Vol 9, Issue 7 by Linda Fisher

UNHEARD OF.

QUIET CONFIDENCE At Wide Open Throttle, a Suzuki® 300 twice as loud as a Verado® 300 hp.

hp engine is nearly

300 hp 275 hp 250 hp 225 hp 200 hp 175 hp

MERCURY ® VERADO

SUZUKI

150 hp 135 hp

SEE MORE TESTS AT MercuryMarine.com

The fact that Suzuki is twice as loud as Mercury Verado speaks for itself. But there’s even more to this supercharged FourStroke than its quiet demeanor, such as leading edge, electro-hydraulic steering that offers the smooth, consistent control you’d expect to find in a luxury car. To see and hear how Mercury Verado has silenced the competition,

look deeper at MercuryMarine.com.

Source: Tests conducted by Mercury Marine – June 2007. Test conducted on a 23’ fiberglass fishing boat using a Mercury Verado 300 hp FourStroke and a Suzuki DF300 four-stroke. © 2008 MERCURY MARINE. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Suzuki is a registered trademark of Suzuki Motor Corporation. All other trademarks belong to the Brunswick Corporation.

Boat Division 2009 Viking

203

Hatteras

Ricky Scarborough

Contender

Ocean Yacht

Motor Division 2009

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

MAN

MTU/Detroit Diesel

Caterpillar

Yamaha

Mercury

This award is presented annually to the top boat and motor manufacturing companies based on performance in over 60 tournaments on the WBS World Tour. The current standings are presented above.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

“Supporting Tournament Sportfishing, Now and Forever” On the Cover The Marlin Darlin heads for the prolific waters of the famed North Drop off St. Thomas in search of blue marlin action. Photo courtesy of Richard Gibson www. hiseasphotography.com

Departments 7 7 8 12

Editor’s Message Upcoming Event Calendar Industry News Caught On The WBS World Tour

Destinations 16 Destination: Guatemala Few places in the world offer the mix of offshore action, history and local color as Guatemala. Here’s a closer look.

Tournament Tales 24 Bahamas Billfish Championship Recap Yet another successful season of fishing in the Bahamas wraps up another BBC series for 2009.

34 New Orleans Invitational Billfish Tournament Always a favorite among Gulf Coast billfishing enthusiasts, this year’s tournament was a tremendous success.

38 Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish Tourn. The WBS Mid-Atlantic Division rolls into eastern North Carolina with this regional favorite.

Angler Profiles 47 Brian Schmidt 49 Steven Turner 51 Chris Galati

Inside the WBS 60 2009 Sponsors 61 2009 Standings 64 2009 World Tour Schedule

Billfishing Magazine

The most innovative Bertram ever conceived is now a reality. Built like no other sportfishing yacht, and refined to the highest level, forward thinking has given way to a new Legend.

a Ferretti etti brand

www.bertram.com

Bertram Y Yacht acht 3663 N.W. 21st Street, Miami, FL 33142 Phone: (305) 633-8011

EDITOR’S MESSAGE

FROM THE WBS

As we make the transition from summer into fall here at WBS headquarters, I wanted to let you know about several projects we have in the works. The first is the WBS Grand Championships, slated for December 2-5, 2009 in beautiful Los Sueños, Costa Rica. Our year-ending championship event is open only to those who have qualified to compete based on their performance in WBS-sanctioned tournaments; those invitations are in the mail now. To those who are invited to attend, I personally salute you, as you have proven yourselves on an individual level to be among the top anglers in the sport of billfishing today. Los Sueños itself remains one of the premier sportfishing destinations in the world. The quality and variety of accommodations, restaurants, charters and activities remains unparalleled, and the fishing is superb. Combine this with the natural beauty and irrepressible charm of Costa Rica and the result is nothing short of stunning. Non-fishing spouses are sure to find plenty to do as well, so don’t hesitate to bring them along. I would only ask that you return your entries as soon as possible—please don’t hesitate to contact me personally for assistance or with any questions. We’re also working on two of our annual publishing projects: the Official Guide to Billfishing and the 2010 WBS Tournament Calendar. Both will be ready for their usual release during the Miami International Boat Show. While advertising sales, especially within the marine industry, remain at record low levels, we’re very fortunate to have a strong group of industry leaders supporting us. These are the people that really believe in the concept of a sanctioning body for offshore sportfishing, and they’re willing to stick it out even during the lean times. As a way of returning the favor, I would ask you to take ten minutes from your day to call or write these folks just to say, “Thanks.” The list of WBS sponsors and major advertisers can be found on page 60 of this publication. Send an email, leave a message, just let them know that their continued support is appreciated. As we all know, a little thanks goes a long way. Hope to see you in Costa Rica in December,

BILLFISHING

The Official Publication of the World Billfish Series August/September 2009

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 Administrative Director Jana E. Simons Destinations Editor Jeff Merrill

Special Contributors

Sam White World Billfish Series

Upcoming Events OCTOBER 2 – 4 El Pescado Billfish Tournament OCTOBER 8 – 11 New Smyrna Beach Billfish Invt’l OCTOBER 10 – 13 Puerto Los Cabos World Cup OCTOBER 22 – 24 Pres. Challenge of El Salvador OCTOBER 24 – 31 Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic NOVEMBER 11 – 14 Mazatlán Billfish Classic NOVEMBER 20 – 22 Pres. Challenge of Guatemala NOVEMBER 18 – 21 Los Sueños Marlin Invitational

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

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. Copyright © 2009, SportsUSA Group, Inc.

Billfishing Magazine

INDUSTRY NEWS

MARINA PEZ VELA PROJECT UPDATE

orgeous waters, great weather, beautiful beaches and a state-of-the-art marina are beckoning boaters and anglers to Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica. And with the initial 100 slips set to open later this year, the excitement is building.

Located in one of the world’s premier sport fishing destinations, Marina Pez Vela will offer an extraordinary base of operations for fishing and boating along the Pacific coast of Central America–opening thousands of miles of ocean that was previously impossible to fish. Once completed, Marina Pez Vela will be the largest full-service marina in Costa Rica, equipped with 300 wet slips, 120-unit dry storage facility, and a maintenance and repair boat yard with 200-ton Travel-Lift. In preparation for Marina Pez Vela’s fall debut, Bellingham Marine is currently installing the first 100 concrete slips, including utility and gangway units. Bellingham’s assembly and installation team is onsite receiving materials, transporting float units from the casting plant located approximately five miles from the job site, and beginning the dock assembly process and water installation. According to project founder Harold Lovelady, finally putting docks into the water is the result of nine years of preparation and work. “We are moving at full speed and getting ready to welcome our first customers,” states Lovelady. “Our extraordinary project team is building a world-class marina that will be exceptional for those who stay on a permanent, annual or transient basis.”

Although it is accurate to say Marina Pez Vela is large, it does not quite capture the project’s true breadth and depth. Here are some facts and figures to help convey the real picture: •The marina encompasses 40 acres. •25 football fields can fit inside the marina basin. •The marina stretches approximately one-mile in circumference. •270,000 cubic meters of sand were dredged from the marina basin. •4,000 concrete dolos were needed for infrastructure. •4,800 tons of steel have been used to-date for marina construction. Located in downtown Quepos, next door to the famed El Gran Escape Restaurant, the Marina Pez Vela sales office recently received its own version of “Extreme Makeover” and welcomes visitors to stop by and say hello. The expanded 2,000 square-foot facility has been professionally decorated and equipped with new furnishings, projects displays and outdoor signage. Inviting and comfortable, the sales office offers a lounge area, as well as a private meeting room. Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park are at the top of the list for Costa Rica’s most popular destinations. Already renowned for exotic sites and scenes, beautiful beaches and luxury accommodations, plans are underway to bring additional services and facilities to the area. To support these efforts, the Chamber of Commerce has improved tourism and organized development programs in this popular Central Pacific destination. A limited number of wet slip are available for sale and limited longterm leasing. For info call 866-PEZ-VELA or www.marinapezvela.com.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC JOINS WORLDWIDE CONSERVATION EFFORTS

t is news that should be welcome to any billfishing enthusiast plying the waters of the Caribbean but especially those bound for the shores of the Dominican Republic, one of the sport’s potential up-and-coming hotspots. Rather than lag behind in their fisheries management practices, the government here has identified the value of sportfishing for blue and white marlin and sailfish in their waters and recently passed the following resolutions, according to Evelio Mederos, IGFA Representative for Dominican Republic: 1) Protective measures are established for the conservation of the blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish in the territorial waters of the Dominican Republic in the zone that runs from the Nisibon River mouth to Punta Espada. 2) The boating, killing, marketing and commercialization of these species is prohibited. 3) Fishing for these species using gaffs, harpoons, any massive utensils, or other fishing method except the ones mentioned below is prohibited. 8

www.FishWBS.com

4) Fishing for these species is only approved either by the use of natural baits using only one circle hook or using artificial lures with one or two hooks. 5) Trolling is the only method approved for the capture of these species. 6) Any fish hooked must be released in the same place it was captured, as soon as possible and without causing any harm to the fish. 7) Boating or raising the fish out of the water is prohibited even if the final intention is to release the fish. The World Billfish Series applauds this forward thinking and hopes that other Caribbean nations would consider adopting similar measures in order to protect their billfish stocks for future generations.

INDUSTRY NEWS

NEWS FROM THE IGFA

his month the IGFA features recently released figures from The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The U.N. Fisheries and Aquaculture Department recently released The State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2008. Some interesting facts from the recent report (all values represent annual totals for the year 2006):

Catch Global capture fisheries production was about 92 million tons. Value Calculations indicate that is equivalent to the weight of 18.4 million elephants or 46 million SUVs (all these SUVs lined up would stretch five times around the earth at the equator). Global fish capture production first sale value is estimated at US $91.2 billion. Countries Top five countries in world capture production: • China • Peru • United States • Indonesia • Japan

People • 43.5 million people are directly engaged, part time or full time, in primary production of fish (including fish capture from the wild and aquaculture) with an additional four million people engaged on an occasional basis. • For each person employed in the primary sector, it is estimated there are four employed in the secondary sector (fish processing, marketing and service industries), indicating employment of about 170 million people in the industry as a whole. • If you consider the number of dependants, about 520 million people could be dependent on the sector, that’s about eight percent of the world’s population. Species/Stocks The top five marine species for capture production: • Anchoveta • Alaska pollock • Skipjack tuna • Atlantic herring • Blue herring For more information, please visit www.igfa.org.

Asian countries accounted for 52 percent of global capture production.

TBF UPDATE: COSTA RICA

ew regulations enacted by INCOPESCA, the Costa Rican fisheries agency, will require electronic vessel monitoring systems on all commercial vessels larger than 56 feet in length that operate in Costa Rican waters. These rules were published on August 5 and all affected vessels must have operational systems within six months of that date. The Billfish Foundation’s chief scientist Dr. Russell Nelson and TBF Central American conservation director Herbert Nanne have been pushing INCOPESCA to develop these regulations for a year and a half. “The mandatory use of VMS will allow Costa Rica’s officials to monitor via satellite the exact positions of all purse seine vessels and large longliners and more easily enforce closed areas and other conservation directives,” said Nelson.

Nanne added, “Costa Rica does not allow purse seine fishing on FADs (fish aggregating devices) because of the high bycatch of billfish, dorado, wahoo and other finfish, but we have for years suspected the foreign permitted vessels of using this destructive fishing practice in Costa Rica’s waters. Now VMS will reveal whether they are fishing inside our 12 mile territorial waters, or going into protected areas like the Cocos Island National Park waters.” Ellen Peel, TBF president, observed,”We all owe Luis Dobles, the new president of INCOPESCA, for taking yet another step towards stronger fisheries conservation. Hopefully purse seiners being tracked on VMS will think twice before repeating last year’s incident in which several sportfishing boats were deliberately sur-

rounded by a large purse seiner and threatened while peacefully trolling for tuna.” The regulations, taking effect Feb. 5, 2010, do not apply to private and charter sportfishing vessels. Over the past year Costa Rica has been proactive in enacting conservation laws and measures to control commercial overfishing. Last December INCOPESCA passed measures protecting its sailfish and other sport fishing resources by putting a halt to the exportation of sailfish meat and stopped the use of live bait by the commercial long-liners. A month later Costa Rica formed the first national sport fishing federation representing the interests of its anglers and the sport fishing tourism industry. In other news from The Billfish Foundation, their membership magazine is now available online in a digital format. For more information on these and other conservation initiatives, please visit The Billfish Foundation’s website at www.billfish.org.

Billfishing Magazine

Enter the "Caught on the WBS World Tour" contest and win a new pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses! 1

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

www.FishWBS.com

caught on tour the place to see your face 5

12 11

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

www.FishWBS.com

caught on tour the place to see your face 15

Congratulations to our most recent contest winners:

We need your submissions no matter how many faces you can put names to. Nick Linn — Clearwater, FL Karin Englund-Fisher — Naples, FL Scott Costolo — Boca Raton, FL

“Caught On WBS Tour” Contest 22

The WBS Anglers Club member who correctly identifies the most people on pages 12, 13 and 15 by November 30, 2009 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 WBS, 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

www.FishWBS.com

Billfishing Magazine

Marina and ruins pho tos provided by Pat Ford

Photo on this page providedc by Pat Ford

ention Guatemala to those who have never experienced a trip there and they’ll usually conjure up visions of Indiana Jones crashing through the jungle in search of Mayan gold. No need to fear though, as most travelers arrive by the conventional method of wide-body jet and not two-seat floatplane into the capital of Guatemala City. From there, the paths diverge: the missionaries and backpackers head for the mountainous villages of the rugged interior while those bent on fishing make for the coast. Fortunately, it’s now easier to come to Guatemala specifically to fish, and the choices are more varied than ever.

One of the earliest pioneers of Guatemalan sportfishing was an American named Tim Choate, who founded and operated for many years the successful Fins ‘n Feathers Lodge. The lodge was situated on a coastal river that fed into the sea and offered all the ingredients: first-rate lodging, an on-site restaurant, bar and pool and a fleet of fast and maneuverable gameboats docked just steps away, crewed by some of Central America’s best captains and offering state-of-the-art tackle. Lodge representatives would meet anglers at the airport in the city and drive them down to the coast in private vans to make sure nobody got lost or shanghaied by the locals along the way, and would return them to the city in the same fashion at the end of their stay. The lodge itself was a self-contained community, gated for privacy and with its own 24-hour security for protection. Visitors could now fly in, fish for as long as their stamina (or their bank account) would allow, and fly home with all the ease and safety of going to visit relatives in the Midwest.

Photo by Scott Kerrigan Photo by Pat Ford

Photo by Pat Ford

This page: Casa Vieja Lodge offers a great combination of top notch services like dining and lodging along with some of the finest boats and crews avaliable in Guatemala.

In the early to mid 2000s, things started to turn sideways in paradise though. Choate moved on to pursue expanding opportunities in Brazil and the Galapagos Islands, the shifting rivermouth, always a treacherous one, continued to silt up and become dangerously impassable, and the lodge ran into problems. Fortunately enough, there were several operations that have stepped in since then to fill the void left by the departure of Fins ‘n Feathers. Perhaps the best known is Casa Vieja Lodge, which formally opened for business in 2006. Owner and avid angler Jim Turner took a different direction with Casa Vieja (Old Home in Spanish), basing his sportfishing fleet at Marina Pez Vela, about one mile away. Gone are the days of navigating a dangerous inlet, as the boats now tie up to a surprisingly modern marina facility complete with restaurant and bar. The marina is located within Puerto San Jose, the nation’s largest port on the Pacific Ocean, so access to the high seas is safe and uninterrupted by shifting shoals. The lodge’s minibuses continue the tradition of picking up their angling guests from the airport as well as shuttling them back and forth to the boats each morning and afternoon in what has become a seamless affair. Accommodations are pleasant, clean and inviting, not surprising given the hospitality background of the owners and staff, and the food is superb—in fact, the lodge has become one of the finest restaurants in the area. The real draw here though has always been the sportfishing, and this is where Casa Vieja really shines. The fleet currently hosts eight top-drawer gameboats including Merritts of 37 and 43 feet, a 40-foot Whiticar, 37- and 40-foot Gamefishermen and

a 37-foot Rybovich. Every boat here is staffed by the area’s best captains and crews, using the best available tackle and bait every day. That statement in and of itself is a tribute to the dedication of the lodge staff, as it’s hard to find such dedication to excellence in Palm Beach, much less half a hemisphere away in coastal Guatemala. Several of the Casa Vieja captains and crews can trace their roots back to Choate’s original operation, such as Capt. Ron Hamlin, who recently let go his 30,000th billfish, or Capt. Chris Sheeder, expert flyrod skipper and another legend in fishing circles around the world. Part of that commitment is due to the fact that when the conditions are right, Guatemala can turn on like no other destination in the world. You want numbers? How about sailfish releases that average in the double digits on a yearly basis, with records like 124 sailfish releases in a single day, 300 releases in three days and 57 in one day on fly tackle, set by Casa Vieja’s own Jim Turner. And in the last few years, the blue marlin fishery has come on stronger than ever before—more on that in a bit. Most of the action here is focused on light-tackle bait and switch, where boats pull two to four teasers with two baits fished long off the outriggers. Freshly-caught local ballyhoo are meticulously rigged every day by these crews, who are also mandated by Guatemalan law to use non-offset circle hooks in their pursuit of billfish. It’s a perfect set-up for those wishing to hone their skills using circle hooks as well as for captains and mates who are interested in learning to rig and fish these baits from the best in the business.

Photo by Pat Ford

And for those that believe Guatemala is only a one trick pony when it comes to sailfish, think again, amigos. For the 2008 season, The Billfish Foundation awarded its Pacific blue marlin release honors to none other than Capt. Brad Phillips and his Guatemalan Billfish Adventures operation. That’s right: the top release skipper for Pacific blues doesn’t live in Kona or Cabo but in Guatemala. With six years under his belt as one of Fins ‘n Feathers’ top skippers, Brad and his wife Cindy decided to venture out on their own, teaming up with longtime charterboat owner and angler Steve Cothron to open Guatemalan Billfish Adventures in 2005. Along the way, they purchased and refitted a beautiful 40-foot Gamefisherman as well as the sumptuously appointed Billfish Lodge in order to cater to small groups of high-end sportfishing clients. Cindy Phillips, a native Guatemalan, is renowned for her hospitality as she personally oversees the myriad of details surrounding a client’s satisfaction, from airport transfer arrangements to meals to ensuring the bar is properly stocked for after fishing cocktails. Indeed, booking a trip with Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures is more like visiting old friends than anything else. Fishing with Capt. Brad at the helm is also a treat, and could be likened to a student studying under a master artist. With nearly 20,000 sailfish releases in his nine years in Guatemala, the South African native is widely regarded as one of the top sportfishing captains in the world. Through his experience and that of the team that assists him in the cockpit, more can be learned about light-tackle circle hook angling in three days than most can learn in three years fishing their home waters. In December of 2008, the lodge teamed up with La Reunion Antigua Golf Resort to offer an alternative to those anglers who

Buena Vista Lodge: www.buenavistasportfishing.com

rustic colonial architecture as well as a full service spa. Just a short distance from the resort is the colonial city of Antigua, with its shopping and historic attractions; day trips are easily arranged for those who wish to do a little sightseeing. With breathtaking views of the Fuego volcano and the Pacific coastline, La Reunion is sure to be a popular option for those wishing to experience something totally different in a fishing vacation.

are also fanatical about their golf game as well. Now they have the option of adding an extra day or two to the standard fishing package in order to visit a brand new course, the Fuego Maya (Mayan Fire), designed by Pete Dye and his son Perry. The resort itself offers accommodations on par with the course (pun intended) in

But what about a do-it-yourself trip? Well, maybe not quite do it all yourself, but for those wanting a less expensive alternative that still has all the kick, Jody Elswick’s Buena Vista Lodge might fit the bill nicely. Situated on the water between Iztapa and the port, Buena Vista is an expansive resort with room to grow. Elswick, a Virginia Beach, VA native, fell in love with Guatemala after running a boat in Costa Rica for several years, so he knows what it

FOR MORE INFORMATION Casa Vieja Lodge: www.casaviejalodge.com Guatemalan Sportfishing Adventures: www.guatbilladv.com

Guatemala, is especially famous for its Mayan architecture—it’s one of the largest cities yet discovered in the Americas, with more than 3,000 structures spread over six square miles. The ancient Mayans began building Tikal around 600 B.C., and for the next 1,500 years the area was an important religious, scientific and political center. The Tikal National Park is not only home to an ancient Mayan city but also an impressive amount of wildlife, not unexpected, as the surrounding rainforest buts right up to the park’s monuments. Screeching howler monkeys and squawking parrots provide nature’s soundtrack to visitors, while peccary, brocket deer, coatimundis, toucans, scarlet macaws, parrots, ocelots and even the seldom-seen jaguar can occasionally be spotted. Another top Guatemalan attraction is the area of Panajachel, located in the Guatemalan highlands. The town overlooks Lake Atitlan and is ringed by three volcanoes, not an uncommon sight in this geologically active nation. Panajachel is famous for its women weavers and their typical clothing, and it’s also a town full of interesting sights, with numerous hotels and small restaurants around every corner. During the day, enjoy the breathtaking views of the volcanoes that surround the lake or visit Panajachel’s busy market street, one of the best places in Guatemala to shop for souvenirs and especially the hand-woven textiles.

takes to be successful in catering to the traveling angler. The lodge specializes in fast outb0ard-powered boats including several catamarans and center-consoles, making this a great option for those who do not require an air-conditioned salon to go fishing. It’s also the only lodge that’s located on the water, enabling their guest anglers to step directly from the boat to the pool, shower or bar at the end of the day, as well as the only lodge where the owners are on site at all times, ready to cater to the needs of their guests. As with most other operations in Guatemala, Buena Vista is all-inclusive, where a base price includes airport transfers, rooms and room taxes, meals, Internet and telephone, laundry and security services, and fishing. Add airfare, tips for the staff and boat crew and alcoholic beverages and that’s it—no hidden surprises and no sticker shock at the end of the trip. Guatemala has several other top attractions that are popular with visitors. Among these are the many ruins that dot

the countryside, most from the Mayan period. These pre-Columbian pyramids and other structures are remarkably similar to those found in other parts of the world including Egypt. Tikal, in northern

Although it’s common for visitors to fly to Guatemala strictly for the fishing experience, and it’s a great reason to go, the country has so much more to offer if you’re willing to take an extra day or two and experience both the old and the new. You won’t leave disappointed.w

Making the Transfer Sometimes when visiting a foreign country, getting from the airport to the lodge can be an adventure in itself. Unscrupulous operators will take advantage of the touristas by charging exorbitant rates, sometimes as much as five times the standard fare, or by giving poor rates of exchange if you’re not using the local currency. And if you don’t speak Spanish then you may be out of luck entirely. Fortunately, that’s not the case here. Each of these fishing operations offers a private transfer from the airport to the lodge— their representative will be waiting just outside the airport to help you and your companions with their luggage before boarding a private air-conditioned van for the short ride from Guatemala City down to the coast. No need to hassle with taxis, exchange rates or language barriers. Since most flights depart Guatemala City for the United States in the morning, fishing packages usually include a night at a very nice Americanstyle hotel in Guatemala City on the last day of fishing. The same private driver will take your party right to the door, and the following morning it’s a quick ten-minute shuttle ride to the airport and your departing flight. It’s airport transfer made simple.

Photos by Brenda Fletcher

The 2009 Bahamas Billfish Series was one for the ages. In addition to the great fishing and fantastic dockside camaraderie that has become a trademark of the BBC, there were also some twists and turns throughout the season that kept the competitors fully engaged and hanging on every hookup.

The winners of the 2009 BBC season opener in Bimini: Crush Em.

or the first time in fourteen years, the Bahamas Billfish Championship series returned to the island of Bimini, a familiar jumping-off point for boaters heading over to the Bahamas from South Florida. This year’s event would be hosted by the beautiful new Bimini Bay Resort and Marina, one of the finest facilities on the island and the epicenter for sportfishing activity. And despite the rocky economic conditions, 28 teams turned out as the BBC kicked off its 36th season.

team captain Trey Brown placed second and Robert Harrell’s Reel Estate took home third, again based upon their time of blue marlin release. For the event there were eleven billfish let go to fight again: three blue marlin, one white marlin and seven sailfish. As with all BBC tournaments, all catches are validated using time- and datestamped digital images. Affidavits signed by all participants fishing on each team further confirms that the billfish was released in accordance with both IGFA and BBC tournament rules.

Despite great weather, though, the billfish were scarce and fishing was tough for the first leg. Ronald Bennett’s Crush ‘Em, home-ported in New Castle, Delaware, was the first of three teams to successfully release a blue marlin during the tournament, giving them first place honors based on their time of release. The Edge, led by

Despite the slower than usual fishing, the BBC series tournaments are renowned in the fishing community for their dockside atmosphere and this one was no different. New tournament sponsor XOJET was on hand to sponsor the opening cocktail party and welcome reception as well as to learn more about the private jet aircraft needs of

the participants, while Gulfstream International Airlines and John Bull Jewelers were the principal sponsors of the Bimini leg, sponsoring numerous functions including a ‘Docktail Party’ and hors d’oeuvres contest. The modern resort and marina at Bimini Bay proved to be an ideal setting for the BBC series’ return to the island. “The entire staff was extremely accommodating and everyone associated with the tournament raved about the quality of the food, both at our social functions and in the resort’s restaurants,” said Al Behrendt, BBC president. “The resort and its staff made the ‘Bimini experience’ rewarding for both the first-time visitor and the seasoned angler.” With fairly low scoring to start the series, everyone now turned their attention to the next leg at Treasure Cay. Billfishing Magazine

What’s better to locate buried treasure than a good dog, or maybe even two… That would be the story of the week at Treasure Cay during the second leg of the BBC, as Don McKinney’s Double Dog ruled the seas. They took full advantage of a new rule in the BBC books that awards a 700-point bonus to any team scoring a grand slam (three different billfish species released) during the week. McKinney and company, fishing from a big, fast Hines Farley yacht, were able to score points for their three blue marlin, one white marlin and two sailfish caught during the three days offshore, vaulting them into a commanding lead for the series. They were also presented with additional awards as the Top Release Team; Don McKinney was named the WBS Top Angler as well.

The second place team, Omigosh, scored 1600 points for the win at Treasure Cay, hitting the home run with a grand slam along the way.

But the Double Dog wouldn’t be the only team taking advantage of the new grand slam bonus—second place honors in the tournament fell to Don Schmidt’s Omigosh team, fishing aboard their 64-foot Viking. They scored 1,600 points by releasing a blue marlin, a white marlin and a sailfish, plus their 700 point slam bonus. Mark Daniels and the Greenville, SC-based Daymaker rounded out third place with 1,373 points. They tallied one blue and one white marlin released, plus a 573-pound blue marlin weighed. Incidentally, this was the only blue marlin weighed so far in the series. Thirty teams joined the series in Treasure Cay with 32 billfish caught: 14 blue marlin, 13 white marlin and five sailfish. The Treasure Cay Resort and Marina is a favored stop along the BBC circuit for anglers and crews for many reasons: excellent accommodations and restaurants (pizza night at the Tipsy Seagull is not to be missed), easy access to the marina and a short run to the fishing grounds. Staffed with a crew of friendly and courteous Bahamians, the resort continues to shine brightly. Next up: the Cape Eleuthera Championship.

28 www.FishWBS.com

The big dog of the tournament was Don McKinney’s Double Dog. Don(center, with trophy) and his team also scored a grand slam during the Central Abaco tournament and took an early lead in the overall BBC scoring.

There’s an old saying in fishing that it’s better to be lucky than good. But when you’re both lucky and good, it’s a potent combination indeed. That seemed to be the case with Bobby Jacobsen’s Marlin Darlin team in the third leg of the BBC series, as the fleet descended upon Cape Eleuthera for the first ever BBC event to be held here.

Bobby Jacobsen (center, with trophy) and the Marlin Darlin team scored a big victory in Cape Eleuthera.

Jacobsen’s pristine 60-foot Viking was the first of seven boats to release a single blue marlin each on the first day of fishing off Cape Eleuthera, putting them into first place by the narrowest of margins going into the second day. Once again the fleet pounded the marlin grounds, where the 26 competing vessels collectively let go 18 blue marlin. The Marlin Darlin was one of three teams to double up on blues that day, with the other two being Gary Angel’s Sea Angel and Don McKinney’s Double Dog. Since the Sea Angel, a 60-foot Weaver, had also released a white marlin on Day One, they slid into second place while BBC series leader McKinney and the Double Dog took over third. With one day of fishing left on the line, Sea Angel was unable to add to their points and dropped to third place overall while the Double Dog scored a pair of sailfish releases, good for a second place finish. Marlin Darlin again proved darling to the marlin, releasing one final blue to take the win with 2,400 points. Twenty-one of the 28 participating teams caught at least one billfish during the three days of action in the third leg, which was hosted by the Cape Eleuthera Resort and Yacht Club, located at Powell Point on the southwest coast of Eleuthera. There were 52 qualified billfish caught during the event: 38 blue marlin, ten white marlin and four sailfish. The Marlin Darlin was named the Top Release team and Bobby Jacobsen was the Top WBS Angler for the tournament.

Gary Angel’s Sea Angel slid into third place.

Like a baseball player rounding second and heading for third, the BBC now moves into the fourth leg at Boat Harbour. A quick glance at the overall standings reveals a dozen or more teams in contention, so this will prove to be a vital tournament for anyone wishing to earn the title of Bahamas Billfish Champion for 2009.

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Tournament sportfishing is absolutely addictive, if for no other reason than the fact that anything, absolutely anything, can happen. And frequently does. That was most definitely the case as the BBC series returned to an old favorite: the Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour. A veteran of the Bahamas Billfish circuit, Dugan McLaughlin was all too aware that fate can intervene at any time in any given event. His Juel Marie team had just 200 points for a white marlin release going into the third and final day of fishing, trailing the leaders on the True Grit by 1,200 points, but by the end of the day the Juel Marie had achieved the coveted grand slam of a blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish release, earning 900 points plus another 700 for the slam. When added with their 200 points already accumulated, they finished up the leg with 1,800 points and victory. It was a comefrom-behind win that no one saw coming. Above: In a come-from-behind victory that had everyone cheering, Dugan McLaughlin’s Juel Marie stunned the fleet in Boat Harbour. Below: Dan Deer and the True Grit held onto first place for most of the tournament but settled for second overall.

For the first two days of competition, three teams had dominated the fourth leg: Wave Paver, True Grit and Marlin Darlin each had two blue marlin releases. Dan Deer’s True Grit held a slim lead with an additional white marlin release, while Junior Davis’ Wave Paver and Bobby Jacobsen’s Marlin Darlin each had a sailfish release. Day Three proved to be a long one for the frontrunners though, none of whom were able to add to their point totals. In the end, True Grit would be second and Marlin Darlin third, just nicking the Wave Paver on time of release. The Juel Marie would be the Top Release Team and McLaughlin the Top WBS Angler. The 43 participating teams caught 40 qualified billfish in the three days of fishing: 27 blue marlin, nine white marlin and four sailfish. As always, all releases were verified using time- and date-stamped digital images as well as signed affidavits for all participants to ensure adherence to both IGFA and BBC tournament rules. In addition to presenting trophies to the winners, tournament sponsors Allied Marine and Bertram Yacht hosted a special steak night dinner at the Jib Room at Marsh Harbour, while longtime BBC sponsor John Bull and Abaco Gold hosted an open house at their stores complete with conch salad and plenty of refreshments. Bristol Wine and Spirits, Continental Gulfstream and Caterpillar Marine Power were additional sponsors of the week’s social functions. Coming off a big win in Cape Eleuthera and a third place finish at Boat Harbour, the Marlin Darlin moved to within striking distance of overall series point leaders aboard the Double Dog. The series returns to Treasure Cay for the fifth and final stop for 2009—it’s bound to be an exciting finish.

LEADING IN EDUCATION Throughout its history, the Bahamas Billfish Championship has been a consistent supporter of billfish research. In 2000, the steering committee and the Bahamas Billfish Championship instituted a scholarship program administered by the Lyford Cay Foundation. The initial scholarship assisted Bahamian students studying marine biology at the college level. The scholarship success prompted the Bahamas Billfish Championship to create a vocational scholarship for continuing education in marine technology. Annual taxdeductible donations by Bahamas Billfish Championship anglers insure that the program is fully endowed. More details about the scholarship program can be found at the Bahamas Billfish Championship’s web site www.bahamasbillfish.com.

Billfishing Magazine

2010 BBC SCHEDULE Central Abaco Championship April 21st 24th, 2010 Cape Eleuthera Championship May 5th - 8th, 2010 Harbour Island Championship May 19th - 22nd, 2010 Boat Harbour Championship June 9th - 12th, 2010 Though they may have gotten off to a slow start in this year’s race for the Bahamas Billfish Championship series, Dan Deer and his team really showed their mettle as the five tournaments wore on, eventually walking away with a second place finish in Boat Harbour as well as the win during the fifth and final BBC leg at Treasure Cay. The True Grit, a 63-foot F&S, certainly lived up to her name as the team managed to grind out three good days.

Treasure Cay Championship June 23rd - 26th, 2010

The team was one of seven to catch a blue marlin during the first day of fishing, but the True Grit was able to complete the grand slam on Day Two by adding a white marlin and a sailfish to their side of the tournament ledger, garnering an additional 700 point bonus for the feat. To add a cherry on top, a blue marlin release on Day Three sealed the win and also moved the team into third place in the overall BBC standings for the season. True Grit was the event’s Top Release Team and owner Dan Deer was the event’s Top WBS Angler. Finishing in second place in Treasure was Ed Hardin’s 54-foot Bertram, Abracadabra. Hardin is one of the longest-standing members of the BBC fleet with 25 years of near-continuous support—he remains one of the toughest competitors found on the docks anywhere in the islands of the Bahamas. The Abracadabra released a pair of blue marlin on Day One to score 1,200 points. They finished just ahead of Trey Brown’s team aboard The Edge, also with 1,200 points and a pair of blue marlin releases.

The True Grit capitalized on the new bonus for releasing a grand slam to find first place in Treasure Cay, rounding out a great 2009 BBC season.

For the past ten years, Don McKinney’s Double Dog has been a fierce competitor in the BBC series, with third place finishes in 2002 and 2003 and a fourth place showing in 2004, but victory had always somehow eluded them. Until 2009, that is. With a carefully planned and executed strategy, McKinney’s 66-foot Hines Farley now rightfully took her place in the winner’s slip as the team was named Champions of the Bahamas. For the ’09 season, they released six blue marlin, three white marlin and six sailfish, winning the Central Abaco Championship and placing third in the Cape Eleuthera Championship along the way. Nipping at their heels for the entire length of the series would be Bobby Jacobsen’s Marlin Darlin team. At the start of the fifth and final leg, the Double Dog’s lead had shrunk to just 700 points, and to add additional drama, no fewer than five 32

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Second place was Bahamas Billfish Championship veteran Ed Hardin and the Abracadabra.

HISTORY OF THE SERIES The Bahamas Billfish Championship series has its origin in a group of dedicated anglers who, while participating in billfish tournaments in the Bahamas, started an informal competition among themselves in 1968 to determine the Bahamas Champion. In 1973, the competition formally became the Bahamas Billfish Championship and took on a more structured form. The Bahamas Billfish Championship has maintained a consecutive annual schedule that has included as many as six tournaments covering Bimini, the Berry Islands, the Abacos, Cat Cay, Paradise Island, North Eleuthera and Great Exuma.

The 2009 Bahamas Billfish Champion team: Don McKinney’s Double Dog.

In 1981, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism assembled a group of resort managers together with Bahamas Billfish Championship anglers and representatives of the recreational boating industry to form the Bahamas Marine Council. The goal of the council was to enhance the image of boating and sport fishing in the Bahamas and, in particular, to stimulate growth in waterborne tourism. One of the most positive products of the council’s work was the restructuring of the Bahamas Billfish Championship into a world-class, international tournament series. Since 1992, the Bahamas Billfish Championship has been financially independent. A steering committee of participating anglers continues to monitor the wishes and the desires of the anglers regarding rule changes and tournament locations. Operating revenues are derived from registration fees, tournament entry fees and corporate sponsorships. Each resort that is part of the Bahamas Billfish Championship’s agenda is contracted individually for food and beverage services. This direction provides flexibility for the series to change resorts to areas of more productive fishing and to add or delete tournaments as the need arises or as economic or environmental conditions dictate. The Bahamas Billfish Championship was an early leader in billfish conservation and pioneered the use of time and date stamped digital images to verify releases. Along with consistently increasing minimum length requirements, the Championship has steadily raised the points for released billfish and, during the 2007 BBC series, a record 444 billfish were released. The Bahamas Billfish Championship’s continued growth, combined with positive press and media coverage, means a greater economic impact for tourism in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The 2007 series saw 123 teams join the Bahamas Billfish Championship, which provided a venue for the boat manufacturers and suppliers to showcase a fleet of top-of-the line vessels cruising and fishing Bahamian waters for twelve weeks.

Second Place Overall: Bobby Jacobsen and the Marlin Darlin.

Third Place Overall: Dan Deer’s True Grit. additional teams were within range of the leaders. But the final leg was a study in frustration for both the frontrunners—Marlin Darlin could only manage a pair of saifish releases while Double Dog only had one sail release to their credit. It would be Dan Deer’s True Grit that made a real late season charge to round out the top three. For their overall win of the 2009 Bahamas Billfish Championship, John Bull jewelers presented Don McKinney with a Rolex Chronometer; he was also awarded the gold champion’s ring, created and presented by Abaco Gold of Marsh Harbour. Finally, the team was recognized as the Top Release Team for the series. Commenting on his teams’ finish, McKinney said, “Over the years, we’ve changed our style of fishing to maximize our catch ratio of all the BBC’s target species. We are catching more fish, a greater variety of fish, and most importantly, we are having a great time doing it.” As the sunlight finally faded to twilight on Treasure Cay, another day of fishing came to an end along with the 2009 Bahamas Billfish Championship series.w Billfishing Magazine

www.FishWBS.com

The New Orleans Big Game Club

he tournament kicked off with cocktails, plenty of boiled seafood, and the best fishing conditions to date in the 2009 summer season. A beautiful rip was located about 35 miles off South Pass, with flat seas and an excellent weather forecast. The fleet, consisting of boats from Louisiana to Florida, was prepared for a great weekend of billfishing and camaraderie. John Garrity’s Brother in Law set the bar high and early with two blue marlin tagged first thing Friday morning. Garrity, fishing with Paul Hendrick, Russell Saluto, Rusty Saluto, Bobby Rockwell and Matt Teen, held on to win First Place Team honors with 1,000 points. Pat and Scott Williams’ Nautical Nut tagged a Grand Slam consisting of a blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish, to take Second Place Team honors based on time. Also aboard the Nautical Nut were teammates Justin Walker, Jared Walker, Gino Rendeiro and Paul Ippolito. Dan Haeuser’s Conundrum tagged a blue marlin and two white marlin to take Third Place Team, with anglers Dan and Justin Haeuser, Dax Byrd, Mike Nolan and Charlie Smyly in the cockpit. The Angler awards were the real story of the tournament as two Justins split the big awards: Justin Walker on the Nautical Nut winning the Judge Leander Perez Cup for tagging a Grand Slam and one of the New Orleans Club’s new members, Justin Haeuser, winning Top Angler and Second Place Billfish for tagging a blue marlin, two white marlin, and weighing two dolphin.

The New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club is a private club whose members share a passion for fishing the waters in the northern Gulf of Mexico in search of many species of gamefish including blue and white marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and dolphin. The NOBGFC prides itself in one of the highest catch and release ratios of similar such clubs, and our efforts over many years have been widely recognized in conservation circles for the collection of very valuable scientific data on many of these highly migratory species, especially regarding blue and white marlin. Our club members have enjoyed a rich 40year history of fishing, fun, and friendships and we look forward to many more years of fish tales and fun beyond the waters of South Pass. For more information, please visit their on the internet at www.nobgfc.com.

Russell Saluto on the Brother in Law took Third Place Billfish Award and the Blue Marlin Award for tagging the first blue mar-

Billfishing Magazine

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The Top Boat, Brother in Law, received awards for tagging a pair of blue marlin.

In second place, Nautical Nut received their awards for tagging a grand slam, one blue marlin, one white marlin, and one sailfish. Fourth from the left, Justin Walker, won 1st Place Billfish Award for tagging and releasing the grand slam.

lin of the tournament. Other great stories were 17-year old Mallory LaSalle’s 33-pound wahoo for Third Place Wahoo and Top Youth Angler, Cindy Pasentine catching a tuna, wahoo and dolphin to win Top Lady Angler, and Dev Moring with a 49-pound dolphin on the Uptick to take Top Dolphin. The 60-pound Top Wahoo was caught by Bert Vincent on new member Chris Baggett’s Watusi. With every tournament there were some disappointments like Rene Cross’ Miss Remy, who had four blue marlin spit the hooks over the course of the event, and the Welch’s Me´chant with an estimated 800- to 900-pound blue marlin breaking the leader at the transom (although they did rebound to weigh the event’s heaviest yellowfin tuna at 176 pounds). For the tournament, there were six blue marlin, eight white marlin and one sailfish tagged and released.

Justin Haeuser on the Conundrum won Top Overall Angler for his tag and release of one blue marlin, two white marlin, and two dolphin.

And just as most parts of the state are still rebuilding, the tournament would like to extend a special thanks to Rene Cross and Cypress Cove for hosting the tournament, building a swimming pool and re-opening the marina restaurant. With the success of this year’s event, there’s no doubt that things are back on track to continue the tradition of excellence for next year.w

Billfishing Magazine

Some things only get better with time. Such was the case with this year’s Ducks Unlimited “Band the Billfish” Tournament, held in Morehead City, North Carolina.

www.FishWBS.com

Top: The Salvation team pauses inside the inlet to hoist a few flags from the right rigger. They would finish the tournament in third place overall. Right: Top Angler Mary Temple Mullis will receive an invitation to the WBS Grand Championships.

lways a popular event along the Carolina coast and part of the NC Governor’s Cup series as well as the Mid-Atlantic Division of the World Billfish Series, the 21st annual event concluded with a nearrecord number of billfish released. This year’s event totaled 83 billfish releases, which is second only to 2005’s 96 billfish in the tournament’s history. But in 2005, there were 75 boats fishing in the tournament fleet, compared to a still-respectable 46 teams in the 2009 tournament, so it’s more about the average per-boat release—this year’s record average of 1.8 billfish per boat crushed the previous record of 1.35, set in 1998.

It’s also interesting to look at the annual breakdown by species in this popular event. Two thousand nine was a record-breaker in terms of sailfish releases, with a whopping 67 for the fleet. The next highest was all the way back in 1999 where 68 boats let go 52 sails. The strong run of sailfish off the Carolina coast definitely attributed to an outstanding event. Overall, 46 boats competed for honors and a total purse of $161,900. With an incredible six sailfish and two white marlin releases in two days Billfishing Magazine

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of fishing, the Stream Weaver secured top honors. Another top Carolina boat, the Barbara B ran a close second with five sails and two whites, taking the lion’s share of the purse for their effort. Close behind in third was Salvation with four sailfish and two whites. While those numbers are impressive enough in their own right, it’s important to remember that tournament hours specify just six hours per day for lines in over the course of the two day event, making the statistics that much more impressive.

The Stream Weaver has proven themselves to be one of the most consistent teams fishing in Carolina waters, so it was no surprise they came out on top in this year’s tournament.

It’s also important to note the level of conservation that’s inherent with this tournament. While any blue marlin over 110 inches in length (measured from the tip of the lower jaw to the fork in the tail) or exceeding 400 pounds in weight may be brought to the scales, since 1989 just seven blue marlin have been weighed in, with another 158 being released unharmed. That’s an incredible release ratio, just considering blue marlin alone, but the tournament has also released another 673 white marlin and sailfish for an overall release ratio that’s really incredible. The tournament also places much emphasis on the involvement and participation of its lady and junior anglers. Mary Temple Mullis, fishing aboard the Barbara B, once again captured the Top Lady Angler spot with her five billfish. From the Caroline, young Watson Caviness III caught three billfish to take the Top Greenwing (Junior) Angler award. In the game fish category, Kyle Culpepper hauled in a 64.20pound yellowfin while fishing aboard the Figment for the First Place Tuna. - angler Mark Roy caught the First Place Wahoo, weighing in at 41.10 pounds, while the Top Dolphin, a 22.55-pounder, was caught by Peter Barbier from the deck of the Sensation.

Another highly consistent team is the Barbara B, who just narrowly missed the mark set by the winners to finish in second place overall.

Sound CARE (Conservation of Agriculture, Resources, and the Environment) is North Carolina Ducks Unlimited’s premier conservation initiative, dedicated to the conservation and restoration of North Carolina wetlands and North American breeding grounds. Launched in 2004, Sound CARE has already conserved more than 13,000 acres of public and private wetlands throughout North Carolina. Additionally, approximately 31,000 acres of breeding grounds have been conserved in the Prairie Pothole and

The annual Ducks Unlimited “Band the Billfish” Tournament benefits wetland habitats in North Carolina and waterfowl breeding areas across North America through Ducks Unlimited’s Sound CARE program (see sidebar). Since 1988, the “Band the Billfish” has raised over $950,000 for conservation in North Carolina, all thanks to the generous contributions of the tournament participants and sponsors.w

Eastern Canada regions, areas responsible for 75 percent of our state’s migratory waterfowl. Last year, Sound CARE’s goals were increased to $27 million and 70,000 acres by December 2010. Through the 2008 reporting period, Ducks Unlimited has raised approximately $17 million, 63 percent of the required $27 million necessary to complete this conservation effort.

For more info, please visit www.bandthebillfish.com/soundcare.php. Billfishing Magazine

Why is Yamaha your best investment? “No matter where I fish, I know I have the strongest, most reliable outboard there is.”

George Mitchell CAPTAIN GEORGE MITCHELL Charter Boat Captain & Tournament Fisherman Fabulous Fishing Adventures

For 25 years, Yamaha’s been earning its stripes, out on the big blue behind hardcore fishermen like Captain George Mitchell. Tournament after tournament and win after win, they’ve learned to count on Yamaha Outboards for incredible power, reliability, durability, fuel efficiency and innovation. But there’s much more to a Yamaha—unsurpassed customer service, more than 2,000 dealers nationwide and some of the industry’s most highly trained technicians. Add it all up, and Yamaha’s one of the strongest performers on the water, and perhaps one of best investments you’ll ever make.

REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear.

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Brian Schmidt Prof ile Tournament Awards 2009 Top Individual Angler: HMY Viking Billfish Blast, Bahamas Second Place Team: HMY Viking Billfish Blast, Bahamas 2009 First Place: Stuart Sailfish Club Light Tackle Tournament, FL Second Place: Pelican Yacht Club Sailfish Tournament, FL 2007 First Place: HMY Viking Billfish Blast, Bahamas First Place: Abaco Billfish Championship, Bahamas Second Place: Pirate’s Cove Sailfish Classic, Florida Third Place: Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament, Bahamas Fourth Place: Marsh Harbour Leg, BBC, Bahamas 2006 First Place: Sailfish Point Yacht Club Tournament, Florida Favorite Billfishing Location: “Where I stay in the Bahamas looks out over the fishing grounds on the northeast corner near Hopetown. The beauty of the water and knowing all those marlin are prowling around out there makes it my favorite spot, plus I can fly to the Abacos in an hour and a half from my home in Florida— convenience also plays a role.” Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “The drop-off around Man-o-War in the Bahamas goes from 200 feet to between 2000 and 6000 feet quickly. I love to catch wahoo and yellowfin tuna on that edge. Fishing for sails off Stuart is also a hobby of mine, as there’s nothing better than seeing a sailfish buried into a teaser.” Other Interests: “Flying is my second favorite hobby. I learned to fly to reach distant fishing destinations and fell in love with flight itself. I also have a wife of 27 years and four children that keep things very interesting for me as well.”

n 1994, I purchased a 42-foot Viking and hired VJ Bell as my captain, with the goal of mine being to win the Stuart Sailfish Club Light Tackle Tournament—it’s the longest running sailfish release tournament in the world. Capt. Bell began teaching me how to tournament fish. Since then I’ve competed in 47 sailfish and seven marlin tournaments.” “When I finally won the Stuart Sailfish Club Light Tackle as an individual with Capt. Scott Faucett and the team division with Capt. James Ewing, that pretty much ended my quest for personal goals. One other tournament does stand out as being exceptional though, and that’s the 2007 HMY Billfish Blast in the Bahamas. On the final day, with only about 20 minutes left, fishing with Capt. Wink Doerzbacher, mates Carl Copeland and Tim Sperling, angler Mark Schwartz and myself, we caught a tripleheader of blue marlin to win by one fish. I’ll never forget that one.”

Occupation: “I have been an optician for 40 years and have owned my own business for 32 years. My children now work in the business so hopefully I will get in more fishing time.” Favorite Fish Story: “I was fishing for black marlin with live bonito off Panama—the fishing was slow so I decided to pay the fish gods for a favor but the smallest bill I had in my wallet was a U.S. $50. I decided it would have to do so I stuck it to the covering board. Before long, the fish gods snatched it over with a gust of wind, and still no bites. A little while later, one of the local boats called to say they had found a fifty dollar bill floating around, so there was quite a commotion on the radio. By the end of the day, I had caught my largest marlin to date, a 600-plus pound black, and was able to release her with lots of video and photos. I wonder what that guy did with the $50?”

“I tournament fish on charter boats or as a guest on private boats, so my goal in preparing is to make sure I’m fishing with the very best captains, mates and anglers. Unless everyone is doing the right thing at the split second when it needs to be done, the one or two fish needed to win with not be caught. I also used to be superstitious about what I wore until I realized that if there was a problem, it was with me and not my underwear.”

Billfishing Magazine

1-3, 2009

Steven Bradford Turner Prof ile Favorite Billfishing Location: “Costa Rica would be my first choice, with the Abacos being second. And I cannot forget my hometown location and fishing well out in the Gulf of Mexico where the big marlin live.” Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “I would have to say I like fishing deep in the Gulf for fun. We have been finding wrecks in 300 to 600 feet and have been deep-dropping these with awesome results: huge groupers, snappers, and of course great pelagic action on top. Our next trip out, we’re going to try daytime swordfishing in 1200 to 1800 feet of water.” Other Interests: “Family first, then surfing, skateboarding and painting. I have been painting sportfishing artwork for many years.” Occupation: “I am a custom home designer and architectural illustrator.”

started fishing when I was ten years old; I used to walk to a spillover near my home in Fort Lauderdale and slam the big snook between surfing and skateboarding. I began tournament fishing with my brother-in-law Damon Benedict of Fort Lauderdale in the 80s. When not fishing for tournaments with Tim Keys, owner of Kokomo, a 52 Riviera, I have been taking my 33-foot Century out 155 miles due west from Fort Myers to The Steps where we consistently catch swordfish, wahoo, mahi, tuna, white and blue marlin. Fishing in the WBS and BBC have been the highlights of my fishing the last few years. I have never met such wonderful people, all are top notch and first class.”

Favorite Fish Story: “The last trip out of my home port, we were trolling when one of my Accurate reels in the chair, which was clipped to the center rigger, shot straight up like in slow motion until the clip finally released and I watched as the $1,000 rod and reel combo floated over the transom and into the prop wash. Then the flat line started screaming so my buddy picked up the rod and the fight was on. As he reeled in the line we saw the rigged ballyhoo’s hook was perfectly centered through the tip guide of the rod that had gone overboard. I got the rod back and began to reel in the 300 yards of line that was spooled off and once I got within 100 yards, we all saw a nice 30-pound mahi jumping like mad. Sure enough, I had retrieved my rod and reel and the fish was still on and solidly hooked. You never know what can happen out there.”

“I would have to say my very first day fishing northern Costa Rica would be one of my most memorable. I was fishing with my wife Mollie and a small crew on a 35-foot Luhrs when I caught my first black marlin, which the captain estimated her at well over 700 pounds. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts to revive her, the fish died during the fight. Instead of just cutting her loose at sea to feed the sharks, we decided to stop fishing and tow her back to the Costa Rican village, where they used every bit of that marlin. I was sad to see her die since I truly believe in catch-and-release but was also happy not to see her wasted either.” “Our team is very efficient and precise in preparing for a tournament. No detail is ever overlooked and we never stop, even after the day is over.”

This work of art is one of the paintings of Steven Turner. Billfishing Magazine

Chris Galati Prof ile 2009 First Place: Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament, Bahamas Top Angler Treasure Cay Billfish Tourn., Bahamas First Place Dolphin: Sarasota HBA Billfish Tournament, Florida First Place: Galati Yachts Labor Day Billfish Tournament, Florida 2008 First Place Dolphin: Abaco Billfish Challenge, Bahamas 2007 First Place: Big Four Billfish Invitational, Bahamas Swordfish & First Place Dolphin: Pensacola Int’l Billfish Tourn. FL First Place Tuna: Sarasota HBA Billfish Tournament, Florida 2006 First Place: Old Salt Loop Tournament, Florida First Place: Sam Crosthwait Multi Spices Tournament, Florida 2004 First Place: Hernando Desoto Tournament, Florida Second Place Tuna: Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic, Florida Favorite Billfishing Location: “I would have to say my favorite billfishing location would be where ever I’m fishing that day. It is a toss-up between the Northern Gulf and the Abacos in the Bahamas.” Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “The oil rigs in the northern Gulf are absolutely my favorite ‘fun fishing’ spot. When the sun is rising and there are 150-pound yellowfin tuna busting through your spread, it sends your heart rate through the roof!” Other Interests: “Spending quality time with my wife and two children. I am also a huge football fan.” Occupation: “My family and I own and operate Galati Yacht Sales. We now have 8 location along the Gulf Coast from Naples to Texas. Galati Yacht Sales has been Voted #1 Yacht dealer for two consecutive years by Boat Industry Magazine.”

started fishing multi-species tournaments with my Dad and brothers in the early 80s. I currently average about ten tournaments per year.”

One of my most memorable days would have been the time we were fishing the Gulf of Mexico, which has excellent bluewater fishing. In a two-day trip, we caught two blue marlin, three white marlin, and two sailfish for a double grand slam. We also currently hold two IGFA world records.” “We start preparing for a tournament a week prior. We give the vessel a complete systems check, then we start preparing tackle and if there is anything in question it is replaced. Then all the baits are prepared. Drags are set and we are ready. The entire week I am carefully studying the blue water movement and watching the weather.” “I think the future of the sportfishing industry lies in teaching the younger generation the proper way to take care of it. Take the young anglers offshore and give them the opportunity to experience bluewater fishing, and I promise you they will be hooked for life. I have first hand proof with my son Christopher, who now has many tournament wins and blue marlin releases to his name.”

Favorite Fish Story: “My favorite would be when my 12-year-old son released his first blue marlin. This did not come easy. Christopher has fished with us for three years in many three-day tournaments up to 200 miles offshore before he released his first blue marlin. He had spent a lot of time in the tower spotting fish for others to catch. Now it was his turn. We were fishing the Abaco Billfish Challenge in the Bahamas. He yelled as he came down from the tower faster than greased lighting, “Blue marlin on the left long!” The fish ate and Christopher jumped in the fighting chair as the blue jumped numerous times. As we are fighting the blue, we hear another boat on the radio say to the camera boat, ‘Team Galati is hooked up on a blue, go take some pictures.’ As we were wiring the fish, the photo boat pulled up and snapped some incredible photos. Christopher looked up and said ‘Dad, it was worth the wait.’”

Chris Galati Jr. fought this blue marlin and won. This was the winning fish for Team Galati in the Abaco Billfish Challenge.

Billfishing Magazine

$ 1,990,000.00 in Cash Prizes

BILLFISH DIVISION First place Second place Third place Fourth place Fifth Place

GAMEFISH DIVISION

$ 187,500 $ 82,500 $ 52,500 $ 37,500 $ 21,000**

First place $ 37,500 Second place $ 15,000

**You can win the use of up to a 50’ slip, a $ 21,000 value, at the new Puerto Los Cabos Marina for one full year. If your boat happens to be larger you can upgrade and pay the diﬀerence.

$16,000 EARLY REGISTRANT PRIZES* Register by September 1st and become eligible for two separate drawings worth $16,000. 1.You can win a FREE 2010 $ 6,000 entry fee. 2.You can win a FREE $ 10,000 Pompanette 130 Class Fighting Chair.

WORLD-CLASS BILLFISHING WORLD-CLASS HOSPITALITY WORLD-CLASS PRIZE MONEY

October 10-14, 2009

*To qualify you must send the base entry fee of $6,000 by September 1st.

OPTIONAL BILLFISH DAILY JACKPOTS: The single largest qualifying Black or Blue Marlin each day by weight only: $ 250 $ 18,487 per day $ 55,463 $ 500 $ 34,000 per day $ 102,000 $ 1,000 $ 58,650 per day $ 175,950 $ 2,500 $ 125,375 per day $ 376,125 $ 5,000 $ 174,250 per day $ 522,750 *Based on estimated teams entered in the Optional Daily Billﬁsh Jackpots.

OPTIONAL DAILY GAMEFISH DIVISION JACKPOTS:

INTERNATIONAL GAMEFISH TOURNAMENTS, LLC 15012 Red Hill Avenue, Suite H Tustin, CA 92780

Single largest Gameﬁsh each day by weight only: $ 250 $ 14,875 per day $ 44,625 $ 500 $ 29,750 per day $ 89,250 $ 1,000 $ 59,500 per day $ 178,500 Based on 70 teams entered in the Optional Daily Gameﬁsh Division Jackpots.

714-259-4899 Mexico 011 52 624 144 6999 www.igtournaments.com *

*Based on 125 teams entered in the Tournament. The Across the Board Entry Fee is $39,000

WBS09

The Recreational Fishing Alliance is a non-profit 501(c) (4) grassroots organization that lobbies full-time at all levels of government to safeguard the rights of saltwater anglers while protecting fisheries and the marine environment. Our list of legislative victories is impressive. To build on our momentum, we are recruiting men and women willing to help us take the fight to the politicians, bureaucrats and government agencies whose decisions will have a profound impact on the future of our sport and our marine resources.

S $35 one year membership S $90 three year membership Make check or money order payable to RFA S VISA S MASTERCARD S AMEX Card #

Exp. date:

Name Address City

State

Phone

e-mail

Send to: RFA, P.O. Box 3080, New Gretna, NJ 08224

Zip

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2009 WBS World Tour Sponsors The following companies proudly support the World Billfish Series and the sport of billfishing as sponsors of the 2009 World Billfish Series 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

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

3663 NW 21st St. Miami, FL 33142

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Blue Water Shirt Club For those who enjoy finding interesting and unique Tees.

1826 Sally Hill Farms Blvd. Florence, SC 29501

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Viking Yachts Sportfishing boats from 45 to 74 feet

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2009 WBS World Tour Standings

Sil ve r

Boat Name Rude Awakening Big Oh Miss Annie Osprey Debaitable Chips Ahoy The Natural Miss Annie Priority Chips Ahoy Miss Britt 1 Masque Miss Annie Krazy Salt’s Weez in the Keys Chips Ahoy Goin Raptor Masque Sandra T Big Oh Osprey Miss Annie Country Cookin Hat Time

200 0 0 275 350 350 0 0 125 275 575 0 0 0 0 200 125 0 50 0 0 0 0 0

575 575 0 350 275 425 0 0 425 275 0 575 0 0 0 200 425 425 0 0 0 0 0 0

125 0 0 0 0 200 0 0 125 0 125 125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 125 0 0 0 0

350 575 1175 500 275 0 875 800 0 0 0 0 650 425 0 0 0 125 500 425 650 575 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 275 0 0 0 275 650 125 0 0 0 0 0 0 575 575

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

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Angler Rudy Polselli Jr. Gray Ingram Greg Bogdan Lamont Harris Molly Flemming Mark Wodlinger Anthony Rizzo Mark Donahue Jim Vaughan Keith McDonald Dave Dickerson Bob DeGabriel Frank Naparano Seth Funt Scott Robins Tony Cummings Nick Cardella Mark Schwartz Serena Wilson Kevin Paul Chip Valley Barry Weshnak Joe Jordan Josh Brown

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

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

1250 1250 1225 1125 1050 975 875 850 825 825 800 700 700 700 700 675 650 650 650 650 650 625 625 625

275 425 275 300 200 125 0 575 275 0 0 200 0 0 350 200 350 275 275 425 0 650 0 275

500 800 1250 1025 1025 850 725 575 575 800 500 500 275 725 500 0 650 550 425 275 575 425 275 350

200 425 425 275 200 125 275 275 350 350 0 125 500 200 0 200 125 0 125 125 0 0 0 125

1175 1250 275 875 425 500 500 350 350 350 725 575 275 350 425 800 0 275 275 275 500 0 650 275

575 0 350 0 500 0 275 0 0 0 275 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 125 0

1050 0 0 0 0 215 0 0 0 0 0 0 283 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

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Boat Name Jichi Uptight Wound Up Miss Costa Get Lit Rockstar Get Lit Mar Azul Miss Britt 2 Contender One Owls Nest High Standards No Mercy Qualifier Team Costa Weez in the Keys Qualifier High Standards Priceless G Team Manhole Heaven Native Son Tag Line Night Prowler

CANCELLED FOR 2009

Angler Luis Isaias Jeffrey Fiorentino Warren Sands Bill Danko Peter Miller Jorge Piedra Kitt Toomey Nicole Portuondo John Burke Joe Neber Eloy Dominguez Frankie Villasante Albert Castro Tyler Claus Charmain Rosher Scott Robins Trey Claus Josh Miller Miguel Sosa Johnny White Danny Perna Jamie Bunn Gaston Legorburu Adam Yunis

IS ail fis h

Kic ko ff

Ch e Pr eca es Lo ide dg nt e ial Sa M ilfi iam sh iM ay or ’s Ca Cu pt. p Bil Bo lfis b L h C ew ha is M lle iam ng e To i B ur ill na fis me h nt Th eS ail fis hT ou Isl rn am . Sw ora or d a dfi sh M To iam ur n. Sw i or dfi sh To ur n.

Southeast Division

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

3775 2900 2575 2475 2350 1815 1775 1775 1550 1500 1500 1400 1333 1275 1275 1200 1125 1100 1100 1100 1075 1075 1050 1025

Billfishing Magazine

2009 WBS World Tour Standngs

1675 1225 1050 1750 575 1175 1300 1175 425 1675 975 1200 975 1125 975 575 125 0 600 0 800 0 1050 950

4125 4125 3150 1650 3250 2525 2275 2275 3000 1725 2525 2050 1700 2050 2050 1650 2925 2850 2275 2850 2025 2825 1725 1800

0 0 0 750 125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 625 0 0 850 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

425 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 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Angler Boat Name Spanish Fly Richard Lebo James Kontos Let it Ride Penny Perfect Lee Anderson Jimmy Taylor Super Fly Let it Ride Arthur Kontos Larry Drivon Spanish Fly Mark Christopher Clean Sweep Tom Russell Cerveza Drew McDowell Dealer’s Choice Bob Osborne One Two Many Frank Smith Jr. Lady Columbo Steve Schmeusser Cerveza Greg Voell Mimi Mike Miller Bill Collector Jordan Hammell Got Walls Jeremy Warren Hook Larry Allison High Hook Paul Vartanian D Flawless Richard Binkus R&J Robert Pacilli Penguin Larry Allison Jr. High Hook Whaley Brettingham Pumpin’ Hard Gerald Aliseo Dream Maker Scott Wiggins Dragin Fly

Lo s Sig Sue na ños tu re Se rie Lo sI sS Sig ue ñ na os tu re Se rie Th sI eP I Ch re all sid en en ge tal of Co Th sta eP Ric Ch res a all ide en n ge tal of Pa Th na eP ma Ch re s all id en en ge tia of l El Th Sa e lva Ch Pres do all id r en en ge tia of l Gu Lo ate sS ma Inv ue la ñ ita os tio M na ar l lin

Pacific Division

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

6375 5350 4200 4150 3950 3700 3575 3550 3525 3500 3500 3350 3300 3275 3125 3075 3050 2900 2875 2850 2825 2825 2775 2750

www.FishWBS.com

125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 450 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 450

525 0 575 575 0 300 450 0 350 900 900 0 350 0 0 1250 0 0 0 0 450 0 0 0

850 0 0 525 700 450 450 0 0 450 0 450 975 850 0 0 0 1153 0 0 575 0 0 450

0 0 450 575 0 0 0 125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 925 0

1155 0 450 0 925 450 175 450 975 0 0 0 0 450 0 0 0 0 975 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1300 0 0 0 0 1050 0 500 0 0

150 0 0 0 0 175 450 925 0 0 0 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 175 0 0 450 0 0

0 2050 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 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

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Boat Name Marlin Darlin Rude Awakening Omigosh Double Dog Wave Paver Miss Annie Blue Eagle True Grit Anejo Therapy Crush Em The Edge Ultra Our Dream Team Galati High Cotton Gulf Rascal Bac in Five True Grit Miss Britt 2 One Two Many Hooker Masque Reel Estate

CANCELLED FOR 2009

Angler Bobby Jacobsen Rudy Polselli Jr. Don Schmidt Tim Lanahan Jr. Davis Mark Donahue Brad Jones Dan Deer Nate Benz George Lorton Ron Bennett Trey Brown Ryan Riggs Bill Gardner Chris Galati Jr. Russell White Lee Steiner John Andrae Jeff Theil Jeffrey Liederman Gary Angel Mike Cummins Brian Schmidt Robert Harrell

BB Ch C B am im pi ini on BB sh ip Ch C C am en t r pi al on A BB sh ba ip co C Ch C a am p pi e E HM onshleut ip her Ch Ya am Boa pi t H o ns ar BB hi bo p ur Ch C B am oa t pi H on ar Tre sh bo ip ur a To su ur re na C m ay en B BB t illf C ish Ch T am rea pi sur on e sh Ca VI ip y GF C Ju ly Sa Op en Bi n Ju llfi an s h In To t’l ur Ca na rib m en be t an Cu p

Caribbean Division

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

2805 2100 1925 1675 1625 1575 1525 1500 1425 1350 1350 1350 1325 1300 1300 1250 1250 1153 1150 1100 1025 1000 925 900

2009 WBS World Tour Standngs

Boat Name No Problem Outrage Sea Wolf Olivia Grace Cookie II Shark Byte Cyntinory My Time Out Dealer’s Choice Jezebel Big Sky Gundawig Trust Me Longfin Mighty Maze GM Giant Barrister Got Walls Sea-Esta Lucky Duck II Last Straw Pelagic Assault Trophy Hunter Absoluty

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 475 0 0 450 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

1112 635 575 580 575 550 479 0 425 453 0 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450

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

1112 635 625 580 575 550 479 475 475 453 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450

0 100 0 50 0 0 100 50 0 0 0 0 50 50 50 50 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1325 1000 900 900 850 850 850 814 650 575 525 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 450 450 450 450 450 450

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Angler Robert Farris John Dougherty Chad Jackson Kyle McLaughlin Sonny Falcone Peter Cherasia Bryan Wentworth Mike Perry Eric McDowell Joe Sbriglia Dan Stacy Charles Pino David Foulke Greg Liebig Jeff Marshall Jeffrey Fluharty Jonathan Collins Jordan Hammell Jose Diaz Kevin Grapes Michael Slocum Phil Medlin Robert Bavar Scott Patey

HM M Y- V eg i k ad in oc g kT ou rn am N. C. en Ba Du t nd ck th s U eB n illf lim ish ite ing d W hit eM arl in Op en Pir ate Bil ’s lfis Co h T ve ou rn am en t M idAt lan tic $5 00 ,00 Th 0 eS ail fis hS lam

Mid-Atlantic Division

Boat Name Conundrum Tico Times Dos Bad Habit Bad Company Pipe Dream Rocket Life is Good Jasper Time Nautical Nuts A Work of Art Doctor J Brother in Law Cotton Patch Uptoit Life is Good Lady Lab A Work of Art FINS C-YA Junk Yard Dog Four Reel Attila Attila Bad Habit

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 525 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 450 900 0 850 850 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 450 450 450 450 450 450

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

700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 650 0 0 500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

175 450 0 850 0 0 450 764 0 575 0 0 450 450 450 450 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

450 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 0 300 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 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 500 0 0 0 0 0 0

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Angler Justin Haeuser David Esslinger Jimmy Fisackerly David Vice Keneth Walker Wayne Kilborn Arlen Charpentier Chip Temple Justin Walker Kevin Courville Joe Akin Russel Saluto Brian Beason Kenny Makowichuk Martin Peake Richard Coleman Scott Favre Andy Ford Allen Stuart Billy Teems Bob Harvey Jr. Brian Gardner John Holloway Sal Cusanza

Mo Da bile B y T FG ou C M rna e me mo M iss nt rial iss ipp iG CB Ol C dS alt Lo op Ne w Bil Or lfis lea h T ns ou Inv Em rn ’t am e r M ald en arl C t in oa C las st B Pe n sic lue Bil sac lfis ola h T In ou vt’l Ba rn am y Inv Poi en n t ita t tio Bil l n f Or al ish a Bil nge lfis Be h C ach las sic Sa ras ota Sla m

Gulf Coast Division

Billfishing Magazine

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MAY 25 – 29 Marsh Harbour, Bahamas HMY-Boat Harbour Billfish Blast Lori Cieciersky (954) 926-0400

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

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

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

JANUARY 15 – 17 Islamorada, Florida Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish 2009 Liz Hill lled for ce an451-5094 (305) C

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

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

JULY 7 - 14 (note date change) St. Petersburg, Florida Old Salt Loop Tournament Tom Verdensky (727) 867-9388

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The World Billfish Series reserves the right to make changes in the schedule, including additions and deletions of events, at any time during 64

www.FishWBS.com

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

AUGUST 4 – 8 Sarasota, Florida Sarasota Slam Leslie Weed (941) 412-9696

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEPTEMBER 4 – 7 Galati Yacht Sales, Anna Maria Island FL Galati Yacht Sales 2009 Labor Day Tourn. Chris Galati (941) 778-0755

NOVEMBER 20 – 22 Guatemala City, Guatemala Pres. Challenge of Guatemala Joan M. Vernon (305) 361-9258

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OCTOBER 1 – 3 St. Augustine, Florida El Pescado Billfish Tournament Dennis Rosa (904) 642-0210

DECEMBER 8 – 12 IGT Grand Championship Harvey Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899 DECEMBER 2 – 5 WBS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS Los Sueños, Costa Rica Sam White (727) 864-4400

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

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