chad Newell Rick Thomas Jenene Claus Adam Yunis Victor Jensen Hans Evald Roy Huff Ryan Southand Eric Croft Jorge Ramirez Jamie Bunn Warren Blanck Bill Weber Freddy David Green Mickey Trey Claus Claudio Marinez

Boat

Treasure Coast Total Angler

Jichi 3250 Mark Wodlinger Get Lit 2600 Sandra Kirkpatrick G Team 2100 Rudy Polselli Jr. Uptight 1900 Todd Kirkpatrick Wound Up 1550 Dave Dickerson Weez in the Keys 1375 Mike Fuldrun Team Costa 1325 Lev Mullins Night Prowler 1325 Erik Waldin No Mercy 1250 Mark Donahue Wound Up 1225 Eddie Lopez Sandman 1175 Dan Doyle Jr. Ventolera 1175 Chip Sheehan L&H 1175 Kitt Toomey Get Lit 1125 Paul Spencer Bouncer’s Dusky 1125 Matt Lynch Wound Up 1075 Serena Wilson Miss Costa 1000 Danny Farkas 4 Aces 975 Gray Ingram Off the Hook 950 Tom Craig Joe Joe 900 Dave Przysinda Boat Center 875 Colin Murphy Game Time 875 Mark Schwartz Sandman 875 Austin Burr Priceless 875 Mike Bell Priceless 850 Manny Menendez Miss Britt 1 850 Trey Irvine My Sea Cin 850 Sandy Kaupe Night Prowler 825 Rob Lane Money Shot 800 Robert Southard Sr. Boat Center 750 Billy Gerlach No Mercy 725 Mark McDevitt Snake Dancer 700 Van Wicher Miss Britt 2 675 Tim Kidwell Tag Line 675 Tim Lanahan Hook and Tackle 675 Robbie Grubbs Qualifier 675 Drew McDowell Night Prowler 625 Eric Brush Reel Tension 600 Pat Healey Miss Britt 1 600 Jack Hotz Wound Up 575 Doug Kontz Off the Hook 575 Dwight Mooney Ovation 575 Rob Melnick Ventolera 550 Jason Roe Native Son 550 Kyle Smith Reef-I 550 Gardner Britt Miss Britt 1 550 Jason Peer L&H 550 Blaine Champlin Owls Nest 550 Joe Saddler Qualifier 525 Joel Crisis Get Lit 525 Mark Mitchell

Gulf Coast

Boat

Total Angler

Chips Ahoy Sandman Rude Awakening Sandman Miss Britt 1 Big Oh Priceless Catch One Miss Annie Money Shot Blank Check Chips Ahoy Get Lit Mimi Certifiable Sandra T Miss Britt 1 Big Oh Covert Mission Anejo Certifiable Masque Ohana Ms. Bully Money Shot Mimi Sandra T Lady Lane Off the Hook 39 Venture Gina Lea Masque Mimi Fa La Me Floridian Dealer’s Choice Hatterascal Viking 68 Pole Position X Generation Viking 50 Certifiable Sandman Bull Run SEVEN Size Matters Anejo Intents Midnight Blue Unknown Boat

2275 1425 1300 1225 1025 875 850 825 800 775 725 650 625 625 600 600 575 575 575 575 575 575 575 575 550 550 525 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 475 475 475 475 450 425 425 425 425 425 425 425 425 425 425

Boat

Rocky Jones Reel Addiction Michael Burroughs Quick Time Johnny Koontz Use of Proceeds Chace Nelson High C’S Scott Elliot Use of Proceeds Sari Turner You Never Know! Troy Turner Sophie Louise Kyle Avenarius Born 2 Run Steve Pappen Cabo Loco Terry Stewart Jena Suzanna Frank Fabre Ultimate Lure Andy Ford FINS Blan Marriott Sea Spray Harry Coleman Honey Hugh Scott Jolly B Dennis Pasentine First Choice David Wilkins Desperado R. Wayne Lewis Bella Maria John Pasentine First Choice Bradley Shivers Unknown Boat Brett Loper Unknown Boat Charles Nelson Unknown Boat Chuck Jordan Unknown Boat Joey Brewer Unknown Boat Justin Brown Unknown Boat Barry Davis You Never Know! Benny Leuderman Annie Girl Bobby Seal Born 2 Run Douglass Breaux Krunch Time Eddie Savoy Share E Randy Sirba Contigo Richard Branan Hydrotherapy Sam Camariotes Legacy Warren Culbertson Game On Boyd Mothe Jr. Big Boyd Murphy Banks Brother in Law Bo Sullivan Knot-Now Dave Perry Uptoit Doug Hann Recovered Capital Eric Anderson Moveable Feast Jay Howard Moveable Feast Jesse Leight Key Player Jim Koch Proud Mary Jody Vice Bad Company Joel Broussard C-YA Mike LaSalle Done Deal Robert McClendon Desiderata Brett Mauthe Team Player Kyle Cook Desperado Perry Palmer Bodacious

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

2008 WBS World Tour Standings Caribbean Angler

Boat

Big Oh Gray Ingram Lainey Jones Mama Who Heather Rintoul Domarlo Steve Schmeusser Cerveza Laura Beth Hannah Loose Crew Susan Clements Liquid Gold Morgan Miller Therapy Brad Aery Smooth Finish Kevin Paul Big Oh Jr. Davis Wave Paver Dugan McLauglin Juel Marie Luis Bacardi Rum Bum John Lancaster Desperado Dan Roebuck III Miller Time Chris Domel Deguello Peter Angel Southern Comfort Rod Windley Gulf Rascal Greg Barber Gregarious Robert Southard Sr. Off the Hook Frank Naparano Miss Annie Brooks Smith Uno Mas Bill Gardner Our Dream Steve Lewis Adios Austin Texas Rude Awakening Michael Peet Rhonda’s Osprey Barry Weshnak Miss Annie Pat Thomas Bodacious Jose Vizcarrondo Gaviota Picot Cassada Perfect Parts Harry Sargeant Black Gold Tim Aylward Abigail III Gonzalo Ferrer Ay Carumba Alberto Gual Pink Lady Jose Anton Amirita Michael Viveiros A-Fin-Ity Rudy Polselli Jr. Rude Awakening Henry Riggs-Miller A-Fin-Ity Brad Jones Blue Eagle Sam Clark Turn Me Loose Sail Ricks El Cazador Ed Hardin Abracadabra Mark Donahue Miss Annie Bob Henderson Great Escape Davis Clapp A-Fin-Ity Carl Lindner Seraphim Harry Rusbridge Sonny Boy Juanga Lopez Vintage Alan Tucker Fishbone Mike Cioffi Playtime John Echols Boogieman

Pacific Total Angler 5150 4575 4025 3175 2778 2775 2425 2400 2275 2225 2200 2175 2150 2150 1800 1725 1700 1650 1650 1625 1575 1550 1525 1500 1475 1450 1425 1350 1275 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1225 1225 1150 1100 1100 1075 1050 1050 1050 1025 1000 1000 950 950 925

Boat

South Pacific Total Angler

William Easum Super Fly 5125 Mainor Oporto Spanish Fly 4300 Jimmy Taylor Super Fly 4150 3325 Cindy Shufflebarger Hook Ron Lea Sweet Dreams 3300 Arturo Nunez Hattaboy 2975 Chris Lepping Penguin 2800 Larry Drivon Spanish Fly 2725 Matthew Traber Penguin 2675 Keylor Vindas Prime Time 2625 Roberto Gonzales Miss Behavin 2600 Ricardo Lebo Spanish Fly 2575 Ron Hutchings Lady Columbo 2475 Warner Porra Dream Maker 2450 Russ Nixdorf Prime Time 2425 Paul Snow Muy Caliente 2325 Hector Munoz Gringo Honeymoon 2200 Bill Royster After You 2200 Andrew Shapiro Clean Sweep 2200 Mariano Da The Bite 2150 Brian Bemis Iron Trader 2150 Chris Fischer After You 2050 James Kontos Let it Ride 2050 Henry Riggs-Miller A-Fin-Ity 2050 Harry Shufflebarger HT Hook 1950 Carlos Cambronero El Jefe Grande 1925 Daniel Espinosa Super Fly 1925 Eric McDowell Dealer’s Choice 1825 Darwin Aranda Uno Mas 1750 Edwin Bustos Predator 1750 Bob Osborne One Two Many 1725 RJ Lily Miss Behavin 1700 David Finkelstein Miss Celeste 1675 Robert Beasley Sweet Dreams 1675 Arthur Kontos Let it Ride 1675 Guillermo Nunez Mainline 1625 Keith Banks Muy Caliente 1600 Mark Christopher Clean Sweep 1575 Rob Guarini Penguin 1575 Paulo Soto Miss Behavin 1575 Parker Bankston Stephanie Lee 1550 Alan Finnieston HT Hook 1550 Mark Callais C’est Tout Bon 1525 Greg Voell Mimi 1475 Richard Belding R and J 1475 Daniel Arrieta El Jefe Grande 1400 Robert Santana R and J 1400 Carlos Quesada The Bite 1375 Dennis Wilkerson Tico Times Dos 1375 Roberto Harding Rum Runner 1350

Boat Name

Total

Adam Jan Furst Iona 2050 Lydie Fayard Tradition 2050 Jason Bull Iona II 1250 Richard Jenkins Joe Joe 1250 Richard Trotter Maitai 1250 Robert Drane Kanahoee 1250 Simon Austerberry Little Audrey 1250 Tim Ballintine Hard To Swallow 1250 Andrei Grigoriev Moana II 850 Byron Leslie Miles Mauna Kea 850 Christopher Hart Hart Throb 850 Keith Young Watchdog 850 Leonard Miles Mauna Kea 850 Peter Walters Hart Throb 850 Philip Scott Reel Ripe 850 Rod Mathieson Kanahoee 850 Stuart Burrows Reel Ripe 850 Ben Colvin Watchdog 450 Brendon Nichols Jag 450 Brent Morehouse Viking II 450 Bruce Tilley Nuvatu 450 Chris Dwyer Bill Collector 450 Chris Caron Castille III 450 Craig Alan White Reel Chase 450 Daniel Walker The Phantom 450 David Tatton Hotshot 450 Eddie Greagen Bill Collector 450 Greg Gilbert Kanahoee 450 Janet Mary Forster Battler 450 Kevin Jay Jennier Kekoa 450 Kirill Kulazhko Moana 3 450 Lindsay Pemberton Kanahoee 450 Mario Tagliante Calypso 450 Peter David Smith Battler 450 Ralph Czabayski Sparticus 450 Richard Mcinnis Unknown Name 450 Robert Crane Too Easy 2 450 Sue Ahlers Hell Raiser 450 Wayne Miles Mauna Kea 450 Brian Tatton Hotshot 400 Ashley Hurley Watchdog 50 Brett Spork Joe Joe 50 Chris Shaw Jag 50 Dean Kearney Jag 50 Eddie Crane Too Easy 2 50 George Khawam Too Easy 2 50 Greg Plunket Jag 50 John Moulton Joe Joe 50 Michael Gardner Jag 50 Michael Devenish Reel Chase 50

Bold type denotes a WBS Top Angler for one of the tournaments in that division. The Top Angler from each WBS-sanctioned tournament, as identified and recognized by each event, will receive an automatic invitation to the WBS Grand Championships. The top ten WBS anglers from each division may qualify to enter the Grand Championships upon receiving an invitation from the WBS. For more information on membership and rules, please visit www.fishWBS.com.

Billfishing Magazine

2009 WBS WORLD TOUR DECEMBER 11 – 13, 2008 Miami, Florida FYI Sailfish Kickoff Anthony Albelo (305) 461- 2700

FEBRUARY 26 – MARCH 1 Miami, Florida Capt. Bob Lewis Billfish Challenge Janice Sands (305) 525-8941

MAY 25 – 29 Marsh Harbour, Bahamas Boat Harbour Billfish Blast Mike Dickman (954) 926-0400

JANUARY 1 – 3, 2009 Palm Beach, Florida Palm Beach Sailfish Classic Pat Ross (561) 818-6095

MARCH 14 – 16 Sydney, Australia Broken Bay GFC Phil Epthorp 011 0407 237 414

JUNE 2 – 5 Boat Harbour, Bahamas BBC Boat Harbour Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

JANUARY 7 – 10 Palm Beach, Florida Silver Sailfish Derby Tom Twyford (561) 832-6780

MARCH 24 – 29 Raiatea, Tahiti Tahitian International Billfish Tourn. Dominique Goche 011 689 60 05 45

JUNE 3 – 7 Biloxi, Mississippi Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Bobby Carter (228) 436-7928

JANUARY 14 – 16 Jupiter, Florida Jupiter Billfish Tournament Scott Nichols (561) 262-6424

MARCH 20 – 22 Samara, Costa Rica Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica Joan M. Vernon (305) 361-9258

JUNE 7 – 12 Abaco, Bahamas Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament Jim Brown (561) 603-3101

JANUARY 15 – 17 Islamorada, Florida Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Liz Hill (305) 451-5094

APRIL 2 – 5 Miami, Florida Miami Billfish Tournament Judy Layne (305) 598-2525

JUNE 9 – 14 St. Petersburg, Florida Old Salt Loop Tournament Tom Verdensky (727) 867-9388

JANUARY 21 – 24 Los Sueños, Costa Rica Los Sueños Signature Series #1 Ashley Bretecher A.Bretecher@lossuenosresort.com

APRIL 14 – 17 Bimini, Bahamas BBC Bimini Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

JUNE 11 – 14 Venice, Louisiana New Orleans Invt’l Billfish Tourn. Gino Rendeiro (504) 529-5100

JANUARY 21 – 24 Singer Island, Florida Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Release Gary Caputi (732) 899-9988

APRIL 28 – MAY 2 Treasure Cay, Bahamas BBC Central Abaco Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

JUNE 16 – 19 Treasure Cay, Bahamas BBC Treasure Cay Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

JANUARY 22 – 25 Miami, Florida Miami Mayor’s Cup Anthony Albelo (305) 461-2700

MAY 7 – 10 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Puerto Los Cabos Billfish Classic Harvey Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899

JUNE 16 – 21 Sandestin, Florida Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Shawna Meisner (866) 505-4458

FEBRUARY 4 – 8 Black River, Mauritius Marlin Masters Mauritius JP Henry Charters info@blackriver-mauritius.com

MAY 7 – 10 Miami, Florida The Sailfish Tournament Richard Peeples III (305) 672-3807

JUNE 21 – 24 Marsh Harbour, Bahamas Abaco Billfish Tournament Amy Withers (205) 934-0505

FEBRUARY 5 – 8 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Ft. Lauderdale Billfish Tournament Kitty McGowan (954) 523-1004

MAY 19 – 22 Eleuthera, Bahama BBC Cape Eleuthera Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

JUNE 23 – 26 Baja California Sur, Mexico Palmas De Cortez Billfish Classic Harvey Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899

FEBRUARY 25 – 28 Los Sueños, Costa Rica Los Sueños Signature Series #2 Ashley Bretecher A.Bretecher@lossuenosresort.com

MAY 22 – 25 Orange Beach, Alabama Mobile BGFC Memorial Day Tourn. Robert Weaver (251) 978-5454

JUNE 24 – 27 Charleston, South Carolina Charleston Harbor Billfish Tourn. Deidre Menefee (843) 345-0369

www.FishWBS.com

SCHEDULE AT A GLAN CE JULY 2 – 5 Pensacola, Florida Pensacola Int’l Billfish Tourn. Greg Whibbs (850) 324-3265

AUGUST 5 – 8 Sarasota, Florida Sarasota Slam Leslie Weed (941) 412-9696

OCTOBER 22 – 24 Bahia del Sol, El Salvador Pres. Challenge of El Salvador Joan M. Vernon (305) 361-9258

JULY 3 – 5 Perlas Islands, Panama PCCA Panama Joan A. Vernon (305) 361-9258

AUGUST 10 – 14 Manteo, North Carolina Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament Harry Hindmarsh (252) 473-1015

OCTOBER 24 – 31 Queensland, Australia Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic Bob Lowe 011 612 9546 854

JULY 4 – 6 St. Thomas, Virgin Islands VIGFC July Open Jeffrey Kreiner (404) 580-4126

AUGUST 16 – 21 Cape May, New Jersey Mid-Atlantic $500,000 Bob Glover (609) 884-2400

NOVEMBER 11 – 14 Mazatlán, Mexico Mazatlán Billfish Classic Harvey Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899

JULY 8 – 11 Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands A.H. Riise BVI Billfish Tournament Lawrence Wheatley (284) 495-8002

AUGUST 28 – 30 Islamorada, Florida Islamorada Swordfish Tournament Richard Peeples III (305) 282-1006

NOVEMBER 13 – 15 Guatemala City, Guatemala Pres. Challenge of Guatemala Joan M. Vernon (305) 361-9258

JULY 8 – 11 Charleston, South Carolina HMY – Viking Megadock McKenzie Hutaff Estes (842) 278-4920

AUGUST 28 – SEPTEMBER 3 San Juan, Puerto Rico San Juan Int’l Billfish Tournament Gonzalo M. Ferrer (787) 727-7700

NOVEMBER 18 – 21 Los Sueños, Costa Rica Los Sueños Marlin Invitational Ashley Bretecher A.Bretecher@lossuenosresort.com

JULY 15 – 19 Panama City, Florida Bay Point Billfish Invitational Scott Burt (850) 235-6911

SEPTEMBER 18 – 20 Marina Portofino, Venezuela Caribbean Cup Joan M. Vernon (305) 361-9258

NOVEMBER 20 – 22 Mazatlán, Mexico Puerto Vallarta Billfish & Tuna Classic Harvey Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899

JULY 22 – 25 Orange Beach, Alabama Outcast Blue Marlin Classic Tommy Holmes (850) 457-1450

SEPTEMBER 24 – 27 Miami, Florida Miami Swordfish Tournament Richard Peeples III (305) 282-1006

DECEMBER 8 – 12 IGT Grand Championship Harvey Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899

JULY 29 – AUGUST 2 Orange Beach, Alabama Orange Beach Billfish Classic Sarah Armstrong (251) 981-4207

SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 3 Charleston, South Carolina The Sailfish Slam McKenzie Hutaff Estes (843) 278-4920

JULY 30 – AUGUST 1 Morehead City, North Carolina N.C. Ducks Unlimited Bob Lichauer (336) 454-5493

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

JULY 30 – AUGUST 2 Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic 3rd Int’l Fishing Tourn. of the North Coast Ambra Attus (809) 200-8004

OCTOBER 8 – 11 New Smyrna Beach, Florida New Smyrna Beach Billfish Invt’l Jon Zeller (386) 290-4181

AUGUST 3 – 7 Ocean City, Maryland White Marlin Open Jim Motsko (410) 289-9229

OCTOBER 10 – 13 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Puerto Los Cabos World Cup Harvey Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899

DECEMBER 2 – 5 WBS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS Los Sueños, Costa Rica Sam White (727) 864-4400

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 of the year. Please call us at 727-864-4400 or visit www.fishwbs.com for the most up to date tournament information. Billfishing Magazine