Boat Division 2009 Viking
251
Hatteras
54
Cabo
35
Contender
34
Ricky Scarborough
29
Motor Division 2009
President’s Cup Kona Blue Trophy by Geoffrey Smith www.geoffreysmith.com
Caterpillar
73
MAN
71
MTU/Detroit Diesel
63
Yamaha
26
Cummins
10
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 Huntress makes her appearance on the rip during the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament. Photo courtesy of Michael Bonkowski
Departments 7 7 8 12
Editor’s Message Upcoming Event Calendar Industry News Caught On The WBS World Tour
Destinations 16 Destination: San Juan, Puerto Rico One of the world’s truly magical destinations, Puerto Rico has much in the way of attractions fo her visitors.
Tournament Tales 24 Club Nautico San Juan Int’l Billfish Tournament A cornerstone of the WBS Caribbean Division, this event provides much excitement for the participants.
30 Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament Always a favorite among those participating in the Mid-, Atlantic Division, this year’s event was a tremendous success.
34 White Marlin Open The world’s largest fleet heads offshore for this annual favorite, held each year out of Ocean City, Maryland.
38 The Sarasota Slam Once the new kid on the Gulf Coast, this event has established itself as one of the finest.
42 Islamorada Swordfish Tournament The Florida Swordfish Series kicks off in the Florida Keys.
46 Miami Swordfish Tournament The second leg of the Florida Swordfish Series wraps up in metropolitan Miami Beach.
Angler Profiles
Inside the WBS 60 2009 Sponsors 61 2009 Standings 64 2009 World Tour Schedule
51 George Beckwith 53 Mary Temple Mullis 55 Justin Haeuser
Billfishing Magazine
5
EDITOR’S MESSAGE
FROM THE WBS
Just a few more weeks to go and we’ll be able to close the books on 2009 and start with a clean slate in 2010. We’re going to kick off the season with a great new membership drive—we’re finalizing the details now and should have everything in place by January 1, so stay tuned. We’re also working with several new tournaments that we hope to have on board with us by the end of the year, making the WBS World Tour the strongest that it has been in the history of the organization. It’s never been our goal to sanction every event under the sun, but instead to work with the top billfish tournaments in the world, binding them together under the umbrella of the World Billfish Series. Once again we will be producing our annual yearbook publication, The Official Guide to Billfishing, as well as our WBS Tournament Calendar, for release at the Miami International Boat Show in February. We will be exhibiting in our usual booth upstairs in the Big Game Room so please stop by, grab a copy of the new books and say hi. While this has undoubtedly been the toughest season in regard to advertising sales in recent history, we’re very fortunate to have a strong core group of sponsors and advertisers that have continued to support the organization and tournament sportfishing in general. I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks and hope that you would continue to support their efforts. Finally, on behalf of the World Billfish Series staff, I’d like to wish you a safe and joyous holiday season. See you in the New Year!
BILLFISHING
®
The Official Publication of the World Billfish Series October / November 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
Sam White World Billfish Series Special Contributors
Upcoming Events
Bailey Bobbitt
Heather Maxwell
David A. Brown
Kitty McGowan
Laurie Ciecierski
Jim Niemiec
Bart K. Davis
Bruce Paul
Capt. Rob Ellyn
John E. Phillips
DECEMBER 10 – 13, 2009 FYI Sailfish Kickoff JANUARY 1 – 3, 2010 Palm Beach Sailfish Classic
Brenda Fletcher
Walt Rhodes
Rick Gaffney
Capt. Jim Sharpe
Greg Gawlikoski
Tom Twyford
JANUARY 6 – 10 Silver Sailfish Derby
Scott Kerrigan
Capt. Joan Vernon
Marty Locke
Eric West
JANUARY 14 – 17 The Sailfish Tournament JANUARY 21 – 23 Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish JANUARY 13 – 15 Grand Slam/Castaways Jupiter Billfish Tourn. JANUARY 13 – 16 Los Sueños Signature Series #1 JANUARY 20 – 23 The Palm Beach Double Shot Florida JANUARY 28 – 31 Miami Mayor’s Cup
Order the WBS Tournament Calendar at www.FishWBS.com.
Capt. Richard Peeples III
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
7
INDUSTRY NEWS
CHEECA LODGE PRESIDENTIAL RETURNS TO ISLAMORADA
R
inging in its twentieth year at the resort, the Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament returns to Cheeca Lodge and Spa, January 21-23, 2010 in Islamorada, Florida. The tournament, which was canceled last year due to a fire at the resort in January 2009, heads back to Cheeca Lodge, which will be reopening December 15th. This year, events will be held in the new 1,800 squarefoot oceanfront ballroom, part of the new Main Lodge that also includes two new distinctive restaurants and new premier suites, the largest in the Florida Keys.
For tournament anglers, Cheeca Lodge and Spa is offering a 25 percent discount on their new premier suites or luxury suites. Rates start at $239 per night for luxury resort view
rooms and $449 for a premier suite when staying a minimum of three nights. Proceeds from the event’s signature drink will benefit the Islamorada Fishing and Conservation Trust, which supports and encourages conservation projects, including the protecting, preserving and restoring of water quality, flats, marine life, seagrass, reefs and mangroves surrounding Monroe County, Florida. Sponsors of the 20th Annual Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Tournament include Vineyard Vines, Bacardi, Caribe/Yamaha and World Wide Sportsman. For reservations at Cheeca Lodge, please call 800-327-2888 or visit www.cheeca.com.
SOUTH CAROLINA WEL- COASTAL CONSERVACOMES NEW STATEWIDE TION ASSOCIATION NAMES NEW PRESIDENT GOVERNOR’S CUP fter an extensive nationwide search, Coastal Conservation TOURNAMENT
T
here’s a new tournament in South Carolina, one that promises a whole new level of billfishing—the Carolina Billfish Classic, the state’s first multi-port billfishing tournament. The event will be the third leg of the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series and sanctioned as part of the World Billfish Series Mid-Atlantic Division.
The tournament dates are June 23 – 26, 2010; tournament headquarters will be located at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina, with a second location at Harbour Town Yacht Basin on Hilton Head Island and a third location to be announced. The tournament plans to have simultaneous broadcasts from each venue to allow sharing in the excitement between all three locations simultaneously. Tracy Mitchell, sales director of the Charleston Harbor Resort, said, “We’re thrilled with the opportunity to once again be the host site for a Governor’s Cup Billfishing Tournament.” The Governor’s Cup Series staff and board members are excited to have the addition of this multiport tournament in the series, which should allow increased opportunity and accessibility to participate for out-of-state anglers as well as home-state boats. Tournament director Deidre Menefee explained, “The idea to create a South Carolina version of The Big Rock has been a consistent discussion on the waterfront for years, and the Carolina Billfish Classic will be the tournament to do just that. The tournament founding board of directors represents all areas of South Carolina and have one common interest–the love of fishing.” The Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina is the site that currently holds the blue marlin state record, caught by “Corky” Taylor aboard the Rascal in 2005 during the Charleston Harbor Billfish Tournament. Beyond the benefits of fishing in the series, anglers also have the opportunity to win over $2 million dollars with a 100-boat entry, which would include a $1 million prize awarded for a state record blue marlin, dolphin, tuna, or wahoo. For more information on the Carolina Billfish Classic or the SC Governors Cup Billfishing Series, please email: dm@carolinabillfishclassic.com. 8
www.FishWBS.com
A
Association selected conservation veteran Patrick Murray as president of the national organization at its meeting last week in Houston.
“Pat brings unparalleled expertise in the field of marine resource conservation, advocacy, fundraising, membership development and communication,” said Venable Proctor, chairman of CCA National. “He has an exceptional reputation in conservation circles throughout the nation and will be able to leverage his expertise and experience during a crucial time for fisheries management issues.” Murray has served in several capacities with CCA National, including director of communications and director of conservation. Most recently he was executive vice president of CCA National where he oversaw the organization’s advocacy, development and communication efforts, and coordinated the overall conservation strategy for the organization. He started with CCA in 1997 as an assistant director with CCA Texas, the organization’s largest state chapter, before being promoted to executive director in 2002. During his tenure CCA Texas’ membership increased to more than 50,000 active members. “Murray’s depth and breadth of experience within CCA uniquely qualify him to lead the largest marine resource organization in the country during this important chapter in its history,” said Bob Hayes, CCA general counsel. “The combination of his business acumen and his vision for the role that recreational anglers will play in marine conservation will enable the organization to build on its history of success. He will be a tremendous asset to CCA and its 100,000 members.” CCA has been active in state, national and international fisheries management issues since 1977 and has achieved landmark marine conservation victories, including net bans in several states, game fish status for several species important to recreational anglers, and historic bycatch reduction measures for the commercial fishing industry. For more information please visit ww.joinCCA.org.
INDUSTRY NEWS
COSTA CARES ABOUT CONSERVATION
C
osta Del Mar lives for the adventure. And you also know Costa is committed to protecting the marine environment so future generations will have plenty of oceans, lakes, rivers and streams to fish and explore. Recently, Costa Del Mar donated more than $5,000 along the Redfish Cup tour to give to various Coastal Conservation Association chapters. At each Redfish Cup stop, Costa donated $1 for every pound of fish that was weighed in on the first and second day of the competitions. All of the money raised went to benefit local CCA chapters. And at the Costa U. of Blue Greekfest held recently at the University of Alabama, ticket sales from the event helped raise more than $30,000 to divide between The Billfish Foundation and Magic Moments, a non-profit organization that grants non-medical wishes for seriously ill children in Alabama.
“Even in tough economic times, it’s important for us to remember to support those conservation associations that are working hard to maintain our fisheries and marine habitats for all of us to enjoy for years to come,” said Al Perkinson, vice president of marketing for Costa. “We hope these efforts will make a difference in the work these groups are doing for the environment.” For more information, please visit www.costadelmar.com.
TBF PRESIDENT TO REPRESENT U.S. AS BLUEFIN TUNA DEBATE HEATS UP
E
llen Peel, president of The Billfish Foundation, was recently appointed as the new U.S. commissioner to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas and was recently in Brazil for the start of the 21st annual meeting of the commission.
But on the eve of the ten-day summit Ms. Peel, who has been the president of The Billfish Foundation for over a decade, is not highly optimistic any strong changes will be made among the attending countries to conservation of tunas and related species. “The past failure of ICCAT to pass sciencebased conservation measures for Atlantic bluefin tuna have been cited in proposals by Monaco and other nations to have the species listed by the Convention for International Trade in Endangered Species,” said Peel. “Last month the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Interior announced that they will support a CITES listing if ICCAT fails to pass strong conservation measures during the Brazil meeting. A CITES listing would prohibit international trade in bluefin tuna but would not affect the recreational or commercial harvest and trade of fish taken within a nation's waters.” "TBF took a position supporting a CITES listing last July," continued Peel, "and while we stand ready to endorse a very strong conservation measure by ICCAT this year, we are not overly optimistic." ICCAT is an inter-governmental fishery organization responsible for the conservation of tunas and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean and its adjacent seas which includes the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea. The commission holds a regular meeting every other year and a special meeting in alternate years. Currently there are 48 member nations. In October, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, said, “We are sending a clear and definitive statement to the international community that the status quo is not acceptable. Over the past 40 years, the international body that manages bluefin tuna, ICCAT, has overseen a 72 percent decline in the adult population of the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean stock of bluefin tuna and an 82 percent decline in the adult population of the western Atlantic stock.” TBF chief scientist Dr. Russell Nelson, who served as a research biologist for the National Marine Fisheries Service, and was the chief scientist and director of marine fisheries for the state of Florida is again serv-
ing on the U.S. delegation at the ICCAT meetings. Nelson stated, "I do not believe that anything short of a fully enforced ICCAT moratorium on international trade of bluefin tuna in the Atlantic will send a message sufficient to avoid a CITES listing. It’s frankly unlikely that the illegal and unreported fishing that is landing twice the tonnage recommended by the science can be controlled." A meeting of the member nations of CITES will take place in March 13 – 24 in Doha, Qatar. Peel added, “We do feel somewhat optimistic though that the new chair of ICCAT, Fabio Hazen a scientist from Brazil, is working hard to get something out of this session.” “We are also encouraged there will be a working group meeting on sport and recreational fishing this week at the Brazil meetings. This is a first. Many nations do not acknowledge their sport fisheries and view them more as a nuisance rather than an economic driver and an activity compatible with conserving the resources. Many nations therefore do not collect data from their sport fisheries, hence no data, no fishery that needs acknowledgement.” She said TBF wants to help change that, getting members from the sportfishing communities on the delegations of other nations to change the dialogue. “If others, commercial and government, are only thinking of ‘pounds of fish dead on the deck for consumption’ there is no meaningful debate. This will take a long time, but we all know there are many businesses in Asia and elsewhere which benefit from sportfishing, and we need them to be part of the ICCAT dialogue.” Many overfished species like juvenile tuna are part of the food chain for the migrating billfish. Increasingly more countries are witnessing the value of the migration of sailfish and marlin in their regions as catch-andrelease sportfishing adding greatly to tourism dollars and to the growth of their economy. Headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, The Billfish Foundation works with governments worldwide advancing the conservation of billfish and associated species to improve the health of oceans and regional economies. Most recently it has been assisting with governmental efforts in numerous Central and South American countries. For more information, please visit www.billfish.org. Billfishing Magazine
9
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.
Enter the "Caught on the WBS World Tour" contest and win a new pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses! 1
2
D0 you recognize anybody in the “Caught On WBS Tour” photo gallery?
3
4
12
www.FishWBS.com
caught on tour the place to see your face 5
6
7
9
10
8
12 11
13
Win a new pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses! See page 15 for more on the “Caught On WBS Tour� Contest.
14
Billfishing Magazine
13
14
www.FishWBS.com
caught on tour the place to see your face 15
16
17
18
Congratulations to our most recent contest winners: We need your submissions no matter how many faces you can put names to. Scott Costolo — Boca Raton, FL
19
20
“Caught On WBS Tour” Contest 21
22
The WBS Anglers Club member who correctly identifies the most people on pages 12, 13 and 15 by December 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
15
16
www.FishWBS.com
A commonwealth of the United States, the island nation of Puerto Rico is simultaneously historic and hip, tranquil and vibrant, subtle in its beauty yet very much out front with its people. In short, it’s a great destination for those who want a little something more out of a vacation.
Billfishing Magazine
17
Lush rainforest, white sand beachs, crystal blue water, tropical drinks, palms trees swaying the the breeze, all word used to describe this months vacation destination, Puerto Rico.
T
The island of Puerto Rico is almost rectangular in shape, and is the smallest and the most eastern island of the Greater Antilles chain. In addition to the principal island, the Commonwealth includes the smaller islands of Vieques, Culebra, Culebrita, Palomino (known by some as the Spanish Virgin Islands), Mona, Monito and various others isolated islands. Deep Caribbean waters fringe Puerto Rico. The Mona Passage, which separates the island from Hispaniola to the west, is about 75 miles wide and more that 3,300 feet deep. Off the northern coast is the 28,000-foot Puerto Rico Trench, and to the south the sea bottom descends to the 16,400 depths of the Venezuelan Basin of the Caribbean. The climate is classified tropical marine, with regular temperature of 80°F. The relative humidity is high, about 80% throughout the year. Puerto Rico enjoys warm and sunny days, and lightweight clothing is appropriate year-round. The winds, which blow from the east, tend to moderate both the temperatures and rainfall amounts. In the interior, the temperature fluctuates between 73°F and 78°F for most of the year. Rainfall tends to be evenly distributed but doubles during the months from May to October, which unfortunately coincides with hurricane season, with the driest period from January to April. The north coast gets twice as much rain as the south coast.
Puerto Rico is exposed to the hurricanes of the Caribbean, although substantially less than the islands of Jamaica, Cuba, and the Lesser Antilles. Hurricanes frequently occur between August and October, although the U.S. National Weather Service considers the hurricane season for the North Atlantic Basin to run from June 1 to November 30. The North Atlantic Basin includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the Gulf of Mexico. From the lowest to the highest—El Yunque Peak lies within the Caribbean National Forest. These 28,000 acres are all that remain of the rainforest that once covered much of the island and indeed, much of the entire northern Caribbean. More than 100 billion gallons (yes, billion) of rain fall here Billfishing Magazine
19
Make Our Booth Your Destination
;0 :; GHOLYHUV DFFXUDWH DQG FRPSUHKHQVLYH JUDSKLFDO ZHDWKHU DQG VHD VWDWH FRQGLWLRQV GLUHFWO\ WR \RXU ERDW +LJK UHVROXWLRQ UDGDU DQG OLJKWQLQJ GDWD SOXV VHD VXUIDFH WHPSHUDWXUHV WKH H[FOXVLYH )LVK%\WHVTM ¿ VK ORFDWRU DQG PRUH DUH DOZD\V RQ GHFN 6R VPRRWK VHDV DZDLW DV IDU DV WKH H\H FDQ VHH To learn more, visit us at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, Tent 100/200 and Booth 137-138. *FishBytes data is available throughout the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico.
OFFICIAL WEATHER PROVIDER :RUOG %LOO¿ VK 6HULHV 0LDPL ,QWHUQDWLRQDO %RDW 6KRZ )W /DXGHUGDOH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO %RDW 6KRZ
8am-5pm ET Monday - Friday
XMWXweather.com +DUGZDUH DQG UHTXLUHG PRQWKO\ VXEVFULSWLRQ VROG VHSDUDWHO\ 6XEVFULSWLRQ IHH LV FRQVXPHU RQO\ 2WKHU IHHV DQG WD[HV LQFOXGLQJ D RQH WLPH DFWLYDWLRQ IHH PD\ DSSO\ $OO SURJUDPPLQJ IHHV DQG ZHDWKHU GDWD DUH VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH ;0 :; ZHDWKHU GDWD GLVSOD\V DQG LQGLYLGXDO SURGXFW DYDLODELOLW\ YDU\ E\ KDUGZDUH HTXLSPHQW 5HFHSWLRQ RI WKH ;0 VLJQDO PD\ YDU\ GHSHQGLQJ RQ ORFDWLRQ 6XEVFULSWLRQV VXEMHFW WR &XVWRPHU $JUHHPHQW LQFOXGHG ZLWK WKH ;0 :HOFRPH .LW DQG DYDLODEOH DW [PUDGLR FRP DQG DUH DYDLODEOH RQO\ LQ WKH FRQWLJXRXV 8QLWHG 6WDWHV ;0 :; LV D WUDGHPDUN RI ;0 :; 6DWHOOLWH 5DGLR ,QF 7KH ;0 :; VHUYLFH LV QRW IRU ³VDIHW\ IRU OLIH´ EXW LV PHUHO\ VXSSOHPHQWDO DQG DGYLVRU\ LQ QDWXUH DQG WKHUHIRUH FDQQRW EH UHOLHG XSRQ DV VDIHW\ FULWLFDO LQ FRQQHFWLRQ ZLWK DQ\ DLUFUDIW RU RWKHU XVDJH ;0 LV QRW UHVSRQVLEOH IRU DFFLGHQWV UHVXOWLQJ IURP RU DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK XVH RI WKH ;0 :; 6HUYLFH &RQWDFW ;0 :; 6DWHOOLWH 5DGLR E\ SKRQH DW WR VXEVFULEH WR ;0 :; :HDWKHU ‹
Getting There There are no visas necessary for United States citizens to visit Puerto Rico, and U.S. citizens are also not required to use a passport, so tourists can travel freely in and out of the island without going through Immigration. All that’s needed is an official government-issued photo ID such as a current driver’s license. Passing through Customs should be quick and easy although visitors are reminded that certain plant products cannot be carried out of the country, and prescription drugs should be carried with a copy of the prescription.
each year, creating a lush forest with plants of incredible proportions and variety. A hike or horseback ride takes visitors past 240 species of trees, some thousands of years old, 50 species of ferns, 20 varieties of wild orchids and riotous multitude of flowers. Living in the forest is the tiny coquí frog. The name is derived from his cricketlike ko-kee chirp, this tiny creature a quarter of an inch in size is considered to be the national mascot. The largest number of bird species can be found at Guánica Forest, which is home to 700 plant species of which 48 are endangered and 16 exist nowhere else. Guánica’s dry forest vegetation is unique and the forest has been declared an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Puerto Rico’s capital city of San Juan is known as La Ciudad Amurallada, the walled city. In 1508, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León founded the original settlement, Caparra, now known as Pueblo Viejo, behind the almost land-locked harbor just to the west of the present metropolitan area. A year later, the settlement was abandoned and moved to the site of what is now called Old San Juan. San Juan is one of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean and is the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, after Santo Domingo, which was officially founded on August 5, 1498. In the 20th cen-
tury the city expanded beyond its walled confines in Old San Juan to incorporate suburban Miramar, Santurce, Condado, Hato Rey and Río Piedras. San Juan is the largest processing center of the island, with the metropolitan area having facilities for petroleum and sugar refining, brewing and distilling and produces cement, pharmaceuticals, metal products clothing, and tobacco. The port is one of the busiest in the Caribbean. San Juan is the country’s financial capital, and many U.S. banks and corporations maintain offices or distributing centers there. San Juan is center of Caribbean shipping and is the second largest sea port in the area. Within the walls is a 465-year-old neighborhood originally conceived as a military stronghold, with streets paved with cobbles of adoquine, a blue stone cast from furnace slag; they were brought over a ballast on Spanish ships and time and moisture have lent them their characteristic color. The city includes more than 400 carefully restored 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial buildings. The Old San Juan attracts many tourists, who also enjoy the gambling casinos, fine beaches, and tropical climate. More tourists visit San Juan each year than any other spot in the Caribbean. A Billfishing Magazine
21
leisurely foot tour is advisable for those who really want to experience this bit of the Old World, especially given the narrow, steep streets and frequently heavy traffic. To really do justice to these wonderful old sites, you’ll need two mornings or a full day. El Morro is the impressive six-level fortress that stands guard over the entrance to the harbor. Begun in 1540 and completed in 1589, San Felipe del Morro was named in honor of King Phillip II. Most of the walls in the fort today were added later, in a period of tremendous construction from the 1760s through the 1780s. Rising
140 feet above the sea, its 18-foot-thick wall proved a formidable defense—it fell only once, in 1598, to a land assault by the Earl of Cumberland’s forces. The fort is a maze of tunnels, dungeons, barracks, outposts and ramps. El Morro is studded with small, circular sentry boxes called garitas that have become a national symbol. The views of San Juan Bay from El Morro are spectacular. The area was designated a National Historic Site in February, 1949 with 74 total acres. It has the distinction of being the largest fortification in the Caribbean. In 1992, the fortress was restored to its historical form in honor of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Puerto Rico by Christopher Columbus. El Morro Fortress is a National Historic Site administered by the National Park Service. The fort is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The 3.9 million people that inhabit the island of Puerto Rico make it one of the most densely populated islands found anywhere in the world. There are about 1,000 people per square mile, a ratio higher than any of the 50 United States. It is estimated that some 2 million Puerto Ricans have migrated to the United States—had these people remained in Puerto Rico there would be virtually no room for others to live. Because of the massive migration to the mainland, more Puerto Ricans are said to live in New York City than in San Juan. In recent years, many Puerto Ricans have returned to their island home, in large part because of inadequate economic opportunity in the U.S. Puerto Ricans consider themselves American but are fiercely proud of their island and their culture. They usually don’t refer to themselves as Americans but Puertorriquenos—to most Puerto Ricans, “my country” means Puerto Rico and not the United States. Criollo (creole) is a word used by Puerto Ricans to describe things native to the island such as their music, cuisine, language, arts, people and other aspects of their culture.
22
www.FishWBS.com
In fact, cocina criolla (Créole cooking) can be traced back to the Arawaks and Tainos, the original inhabitants of the island, who thrived on a diet of corn, tropical fruit, and seafood. When Ponce de León arrived with Columbus in 1493, the Spanish added beef, pork, rice, wheat, and olive oil to the island’s foods. Soon after, the Spanish began planting sugarcane and importing slaves from Africa, who brought with them okra and taro, known in Puerto Rico as yautia. The mingling of flavors and ingredients passed from generation to generation among the different ethnic groups that settled on the island, resulting in the exotic blend of today’s Puerto Rican cuisine. Although Puerto Rican cooking is somewhat similar to both Spanish, Cuban and Mexican cuisine, it is a unique tasty blend of Spanish, African, Taíno, and American influences, using such indigenous seasonings and ingredients as coriander, papaya, cacao, nispero, apio, plantains, and yampee. And as expected from the residents of an island nation, Puerto Ricans love all things oceanic, from the beaches to the seafood to the sportfishing. Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular pastimes, along with all sorts of fishing. Keeping in mind that the island is surrounded by exceptionally deep waters, it’s no surprise that the marlin fishing here can be among the best in the world. It’s not uncommon for boats to raise multiple blue marlin during the best times of the year, usually associated with the full moons in the months of July, August and September, although other times have also proven to be exceptional. Indeed, the area’s marlin fishing is so good, one of the world’s longest running billfish tournaments is hosted by the Club Nautico de San Juan, the International Billfish Tournament. For those who would rather stay ashore, the island is ringed by plenty of popular white-sand beaches, perfect for the ultimate in relaxation.
Speaking of relaxation, it should be noted that Puerto Rico is the world’s leading rum producer. Over 80 percent of the rum consumed in the United States hails from the island. Today’s rum bears little resemblance to the raw and grainy beverage consumed by the renegades and pirates of the Spanish Main. Christopher Columbus brought sugarcane, from which rum is distilled, to the Caribbean on his second voyage to the New World, and in virtually no time it became the regional drink. It is believed that Ponce de León introduced rum to Puerto Rico during his governorship, which began in 1508. In time, large sugarcane plantations emerged, forever changing the face of the Caribbean. From Puerto Rico and other West Indian islands, rum was shipped to colonial America. After America became a nation, rum was largely displaced as the drink of choice by whiskey, distilled from grain grown on the American plains. It took almost a century before the rum industry regained its former vigor. This occurred during a severe whiskey shortage at the end of World War II. By the 1950s, sales of rum had fallen off again, as more and different kinds of liquor became available on the U.S. market. Rum had been a questionable drink because of inferior distillation methods and quality. Recognizing this problem, the Puerto Rican government drew up rigid standards for producing, blending, and aging rum. Rum factories were outfitted with the most modern and sanitary equipment, and sales figures, encouraged by aggressive marketing campaign, began to climb. The color of rum is usually gold, amber, or white. The lightest, driest rum is white. It can easily replace gin or vodka in dozens of mixed drinks that are eminently suited for consumption in the tropics. Many Puerto Ricans prefer to make their Bloody Marys with rum instead of gin or vodka. The robust flavors of the gold or amber rums make them an effective substitute for whiskey. Puerto Ricans are fond of mixing it with various cola drinks. Gold rums, aged between four and six years (sometimes longer) in wooden casks are called ánejos. They are considered the most flavorful and distinctive on the island rums. They are smooth; most drink them straight or on the rocks. So there you have it. Puerto Rico is a modern, progressive vacation destination that has maintained the charm and hospitality of days gone by. Its inhabitants are warm and friendly, and most are English-speaking in addition to their native Spanish. The island offers the best of the Caribbean, from perfect beaches to mountainous rainforests, in a family-friendly format that’s easy to visit but hard to leave. w Billfishing Magazine
23
San Juan Invitational Billfish Tournament • San Juan, Puerto Rico • www.SanJuanInternational.com
24
www.FishWBS.com
T
From the boat parade and sightseeing to cooking classes, festive local dancers and silent auctions, the International has it all.
he tournament has always been built upon a solid foundation of international competition and as a way for anglers from across the Caribbean to come together for a week of fishing, fun and friendship, all hosted by the famous Club Nautico de San Juan, a cornerstone landmark of sportfishing on the island nation of Puerto Rico. It’s also a blue marlin tournament, with anglers limited to using a maximum of 50-pound class line in their efforts to release as many blues during the week as possible. The waters off Puerto Rico are fertile and the fishing grounds are just a short run from the docks, making it all the more fun for participants. The tournament begins with a festive boat parade and blessing of the fleet. Before each day of tournament fishing, the participants gather at the club for breakfast before departing. Any families not fishing usually head over to scenic Fort Morro to watch the fleet roar past far below on their way out to the bluewater hunting grounds. Indeed, one reason this event has become such a favorite of the participants is that there are shoreside activities like organized sightseeing and shopping trips, spa reservations and even authentic Puerto Rican cooking classes for any spouse who chooses not to fish during the week.
This year’s tournament coincided with excellent weather, and the blue marlin also showed up in numbers not usually seen off this coast. The event concluded with 99 blue marlin releases— with a fleet of 46 registered boats, 40 were able to successfully let go at least one blue, which speaks volumes to the prevalence of fish this year. A group of 170 experienced anglers participated in the 56th edition on the 46 boats, with representatives from ten competing countries: Billfishing Magazine
25
www.ber tram.com
JO!2:72!JU!CFHBO!CZ!XJOOJOH!B!SBDF/ UPEBZ-!UIF!CFSUSBN!SJEF!JT!TUJMM!PVS!QSJ[F/
Send us your historical Bertram photos, videos and stories to history@bertram.com. Selected entries will receive a commemorative gift.
a Ferrettigroup brand
Rum Bum was awarded the coveted Best International Winning Team Award. Pictured here are Frankie Mirandes, Capt. Baxter Still (receiving the award on behalf of Luis Bacardi), Capt. Dave Withers, Chairman Gonzalo Ferrer, Doug Covin, Brandon Day and Ralph "Agie" Vicente, the Club's Commodore. Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, Perú, Panamá and Guatemala, as well as the Dominican Republic, U.S. Virgin Islands, United States and Puerto Rico. “Almost all competing boats reported action on board,” said Gonzalo M. Ferrer, chairman of the 56th edition tournament. “We had many boats with multiple releases. Most international anglers kept releasing fish after fish and we had good weather,” he added. Luis Bacardi’s Rum Bum, which traveled from the United States especially for the tournament, kept up her winning ways, leading the competition almost from start to finish, emerging victorious with six releases and 2,400 points. They were closely followed by local boats Bimba and Real Affair, each with five releases and 2,000 points. Local angler Carlos Ramirez won Top Angler as angler when he hooked and released two marlin in the last hours of the tournament that, along with two previous releases pushed him to the top spot with 1,600 points. Ramirez would be followed by U.S. angler Doug Covin, representing the Rum
Bum, and local anglers Jorge Pavia and Nicolas Carvajal. All of them had three releases each.
fact, the Best Lady Angler award went to local angler, Maria Rivera with two releases and 800 points.
The most coveted honor of International Winning Team went to United States 05 with Luis Bacardi, Doug Covin and Salim Merheb. The Guatemala angling team composed of Antonio “Che” Kozina, Juan Cobar, Jr. and Midel Gómez, came in second for the International category, followed Venezuela with lady anglers María Rivera, Carolina Figueredo and Ivette Rodríguez. In
In the Interclub category teams, winning positions went to United States with Carlos Ramírez, Bill McGough and Carlos Luis Rodríguez, followed by Club Náutico de San Juan with Mike Benítez, Ralph Christiansen III and Luis Enrique Terrassa, and in third place Club Deportivo del Oeste with Eugenio Belaval, Efraín González Caro and Omar Joglar. Best Visiting Angler awards went to U.S. anglers Doug Covin, Luis Bacardi and Charles Forman.
Carlos Ramirez was the Top Angler.
With its unique ambiance reminiscent of a traditional European yacht club, Club Náutico de San Juan offers the prestige of an outstanding landmark in San Juan. Come and discover everything that Club Náutico de San Juan has to offer. Arrive and enjoy the easiest way to San Juan’s vibrant social life, restaurants, shops, casinos, beaches, and airports, supported by a technologically advanced infrastructure, and excellent marina services. It’s sure to be a rich and unique experience.
For the last few years, Club Náutico de San Juan has not promoted the tag and release format, and since the Club has always been an active leader in conservation it established the all-release format in 2003. Currently, only two awards, out of more than 30, recognize tagging. These awards are for the angler with most tags (which went to lady angler Maria Rivera this year) and the captain with most tags, which was won by Ariel Correa from the Bimba with four tags.w
Located less than two miles away from the entrance of San Juan harbor, San Juan Bay provides safe port and secure anchorage for you vessel. Moreover, Puerto Rico is a one-of-a kind blend of U.S. stateside convenience and exotic international allure. With its state-of-the-art technology and communications, secure banking services, vibrant culture and entertainment, business activity and convention center facilities, San Juan is truly a great destination. For more info, please visit www.nauticodesanjuan.com.
Billfishing Magazine
27
28 www.FishWBS.com
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.
To learn more about Yamaha Outboards, or locate the nearest Yamaha Marine Dealer, visit YamahaOutboards.com or call 1-800-88-YAMAHA. ©2008 Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA. All rights reserved.
Billfishing Magazine
29
By Eric West Photos by Michael Bonkowski
30
www.FishWBS.com
One of the true highlights of the WBS Mid-Atlantic Division is the annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament, now in its 26th consecutive year. And 2009 proved to be no exception to that rule.
Billfishing Magazine
31
Left: Top Youth Angler Dwight Wolf, Jr. from the Sea Wolf. he Outer Banks of North Carolina are special places in the sportfishing world (and there are very few truly special places left to discover). Situated along the very eastern coast of the Tarheel State, these slender barrier islands are hard to get to but harder to forget. And because they’re surrounded by some of the world’s most prolific fishing grounds, it’s not a stretch to find some of the world’s most talented boatbuilders and anglers here. It’s famous for its big seas and big fish, birthplace of boating legends like Hatteras, Spencer and Bayliss.
T
The area is also home to Pirate’s Cove, a gated waterfront community located between Manteo and Nags Head, just minutes from several beautiful beaches. This beautiful resort vacation setting has it all, with seven Outer Banks neighborhoods and over 150 rentals, both condominiums and villas, located in a private island community surrounded by the Roanoke Sound. Accommodations range from cozy one bedroom waterfront rentals to exclusive sevenbedroom sound-front vacation homes with private pools, elevators, game rooms, and every other Pirate’s Cove resort amenities mentionable. But what would a great vacation spot be without a world-class marina? Problem solved. The marina at Pirate’s Cove features 194 deepwater slips in addition to a fullystocked ship’s store, outstanding waterfront restaurant and bar and more. Most vessels can be fueled in their slips thanks to a stateof-the-art fueling system. And if you want to fish with the best in the business then you’ve certainly come to the right place: between Pirate’s Cove and the Oregon Inlet
Center: The Top Team, Capt.Bull Tolson’s Sea Toy. Right: In second place, Capt. Arch Bracher’s Pelican. Fishing Center, located just a few miles down the road, there are scores of charter operations ready to head offshore for an unforgettable adventure. In fact, when tournament season rolls around, it’s not unusual to find these same charter boats at the top of the leaderboard in any event. This year would also not find exception to that rule as Capt. Bull Tolson and the Sea Toy team scored big at the 26th Annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament, taking home top prizes in the team awards, team jackpots and a daily award for a grand prize package of $274,429. The team started strong and never let up, tallying a total of 22 billfish releases for the week. Capt. Bull is a native to the Outer Banks with a personal and family history deeply ingrained with local fishing; his grandfather, Sam Tillett, was one of the pioneers in charter fishing with the opening of Sam & Omie’s in Nags Head, the original charter boat headquarters for the Outer Banks, and now a well known restaurant. The current Sea Toy is a 60-foot Spencer capable of 40-knot cruising speeds, and is currently based out of Pirate’s Cove Marina. Score one for the home team! Another well-known local charterboat, the Pelican, captained by Arch Bracher, came in second with 19 releases for total winnings of $84,771. Capt. Arch has won or placed in the top three in this tournament several times
in the past, including a big win in 2006. The current Pelican is a 56-foot Paul Mann yacht, based in the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. The Caroline, captained by Watson Caviness, rounded out the top three with 17 releases for the week for a total prize of $56,514. While the vast majority of these releases were white marlin, there were a surprising number of sailfish mixed in with the whites this year, giving everyone a fair shot at a grand slam, which is any three billfish species released during the day. Just one blue marlin would be weighed in during this year’s Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament. The Sea Hag was the big winner, taking home $173,151 for their blue marlin and a daily award win. The Top Angler awards went to Billy Duerr of the Sea Hag for his 755-pound blue marlin, Kelli Roof from the Game On for Top Lady Angler, and Dwight Wolf II, age 15, of the Sea Wolf for Top Junior Angler. The Franchise Sails was the winner in this year’s new small boat category for boats 38 feet and under. Franchise Sails, captained by John Cohen, Jr., released seven billfish this week. The 76 boats in this year’s tournament fleet released 309 billfish, marking another outstanding year of fishing and friendship at Pirate’s Cove.w Billfishing Magazine
33
The White Marlin Open • Ocean City, Maryland • www.WhiteMarlinOpen.com
34
www.FishWBS.com
t’s become an annual tradition in the small seaside town of Ocean City, Maryland, a tournament once started as a way to showcase the outstanding sportfishing taking place offshore that has now become the largest in terms of boat and angler participation found anywhere in the wide world of sportfishing—the White Marlin Open. It’s also become well-known with the locals in Ocean City, who know that when the Open comes to town, so do hordes of anglers, captains, mates and spectators. The population temporarily swells by tens of thousands and it’s like a miniature Christmas season if you happen to own a hotel, marina, bar or restaurant. It’s a spectacle like no other.
I
The largest billfish tournament in the world highlighted the outstanding offshore action in the Mid-Atlantic Division this year. Without a doubt, the White Marlin Open was a show stopper.
What makes this event so special, you may ask? For starters, how about 298 registered entries showing up to compete in spite of one of the worst economic times most of us have ever had the misfortune of living through. Yep, almost three hundred boats showed up to try their hand this year, which meant the total tournament purse would again top the $2 million mark. And this year’s event would stand out among all the rest, as two Maryland state records being broken during the five day fishing tournament. Sean Healey of Prides Crossing, Massachusetts, fishing aboard the Orion out of Palm Beach, Florida, took home a $903,442 paycheck with the winning 93.5-pound white marlin. Usually, this would make for screaming headlines anywhere in the sportfishing world—one team, a near-million-dollar payday; a white marlin worth over $9,600 per pound. But keep in mind, this is the Open, where nothing is as it might seem. No, it would be the blue marlin category that would be the scene-stealer this year. And while most of the emphasis (and money) is top-loaded in the white marlin division, this blue was something special. The winning blue marlin weighed 1,062 pounds, shattering the existing Maryland state record of 942 pounds set in 1989 by Jim Daniel. The fish earned Robert Farris of Charlotte, North Carolina and the crew aboard the No Problem $454,999. The fish was caught on 80-pound class tackle, and took over three hours to bring to the boat. Grander blue marlin, as they are known once they top the magical four-digit weight, are rare enough even in the world’s hottest locations, much less the Maryland coast. But this one fish left no doubt in anyone’s mind of the world-class opportunities that exist right off Ocean City. A second Maryland state record broken at this year’s event was the scalloped hammerhead shark, caught by Jamie Gill aboard the Lisa. The 254-pound shark bested the existing record by 60 pounds. Back at the docks, the stories began to circulate about the winning white marlin. As soon as the fish was hooked, the boat experienced engine trouble—the Orion’s transmissions were stuck in forward gear, meaning the boat could only circle the fish in wide loops. The angler was forced to walk around the boat and fight the fish for an hour before Billfishing Magazine
35
Tens of thousands of spectators jam the docks each day during the White Marlin Open, each hoping to catch a glimpse of a billfish that could be worth in excess of $1 million dollars. qualify, and blue marlin must be 105 inches long and weigh 500 pounds. Both size requirements are well above the minimums mandated by federal fisheries regulations. Boats are required to use nonoffset circle hooks when using natural baits or natural bait and lure combinations. Research has shown that the use of non-offset circle hooks drastically reduces the mortality rate of released fish. This year’s tournament had a 92.9 percent release rate.
Sean Healey accepts his check for landing the event’s largest white marlin from tournament director Jim Motsko, left. it was finally brought aboard. The fish was then brought to the tournament scale by truck, which is legal by tournament rules. It was only the second white marlin Healey had ever caught. This year’s winning white was the largest seen at the White Marlin Open since 1980 when a tournament record 99-pound white marlin was caught.
The White Marlin Open is the World’s largest billfish tournament, and while the tournament requires fish to be brought in and weighed, the tournament directors encourage the release of billfish with high minimum size and weight regulations. White marlin must be at least 67 inches long and weigh 65 pounds in order to
The 2009 White Marlin Open Grand Champion is John Dougherty who fished aboard the Outrage. John had three white marlin releases and one blue marlin release to his credit. He will receive an invitation to compete in the WBS Grand Championships, to be held later this year in Costa Rica. The Top Release Boat was the Viking Yachts factory demonstrator, Viking 68, with 10 white marlin releases. Capt. Ryan Higgins captained the big Viking to the win over the fleet of several hundred boats. In fact, three Vikings landed in the top five in the release division. Without a doubt, the 2009 White Marlin Open continued to live up to its reputation as one of the finest billfish tournaments found anywhere in the world. For more information on fishing next year’s tournament, visit www.whitemarlinopen.com. .w Billfishing Magazine
37
Sarasota
38
www.FishWBS.com
Slams For Charity By Bart K. Davis
An important aspect of tournament fishing that’s often overlooked is the positive impact the sport has upon the local communities. While the Sarasota Slam has quickly grown into one of the most anticipated bluewater tournaments of its kind on the west coast of Florida, its impact upon local charities cannot be understated.
he Home Builders Association of ManateeSarasota, along with a host of sponsors and volunteers, have continued to refine and develop the Sarasota Slam into one of the premiere fishing tournaments on the west coast of Florida, attracting anglers and boats from locations all along the Gulf of Mexico. While the tournament offers both inshore and offshore divisions in addition to the billfish category, the spectators really seem to focus on the big boats and the big fish. As with most tournaments held in the Gulf of Mexico, the format is for teams to leave in the afternoon and spend at least one night offshore in order to maximize their fishing time. Hardcore? You betcha. Even more so for the guys that show up to compete against the fleet in small center console boats that lack the amenities offered by their full-sized brethren. This year’s tournament was stronger than in previous years, with participants competing for a total prize purse of more than $120,000 in cash. The local charities, Camp Florida Fishtails, Suncoast Foundation for the Handicapped, and Noah Beck Foundation were the recipients of the proceeds raised from this great event. In addition, a portion of the fish caught during the event was donated to the Salvation Army. “Great weather was the order of the day and the party atmosphere during the weigh-in at Marina Jacks provided a
Billfishing Magazine
39
fantastic time”, said TJ Nutter, chief operating officer of John Cannon Homes and co-chairman of the Sarasota Slam. “There was a very large spectator crowd on hand throughout the entire event.” In the Billfish Release division, first place fell to the angling team of Jason Stock, Rich Pizzolato and Chad Bixler on the Whiskey Tango. Each managed a white marlin release to give the boat three whites and 900 points, good enough for first place. Second fell to Brad Hickman on the First Draw, who scored a blue marlin release ahead of the others on time. The top two swordfish weighed in came from the Miss Lona in first with a 172.75pounder and Cabo Loco in second with a 169.5-pound fish. Along with the fishing competition, the tournament featured a Texas Hold ’Em Tournament sponsored by Budweiser and Gulf Coast Eagle Distribution on Friday night, where the grand prize winner received a $1000 gift certificate for a four-day cruise for two. For more information about the tournament, contact Leslie Weed, events director, HBA Manatee-Sarasota, at 941-907-4133 or visit www.sarasotaslam.com.w
Florida Fish Tales Camp Florida Fish Tales is a week long, barrier free, wheelchair accessible camp which is available to all children with medical or physical disabilities. Commonly diagnosed disabilities are: cerebral palsy, epilepsy, arthritis, cancer and traumatic injury, to name a few. At Florida Fish Tales, campers learn to deal with their own emotional and physical limitations while enjoying such activities as swimming, fishing, archery, pet therapy, arts and crafts, games and group activities. Every child has his or her own ‘special’ camp counselor. This one on one relationship enables each child to enjoy the outdoors, meet new friends and realize their independence. Camp Florida Fish Tales also provides the campers with the opportunity to be away from home in a totally new environment and recognize the need for their caregiver to have a break. Each session is staffed by a camp director, nurses, EMTs, lifeguards and many caring counselors, all of whom donate their time. The goal at Camp Florida Fish Tales is to create a safe and unique camping atmosphere for children with special challenges, with the long range goal of providing these children with their own facility in southwest Florida. For more info, please visit www.campfishtales.com. Billfishing Magazine
41
While big changes were underway for the Islamorada Swordfish Tournament, some things remained the same for 2009. Shake-ups, breakdowns, hook-ups and tie-medowns—you name it, and it happened this year. he sixth annual Islamorada Swordfish Tournament changed venues for this season with the tournament headquarters being moved to The Chesapeake Beach Resort. The captain’s and angler’s meeting took place at the dockside bar with plenty of refreshment from Goslings Rum, Landshark beer and Icelandic water. Thanks to Islamorada Grill and Bar we had a wonderful spread of food this year. Gotcha Bite Lite was on hand giving out their new swordfish buoys and displaying all their new fishing light products. We quickly went over the rules for the participants and everyone was anxious for the first night of fishing— lines were scheduled to go in at 7:30 p.m. As with all Swordfish Series tournaments, the offshore action would take place under the cover of darkness.
T
42
www.FishWBS.com
The boats were permitted to leave at 5:30 p.m, giving them two hours to arrive at their secret spots along the Atlantic ridge where the warm waters of the Gulf Stream push inshore along the steep drop-offs, areas known to produce swordfish action. The Jichi, with Capt. Ricky Lindner at the helm, was hoping to repeat as the overall winner and hopefully win the series. They narrowly missed the series championship in 2008. The My Sea Cin, skippered by Capt. Randy Towe, was hoping to repeat as the Florida Swordfish Series championship for the third time in a row. Several other top area teams were also picked as favorites prior to the start of fishing. Under the beautiful moonlit skies and calm seas, things were deceptively quiet for the first couple of hours. As they say in the movies, maybe a little too quiet. At 9:47 p.m, Jorge Piedra’s Rockstar called Tournament Control to report that they had successfully boated a swordfish, the first of the evening. Since the tournament has a 60-inch minimum size, well above the federal regulations required by law, everyone knew it was a good sword. The action picked up steadily from there on out, as both the Jichi and the Superstition with Capt. Richard Peeples IV followed with releases. And, as with most other tournament teams, when a good one gets on a roll, they’re hard to stop. The Rockstar was far from done for the night. They added two releases to go along with the fish in the boat. Releases counts as 100 points and fish boated are one point per pound. The Jichi added two more releases giving them three for the night, good for a total of 300 points. At the weigh in people were steadily gathering to see the Rockstar’s fish. Jorge Piedra‘s fish tipped the scales at 165 pounds, giving them a total of 365 points for the first night. A total of 11 fish were caught on the first night, with all but one successfully released. The Rockstar was in first followed closely by Jichi who had 300 points. On the second night of fishing Ricky and the crew of the Jichi knew they needed another good night of fishing to come from behind and beat Piedra’s Rockstar team, as well as hold off Richard and Billfishing Magazine
43
Photo by Tim Dean
JOIN TBF’S TEAM Passion
Energy
Action
Billfish conservation is a team sport. The Billfish Foundation needs anglers everywhere to join our fight to reduce commercial overfishing . . . stop nations from allowing uncontrolled killing of billfish . . . keep the California longline ban in place . . . convince U.S. fisheries managers to allow billfish to recover . . . and much more. If you love fishing, care about billfish a n d wan t a vibrant spor tfishing tradition for future generations, join TBF’s team today!
Billfishing
Photo by J. Gregory
Conservation
Photo by Chris Donato
Photo by Sergio Tristao
Visit us at www.Billfish.org to learn more and to become a TBF member today. Receive a bonus t-shirt and many more benefits for memberships starting at only $25.
Fish Forever!
4HE "ILLFISH &OUNDATION s . &EDERAL (WY 3UITE s &ORT ,AUDERDALE &, s
it was too late; the transmission locked up, sealing the Superstition’s fate of not making it in to the weigh station in time to turn in their scorecard. Great sportsmanship was shown by everyone in trying to help but especially the guys on the Bodacious, who would gracefully accept third place in the tournament. Meanwhile, back at the scale, the Jichi’s fish was being hoisted. Albert Castro’s fish weighed 233 pounds. The Jichi set a new tournament record and series record with 733 points for the win, while the Rockstar held on to second place and the Bodacious came in third with 200 points. The Jichi also won Top Angler honors for owner Luis Isaias along with Top Release and Largest Fish, effectively sweeping the awards categories. The awards banquet at Braza Lena was a spectacular affair. During dinner was a great auction and raffle with some tremendous artwork from R.J. Boyle, Carey Chen, Jean Eastman, Jason Mathias, and Steve Whitlock. The impressive finishes by the Jichi and the Rockstar go a long way towards helping Luis Isaias and Jorge Piedra in their quest for the Southeast Division title in the World Billfish Series. We wish them all the best of luck.
The Jichi earned every bit of their prize money this year with an outstanding performance.
At the conclusion of the awards banquet, everyone was looking forward to the Miami Swordfish Tournament in Spetember. The big question is, can Nelson on the Superstition. Some of the best sword fisherman in anyone catch Luis and the Jichi. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.w the world were there and Linder knew that repeating would be no easy task.
DESTINATION: CHESAPEAKE BEACH RESORT
At 8:49 p.m, the Superstition put the pressure on with another release. Just to prove how good they are, the Jichi released one just 25 minutes later. The Bodacious and X-Generation each added a release to go with their release from the first night. Jichi just didn’t want to make it fair, releasing another swordfish at 10:41 p.m. The Superstition rejoined the front-runners by released another one at 1:12 a.m. to put the pressure on the Jichi and Rockstar. The Rockstar was having a quiet night. No one had heard from them all night. However the Jichi was not finished. At 12:51 in the morning they hooked up again, and a short while later they called in a fish in the boat for angler Albert Castro. Lines out came at 2:30 a.m. and the boats were headed in. Word was the Jichi had a nice fish in the boat—if his fish was bigger than the 165-pound fish caught the night before on the Rockstar, they could sweep all the awards. Meanwhile, Capt. Richard Peeples IV was having a transmission problem. They were pouring oil out of the gear through a cracked line and had used all their extra oil. The crew of the Bodacious said they would run more oil out to them so they could make it in on time. If the Superstition made the deadline, they would win third place; if they didn’t, the award for third would go to the Bodacious. A second boat, the Reel Deal, offered to go instead but
Islamorada’s famous beach and fishing destination, Chesapeake Beach Resort, rests on 6.5 acres of oceanfront sands and gardens halfway between Miami and Key West in the Florida Keys. The property is now exquisitely remodeled to deliver state-ofthe-art amenities and luxurious accommodations to their guests. They are proud to offer 37-inch high-definition televisions, stereo radio/CD/alarm with MP3 docking capabilities and wireless Internet connection, along with new carpeting, furniture and remodeled bathrooms and kitchens including granite countertops and vanities. Known for their spacious guest rooms and villas, as well as exceptional dining and entertainment adjacent to the resort, it is no wonder the Chesapeake Beach Resort has been a favorite fishing and family resort for 50 years. So come and relax in one of their two heated pools, enjoy watersports, outdoor exercise equipment shaded by a tiki hut, tennis and shuffleboard court or hit the water in your own boat or take a fishing charter to some of the best fishing in the entire world. Top Angler: Luis Isaias moved up considerably in the WBS Southeast Division.
For more information, please visit www.chesapeake-resort.com. Billfishing Magazine
45
Miami Superstition By Rick Peeples III Photos Courtesy of Peter Caspari/On-Site Photo Solutions
The Florida Swordfish Series concluded the 2009 season with an outstanding event, the Miami Swordfish Tournament, hosted by Miami Beach Marina. The series kicked off with a great event in Islamorada, after which the teams were anxious to see if anyone could catch Luis Isaias and the Jichi team, who had an impressive showing in the first event of the season.
46
www.FishWBS.com
T
he event started off with a great captain’s and angler’s party at Monty’s Raw Bar. Gosling’s Rum was on hand to get everyone in a festive mood. As everyone ate and looked over the impressive awards and auction items, we went over all the rules and answered questions. Everyone was excited about getting started on Friday night as the weather forecast was perfect, with light winds out of the southeast and the backside of the full moon—conditions were perfect for a great two nights of swordfishing.
On Friday evening while the partying was taking place on Miami’s infamous South Beach, the crews were preparing for a different kind of revelry—partying with the swords. The boats were scheduled to check out from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. At 4:30 p.m, most of the boats were lined up to check out and receive their nightly release shirts and tournament-supplied beer and water from Landshark and Icelandic. The lines in call came at 7:00 p.m. as the lights of South Beach twinkled softly on the horizon. The baits went in the water and it was time to get the party started. Unfortunately someone forgot to invite the swordfish. Friday night came and went without a single swordfish boated or released.
On Saturday night everyone was scratching their heads wondering where the fish were. In spite of Friday’s nonexistent bite, everyone was eager to go fishing, leaving early in search of more fertile fishing grounds. The Timely Sale was the first to call in a release for angler Martini Arostegui, who released the first fish at 8:32 pm. A little later the Bay Cal with Capt. Dan DeBonis put one in the boat. Since the Florida Swordfish Series has a very high minimum length for swordfish to be boated, this was indeed a good sign of things to come. The top boats in the series, with the slow fishing, hoped they might be able to catch the Jichi for the overall series championship. At 11:59 p.m, the Rockstar released a swordfish. They would need a couple more for a chance to catch the Jichi though. At 12:20 a.m. the Superstition with Capt. Richard Peeples IV called in a hook-up. Five minutes later they called in another hook-up; they were now fighting a doubleheader and praying they weren’t sharks. Nelson Fonseca released their first sword at 12:30 a.m. They were still battling the second fish, and if they could stay tight and get the release they would be in the lead. At 12:38 am P.J. Gonzalez released the Superstition’s second husky swordfish, giving the team two releases and a commanding lead considering the slow fishing. With thirty minutes to go the Bay Cal and the All In called in hook ups. The Bay Cal was the boat that scared the Superstition crew the most; with a fish in the boat probably over 100 pounds, given the minimum size requirement, a release would knock them out of first place. Fortunately though, both the Bay Cal’s and the All In’s fish turned out to be sharks. At 2:00 a.m. lines out came without any further hook ups. All that was left was a weigh-in and photo verification. The Superstition had perfect pictures as did all the rest of the crews. Giving the crews a particular color t-shirt, as well as using time- and date-stamped photos has proved to be an effective Billfishing Magazine
47
Helping boaters and anglers protect their most precious resource... the marine environment.
3RD ANNUAL
$
250,000
IN PRIZE MONEY Based on 50 Boats
1st Leg Qualifying Event for
Dan Jacobs 407-571-4680
Presented by
January 14-17, 2010 | The Miami Beach Marina New Fun Fish Division... Dolphin, Tuna, Kingfish
www.TheSailfishTournament.com | supersti@aol.com | 305.282-1006 | 305.672.3807
measure of verifying releases. Polygraph tests are also employed as needed to ensure there’s no monkey business. Jamie Simon on the Bay Cal brought his nice swordfish to the scale and weighed in the only killed fish of the tournament. His 115-pound swordfish gave Jamie the Top Angler Award. The Superstition was the Overall Winner with 200 points, followed by the Bay Cal with 115 points, and Martini Arostegui aboard the Timely Sale with 100 points. The Jichi was crowned the winner of the 2009 Florida Swordfish Series. Owner Luis Isaias, Capt. Ricky Lindner anglers Albert Castro, Jimmy David, and mates Hanibal Moya and Danny Ayo accumulated 733 points in Islamorada. Albert Castro weighed in a 233-pound swordfish to go along with their five releases. This set a new single tournament record and was more than enough to give them Top: Jamie Simons, pictured second from the right was awarded the WBS Top Angler plaque. Above and Left: The Superstition was the big winner of the tournament. the overall Florida Swordfish Series Championship. Albert Castro’s fish was also the largest fish winner in the Series. A spectacular awards banquet followed on Sunday afternoon at Texas De Brazil. This was a great party celebrating the winners and everyone went home with some great awards. The live auction and raffle proved to once again be first rate. Everyone left looking forward to next year’s Florida Swordfish Series, where bigger and better things are sure to happen.w Billfishing Magazine
49
Marlin don t grow on trees. BB_ bm \hgmbgn^l% \hff^k\bZe ho^kÛlabg` pbee lhhg f^Zg ma^ ^g] h_ ma^ FZkebg' _ bm \hgmbgn^l% \hff^k\ bZe ho^k Ûlabg` pbee lhhg f^Zg m a^ ^g] h_ m a^ FZk ebg' CChbg ma^ `khpbg` gnf[^k h_ :f^kb\Zgl Zldbg` mh mZd^ FZkebg h__ ma^ f^gn' hb g m a ^ ` khp b g` gn f [ ^ k h_ : f^ k b\ Z gl Zl d b g ` m h m Z d^ FZ k e b g h_ _ m a^ f ^ gn' L Lniihkm k^lmZnkZgml Zg] l^Z_hh] o^g]hkl pah mZd^ ma^ FZkebg&?k^^ Ie^]`^' niihk m k^lmZnkZgm l Zg] l^Z_hh] o^g]hkl pah mZd^ m a^ FZk ebg & ?k^^ Ie^]`^' LLearn ear n m more o re a att MZd^FZkebgH__ MZ d^ FZ k e b g H _ _ MMa^F^gn'hk` a ^ F^ gn'h k`
George Beckwith Jr. Prof ile Favorite Billfishing Location: “Los Sueños, Costa Rica has got to be the hottest destination in sportfishing right now. There are so many different places that you can run if the bite isn’t right out front. Great marlin up north, the Furuno Reef for black marlin and last year the sailfishing was simply ‘epic’ off of Drake’s Bay. We made a few overnight trips aboard our boat, the Dragin Fly, and had a blast!” Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “My favorite fishing location is wherever I’m fishing. It’s about targeting a species and being in the best place at the best time of year for the best action. Every two or three months I’m heading a different direction.” Other Interests: “Besides fishing? Not much! I used to do a little wingshooting, but I got spoiled by going to Argentina so I usually make an annual trip down there to satisfy that bug.” Occupation: “Other than inshore guiding in North Carolina, my wife and I manage the Dragin Fly in Costa Rica and organize international fishing and hunting trips. I’ve never been paid to billfish as a mate or a captain.” Thoughts on the Future of Sportfishing: “The future is bright and I think it’s getting brighter. With a background in marine biology and a history of growing up on the water I see that we’re moving in the right direction. We still have some things to correct, but the scientific understanding that we have about fisheries and the ecosystems important to them is light years ahead of where we were 20 years ago.”
I
’ve always been competitive with my fishing, from organizing neighborhood bass tournaments to fishing on the professional circuit. Now most of my competitive urges are filled by successfully guiding clients to their target species. A successful day with clients, especially when conditions are tough, is as good as winning a tournament, except that the next day you have to do it again.”
Favorite Fish Story: “Last year we took the Dragin Fly down to Drake’s Bay, catching seven sails and a striped marlin on the way down. Just as we got to the Furuno Bank to anchor up for the night, we caught a nice black marlin, finishing out a grand slam. Then we crushed the snapper that night on butterfly jigs and caught over 30 sails the next day. On the way home, we plucked a 100-pound yellowfin out of a school of spinner dolphins. That was one trip to remember.”
“I don’t have any personal records, but I’ve been a part of some fantastic days on the water: a 47pound striped bass out of the Roanoke River this past spring, a pair of 30-pound snook on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, several billfish grand slams out of Los Sueños this past year, ten North Carolina tarpon releases in a day and releasing 72 giant 40+ pound red drum in a day.” “Whether it’s bass tournaments or marlin tournaments, the key to winning is being prepared for luck. There are a lot of great fishermen out there and sometimes the difference between winning and losing is a little luck, but you have to be prepared for it. The best way to be prepared for luck? Visualize success and expect it to happen to you, then you’re not surprised when it does and you can react without hesitation.”
Billfishing Magazine
51
Mary Temple Mullis Prof ile Tournament Awards 2009 Top Angler: Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish, NC Top Lady Angler: Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish, NC 2nd Place Boat: Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish, NC 2008 Top Lady Angler: Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish, NC 3rd Place Team: Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish, NC 3rd Place Team: The Sailfish Slam, SC 2003 1st Place Team: Alice Kelly Memorial, NC 2000 1st Place Team: Alice Kelly Memorial, NC Favorite Billfishing Location: “Picking one favorite spot is tough. I have been fortunate to fish in many places including Maui, Cabo, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and a few others. I love to see new places. Looking back at the fleet here at the Oregon Inlet is as pretty a sight as you will see. The ‘Carolina flare’ just looks good to me. I have caught whites, blues, and sails out of that inlet. I’d have to say my favorite spot is right here in my backyard.” Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “I love to fish the flats. Over the years, I have enjoyed fishing for snook, redfish, and bonefish. The bonefish is one of my favorite to catch. I think if I had to pick a favorite fun fishing spot it would have to be Abaco in the Bahamas.” Other Interests: “When I am not fishing I play a lot of tennis. I play on a USTA league, love snowboarding with my children and horseback riding with my sisters. I stay busy and love to be outside!”
started fishing tournaments with the Alice Kelly Memorial Billfish Tournament. Alice Kelly died of cancer and the tournament raises money to support the Outer Banks Cancer Support Group. It is a great time for me to get together with my two sisters, friends, and my daughter Temple. I have fished fifteen years and I look forward to many more. I also fished the Keli Wagner Big Rock Lady Angler Tournament in Morehead City where all the proceeds go to help cancer patients. I plan to make that an annual event and hope my family will join me.”
I
“Fishing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Our family had a beautiful farm in Halifax, Virginia that had four lakes and three ponds. The fishing was phenomenal! It was there that I found my love for fishing with my Pappy, and my Dad. To this day Dad and I fish together as much as we can. He has a boat in Little River, South Carolina.”
Occupation: “I have been in the mini-storage business since 1995. I also manage rental property on the Outer Banks that I have built over the last 15 years. I am the owner of a small landscaping and irrigation company. Being a single mom has kept me busy, and I am proud to say they are both attending UNCW.” Favorite Fish Story: “In 2003, my sisters and I won the Alice Kelly Memorial Billfish Tournament in the last eight minutes. We were tied for first place and we see a white marlin on the right teaser before he fades out of sight. We are all looking for the fish when the line popped out of the pin and we had him on. Rebecca took the rod and cranked in her very first marlin along with the tournament win!”
“As far as personal records go I don’t have to look back far. This season, fishing on the Barbara B with Bill Blount and his family allowed me the honor of Top Angler as well as Top Lady Angler in the Ducks Unlimited tournament. I caught five sailfish in less than two hours. They have fished together so many years they know what the other is going to do before he does it—what a great team.” “Preparing for a tournament means to me making sure I am surrounded with friends and family. I have fished on the Fishin’ Frenzy with Capt. Greg Mayer for the last thirteen years. His crew prepares the bait, tackle and strategy; I just have to catch the fish. I even caught my first blue marlin with them.”
Mary poses with the first billfish she ever caught. Billfishing Magazine
53
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
Send to: RFA, P.O. Box 3080, New Gretna, NJ 08224
Zip
Justin Haeuser Prof ile 2009 Top Angler, New Orleans Invitational, LA Top Angler, Pensacola International Billfish Tournament, FL 2nd Place Tag/Release Boat, Pensacola Int’l Billfish Tournament, FL 2nd Place Boat, Orange Beach Billfish Classic, AL 4th Place Angler, Orange Beach Billfish Classic, AL 2nd Place Team & Angler, Pensacola White Marlin Tournament, FL Favorite Billfishing Location: “My favorite is right off the coast of Louisiana, for two reasons: first, due to the underwater structures available and the hundreds of oil rigs to fish from, the fishing there is usually great, and second, I am a Louisiana native, and you know what they say, ‘You can take the coonass out of Louisiana, but you can’t take the coonass out of the individual.” Favorite “Fun Fishing” Location: “I like fishing out of Venice for redfish but I also really like Isla Mujeres in Mexico. The fishing is tough sometimes because it’s almost always rough but it’s very tropical and the island is a wonderful place to spend your down time, plus the sailfishing is outstanding. I look forward to going back in the future.” Other Interests: “Any type of hunting; however, I prefer deer hunting. I like to go speckled trout and red fishing in the fall and snowboarding in the winter. Along with fishing, I enjoy waterskiing, kneeboarding, and tubing. I am also a huge animal lover. In fact, I live with my black lab, General Lee, and my Bengal cat, Suri.” Occupation: “I’m in property management in the New Orleans metro area. I currently manage industrial real estate and I also manage a facility maintenance crew, whose job is to keep up with the day-to-day maintenance at the property locations. I also do some small development in the industrial real estate market.”
M
y most memorable day fishing would have to be the second day of the 2009 Orange Beach Classic. We were pressed for time and our team hooked up a huge blue toward the end of our run. I grabbed the rod and jumped into the chair. With only an hour left until lines had to be out, our team had our work cut out for us. The lines had to be out by 4:00 p.m—we hooked the fish at 2:58 p.m. and had him released at 3:58 p.m, just two minutes to spare. The amazing part of the story was that the blue was over 110 inches long and could have possibly been a new state record for Alabama; however, the Orange Beach Classic is strictly a tag and release tournament and we were never given the chance to weigh the beast.”
Favorite Fish Story: “My favorite fish story has to be when our boat took a few of the New Orleans Saints players fishing last spring. Some of them had never even been on a boat, let alone caught a pelagic fish. Watching a huge 350-plus pound offensive lineman sit in a fighting chair is pretty funny—their entire bodies practically engulf the chair, which made it look like a small child’s chair. What was even more astonishing was that even a professional athlete can get tired fighting a fish, which just goes to show how powerful these fish can be. On that trip I had more fun setting baits and lures and watching a first-timer catch their first pelagic fish. A trip like that becomes meaningful because you get to share your love for the sport, and you get to share your stories with someone new. That to me is the real joy of sportfishing.”
“I would like to thank my captain and crew, Jimmy Crochet, Jason Yelverton, and Mike “Soda” Nolan, for helping me achieve my goals for this season. Having an attentive, hard-working crew helped make this season certainly one to remember, and hopefully one we can mimic in the following years. Finally, the best thing billfishing has giving me has been the joy, the storytelling, and the bonding experience I have gained with my father, Dan Haeuser. That to me is the best reward of them all.”
Billfishing Magazine
55
Welcome to the Winner’s Circle.
Congratulations to 2009 HMY Boat Harbour Billfish Blast Winners:
Largest Blue Marlin caught by Heather Kimball on the 74’ Viking, “NICE N’ EASY”!
The “SARAH K” Fishing Team aboard their 65’ Viking, won 1st place overall!
Top Female Angler awarded to Dawn Kimball on the 74’ Viking, “NICE N’ EASY”!
Let the professionals at HMY put you in the Winner’s Circle. HMY YACHT SALES LOCATIONS:
& NEW MIAMI LOCATION!: 305-856-8486 &
Dania/Ft. Lauderdale 954-926-0400 • North Palm Beach 561-799-9590 Palm Beach Gardens 561-775-6000 • Stuart 772-692-7900 • Jacksonville 904-221-2228 Charleston, SC 843-577-3470
Please contact Laura Hogle at 954-926-0400 for information on HMY’s 2010 Billfish Blast.
www.hmy.com ®
Key West through Jacksonville, FL
South Carolina through the Keys
Representing The Finest Selection of New Yacht Inventory Available! 60’ 2010 Viking Sportfisherman-IN STOCK! Upgraded V12 Common Rail MANs, “Atlantic Blue” hull, LOADED!
VIKING MODELS IN STOCK OR ON ORDER: 82’ CONV. & ENCL. BRIDGE • 76’ CONV. & ENCL. BRIDGE • 68’ CONV. & ENCL. BRIDGE 64’ CONV. & ENCL. BRIDGE • 60’ CONV. & ENCL. BRIDGE • 57’ CONV. • 54’ CONV. 52’ SPORT YACHT/EXPRESS • 50’ CONV. 46’ CONV. & EXPRESS • 45’ CONV.
48’ 2008 Riviera Offshore Express-IN STOCK! Upgraded C-18 CATs, PipeWelders tower & High Seas Electronics pkg.
RIVIERA MODELS IN STOCK OR ON ORDER: FLYBRIDGE MODELS: 58’ • 51’ 47’ • 45’ • 41’ • 37’
OFFSHORE EXPRESS: 48’ & 43’ SPORT YACHT: 5800 • 5000 4400 • 3600
MODEL YEAR CLOSE OUT! 4800 2010 Tiara Convertible-IN STOCK! C-18 CATs, three stateroom layout, Raymarine Electronics pkg. & more!
TIARA MODELS IN STOCK OR ON ORDER:
SOVRAN SERIES: 5800 • 4300 3900 • 3500 CONVERTIBLE: 4800 • 3900
OPEN SERIES: 4200 • 3600 • 3200 • 3000
HMY Yacht Sales Locations:
NEW MIAMI LOCATION!: 305- 856- 8486 • Dania/Ft. Lauderdale 954-926-0400 North Palm Beach 561-799-9590 • Palm Beach Gardens 561-775-6000 • Stuart 772-692-7900 Jacksonville 904-221-2228 • Charleston, SC 843-577-3470
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.
60
www.FishWBS.com
Bacardi USA Marketer of fine spirits, including the world’s number one rum.
2100 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33137-5028
Phone: 305-573-8511 www.bacardi.com
Bank Of America Helping customers fulfill their dreams every day.
100 North Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28255
Phone: 866-887-3259 www.bankofamerica.com
Bertram Yacht, Inc. Builder of sportfishing boats from 39 to 67 feet.
3663 NW 21st St. Miami, FL 33142
Phone: 305-633-8011 www.bertram.com
Blue Water Shirt Club For those who enjoy finding interesting and unique Tees.
1826 Sally Hill Farms Blvd. Florence, SC 29501
Contact: Chris Lynch Phone: 843-679-0045 www.bluewatershirtclub.com
Costa Del Mar Manufacturer of premium performance sunglasses.
2361 Mason Ave. Suite 100 Daytona Beach, FL 32117
Phone: 386-677-3700 www.costadelmar.com
El Cid One of Mexico’s finest resort destinations.
Av. Camaron Sabalo S/N PO Box 183 Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico 82110
Contact: Geronimo Cevallos Phone: 011-52-669-916-3468 www.elcid.com
Los Sueños Resort and Marina Costa Rica’s premier resort and marina.
PO Box 25635 Miami, FL 33102-5635
Contact: Ashley Bretecher Phone: 866-865-9759 www.lossuenosresort.com
Marina Pez Vela Costa Rica’s newest full-service marina project.
International Sales 5349 SW Running Oak Circle Stuart, FL 34997
Contact: Glen Mumford Phone: 772-342-1240 www.marinapezvela.com
Mercury Marine Manufacturer of boat engines, propellers and racing products.
PO Box 1939 Fond du Lac, WI 54936
Phone: 920-929-5040 www.mercurymarine.com
Release Marine Manufacturers of custom fighting chairs and accessories.
2100 Roger Lacy Ave. Savannah, Georgia 31415
Contact: Jimmy Dewberry Phone: 800-603-4448 www.releasemarine.com
Viking Yachts Sportfishing boats from 45 to 74 feet
Route 9, “On the Bass River” New Gretna, NJ 08224
Contact: Peter Frederiksen Phone: 609-296-6000 www.vikingyachts.com
XMWX The leader in mobile weather display software and receivers.
430 Research Drive Huntsville, AL 35805
Phone: 800-985-9200 www.wxworx.com
XOJET, Inc. Industry-leading provider of jet aircraft services
959 Skyway Rd. San Carlos, CA 94070
Paul Jablon Phone: 949-887-1825 www.xojet.com
YachtPath Providing global yacht transpot services to the world’s most popular destinations.
2401 PGA Boulevard, Suite 155 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Krista Kersey Phone: 561-784-6700 www.yachtpath.com
Yamaha Motor Corp. Manufacturer of two- and four-stroke outboard engines.
1270 Chastain Rd. Kennesaw, GA 30144
Contact: Mike Dixon Phone: 770-420-5800 www.yamaha-motor.com
2009 WBS World Tour Standings
Sil ve r
Boat Name Old Blue Rude Awakening Big Oh Miss Annie Osprey Debaitable Chips Ahoy The Natural Miss Annie Chips Ahoy Miss Britt 1 Masque Masque Miss Annie Weez in the Keys Krazy Salt’s Masque Chips Ahoy Osprey Big Oh Masque Goin Raptor Sandra T Miss Annie
425 575 575 0 350 275 425 0 0 275 0 0 575 0 0 0 0 200 0 0 425 425 0 0
125 200 0 0 275 350 350 0 0 275 575 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 0 0 0 125 50 0
125 125 0 0 0 0 200 0 0 0 125 0 125 0 0 0 0 0 0 125 0 0 0 0
0 350 575 1175 500 275 0 875 800 0 0 125 0 650 0 425 200 0 650 425 125 0 500 575
125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 275 0 0 0 0 650 275 0 125 0 0 0 0 0 0
200 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 0 0 0 0 275 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
200 350 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 275 0 0 0 0 200 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS
Angler Jim Vaughan Rudy Polselli Jr. Gray Ingram Greg Bogdan Lamont Harris Molly Flemming Mark Wodlinger Anthony Rizzo Mark Donahue Keith McDonald Dave Dickerson John Mumford Bob DeGabrielle Frank Naparano Scott Robins Seth Funt Skyler Wicher Tony Cummings Chip Valley Kevin Paul Mark Schwartz Nick Cardella Serena Wilson Barry Weshnak
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
350 0 100 50 0 150 0 0 50 0 100 150 0 50 50 0 0 150 0 100 100 100 100 50
1675 1600 1250 1225 1125 1050 975 875 850 825 800 750 700 700 700 700 675 675 650 650 650 650 650 625
275 425 275 300 200 125 0 575 275 0 0 200 0 0 350 200 350 275 275 425 0 650 0 0
500 800 1250 1025 1025 850 725 575 575 800 500 500 275 725 500 0 650 550 425 275 575 425 275 275
200 425 425 275 200 125 275 275 350 350 0 125 500 200 0 200 125 0 125 125 0 0 0 0
1175 1250 275 875 425 500 500 350 350 350 725 575 275 350 425 800 0 275 275 275 500 0 500 650
575 0 350 0 500 0 275 0 0 0 275 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 125
1050 0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 283 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 300 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
ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS
Boat Name Jichi Uptight Wound Up Miss Costa Get Lit Rock Star 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 Advance Roofing Tag Line
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 Greg Braswell Gaston Legorburu
FY
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 1950 1775 1775 1550 1500 1500 1400 1333 1275 1275 1200 1125 1100 1100 1100 1075 1075 1075 1050
Billfishing Magazine
61
2009 WBS World Tour Standngs
Boat Name Spanish Fly Let it Ride Super Fly Penny Perfect Let it Ride Spanish Fly Clean Sweep Cerveza Dealer’s Choice One Two Many Lady Columbo Cerveza Mimi Bill Collector Got Walls Hook High Hook D Flawless R&J Penguin High Hook Pumpin’ Hard Dream Maker Dragin Fly
1675 1225 1750 1050 575 1175 1300 1175 425 1675 975 1200 975 1125 975 575 125 0 600 0 800 0 1050 950
4125 4125 1650 3150 3250 2525 2275 2275 3000 1725 2525 2050 1700 2050 2050 1650 2925 2850 2275 2850 2025 2825 1725 1800
0 0 750 0 125 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 0 800 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 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS
Angler Richard Lebo James Kontos Jimmy Taylor Lee Anderson Arthur Kontos Larry Drivon Mark Christopher Tom Russell Drew McDowell Bob Osborne Frank Smith Jr. Steve Schmeusser Greg Voell Mike Miller Jordan Hammell Jeremy Warren Larry Allison Paul Vartanian Richard Binkus Robert Pacilli Larry Allison Jr. Whaley Brettingham Gerald Aliseo Scott Wiggins
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 4950 4200 3950 3700 3575 3550 3525 3500 3500 3350 3300 3275 3125 3075 3050 2900 2875 2850 2825 2825 2775 2750
62
Boat Name Marlin Darlin 125 Rude Awakening 0 Omigosh 0 Rum Bum 0 Fa La Me 0 Reel Affair 0 Wave Paver 0 Miss Annie 0 Blue Eagle 0 True Grit 0 Anejo 0 Crush Em 450 The Edge 450 Therapy 0 Ultra 0 Our Dream 0 Team Galati 0 High Cotton 0 Gulf Rascal 0 Unknown Boat Name 0 Unknown Boat Name 0 Bac in Five 0 True Grit 0 Miss Britt 2 0
www.FishWBS.com
525 0 575 0 575 0 0 300 450 0 350 900 0 900 350 0 0 1250 0 0 0 0 0 0
850 0 0 450 525 0 700 450 450 0 0 0 450 450 975 850 0 0 0 0 0 1153 0 0
0 0 450 0 575 0 0 0 0 125 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1155 0 450 0 0 0 925 450 175 450 975 0 0 0 0 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 975 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1300 0 0 0 0 0 0 1050
150 0 0 0 0 0 0 175 450 925 0 0 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 175 0
.
0 2050 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1250 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 1250 0 1650 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1250 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
ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS
Angler Bobby Jacobsen Rudy Polselli Jr. Don Schmidt Doug Covin Tim Lanahan Carlos Ramirez Jr. Davis Mark Donahue Brad Jones Dan Deer Nate Benz Ron Bennett Trey Brown George Lorton Ryan Riggs Bill Gardner Chris Galati Jr. Russell White Lee Steiner Jorge Pavia Nicholas Carvajal John Andrae Jeff Theil Jeffrey Liederman
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 0 100 0 0 0 200 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50
2805 2100 1925 1800 1675 1650 1625 1575 1525 1500 1425 1350 1350 1350 1325 1300 1300 1250 1250 1250 1250 1153 1150 1100
2009 WBS World Tour Standngs
Boat Name Dealer’s Choice Sea Toy No Problem Big Oh Shark Byte Pelican Carolina Magic Barbara B The Hooker Daymaker Stream Weaver Pelican Waterdog Phat Mann Dealer’s Choice Outrage Sea Wolf Syked Out Olivia Grace Bluewater Smoker Cookie II Full Pull Reel Jim
M idAt lan tic $5 00 ,00 0
Angler Drew McDowell Mike Day Robert Farris Rodney Ingram Peter Cherasia John Bailey Shawn Kooyman Chris Cates Steven Hutchins Mark Daniels Robbie Carroll Doug Hinson Dan Deer Mark Granville-Smith Eric McDowell John Dougherty Chad Jackson Mary Temple Mullis Kyle McLaughlin Dan Stephano Brian Brumfield Sonny Falcone John Warren Flo Jim Hobbs
HM M Y- V eg i k ad in oc g kT ou rn am en N. t C Ba . Du nd ck th s U eB n illf lim ish ite ing d W hit eM arl in Op en Pir a Bil te’s lfis Co h T ve ou rn am en t
Mid-Atlantic Division
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 125 0 0 0 0 0 0 125 0 0 0 0 0 125
0 0 0 0 425 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 425 684 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 0 475 0 0 0 0 0 0
300 0 1112 0 550 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 187 0 425 635 575 0 580 300 0 575 0 0
850 1175 0 1000 0 950 850 850 850 600 625 750 0 0 125 0 0 0 0 275 575 0 575 425
100 0 0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 100 0 100 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1250 1175 1112 1000 975 950 900 850 850 800 750 750 712 684 650 635 625 600 580 575 575 575 575 550
Boat Name Conundrum Tico Times Dos Bad Habit Bad Company Pipe Dream Rocket Life is Good Jasper Time Nautical Nuts A Work of Art Reel Addiction Doctor J Brother in Law FINS C-YA Junk Yard Dog Four Reel Attila Attila Bad Habit Gunfighter Brother in Law Sophie Louise Big Adventure
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 525 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 0 450 450 450 450 450 450 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 0 0
700 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 650 0 0 0 500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 450 450 450 0
175 450 0 850 0 0 450 764 0 575 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 450
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 0 0 0 300 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 575 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 500 0 0 0 0 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 Travis Gill Joe Akin Russel Saluto Andy Ford Allen Stuart Billy Teems Bob Harvey Jr. Brian Gardner John Holloway Sal Cusanza Joey Difatta Matt Teem Richie Prince Brendan McClellan
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
0 100 0 50 0 0 100 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Billfishing Magazine
1775 1000 900 900 850 850 850 814 650 575 575 525 500 500 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 450 63
2010 WBS World Tour MAY 5 – 8 Eleuthera, Bahama BBC Cape Eleuthera Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577
DECEMBER 10 – 13, 2009
FEBRUARY 8 – 13
Miami, Florida FYI Sailfish Kickoff Anthony Albelo (305) 461- 2700
Mauritius Island, Mauritius Marlin Masters Mauritius Albert Dunieville albert.dunieville@naiade.com
JANUARY 1 – 3, 2010
FEBRUARY 17 – 20
Palm Beach, Florida Palm Beach Sailfish Classic Pat Ross (561) 818-6095
Los Sueños, Costa Rica Los Sueños Signature Series #2 Ashley Bretecher A.Bretecher@lossuenosresort.com
MAY 19 – 22 Harbour Island, Bahama BBC Harbour Island Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577
JANUARY 6 – 10
FEBRUARY 25 – 28
MAY 19 – 22
Palm Beach, Florida Silver Sailfish Derby Tom Twyford (561) 832-6780
Miami, Florida Capt. Bob Lewis Billfish Challenge Janice Sands (305) 525-8941
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Puerto Los Cabos Billfish Classic Harvey Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899
JANUARY 14 – 17
MARCH 18 – 21
Islamorada, Florida The Sailfish Tournament Richard Peeples III (305) 282-1006
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Ft. Lauderdale Billfish Tournament Kitty McGowan (954) 523-1004
MAY 29 – 31 Orange Beach, Alabama Mobile BGFC Memorial Day Tournament Robert Weaver (251) 978-5454
JANUARY 21 – 23
MARCH 5 – 7
MAY 31 – JUNE 4
Islamorada, Florida Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Liz Hill (305) 451-5094
Samara, Costa Rica Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica Joan M. Vernon (305) 361-9258
Marsh Harbour, Bahamas HMY-Boat Harbour Billfish Blast Lori Cieciersky (954) 926-0400
JANUARY 13 – 15 Jupiter, Florida Grand Slam/Castaways Jupiter Billfish Tourn. Scott Nichols (561) 262-6424
MARCH 25 – 28
JUNE 9 – 12
Miami, Florida Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tourn. Judy Layne (305) 598-2525
Boat Harbour, Bahamas BBC Boat Harbour Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577
JANUARY 13 – 16
MARCH 14 – 16
JUNE 13 – 18
Los Sueños, Costa Rica Los Sueños Signature Series #1 Ashley Bretecher A.Bretecher@lossuenosresort.com
Sydney, Australia Broken Bay GFC Phil Epthorp 011 0407 237 414
Abaco, Bahamas Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament Sabine Kirchner (561) 603-3101
JANUARY 20 – 23
MARCH 24 – 29
JUNE 22 – 27
Singer Island, Florida The Palm Beach Double Shot Florida Fish For Life & Buccaneer Cup Tourn. Gary Caputi (732) 899-9988
Raiatea, Tahiti Tahitian International Billfish Tourn. Dominique Goche 011 689 60 05 45
Sandestin, Florida Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Shawna Meisner (866) 505-4458
JANUARY 28 – 31
APRIL 21 – 24
JUNE 23 – 26
Miami, Florida Miami Mayor’s Cup Anthony Albelo (305) 461-2700
Bimini, Bahamas BBC Central Abaco Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577
Treasure Cay, Bahamas BBC Treasure Cay Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577
The World Billfish Series reserves the right to make changes in this schedule, including addition and deletion of events at any time during
Schedule At A Glance JUNE 23 – 26
AUGUST 3 – 7
OCTOBER 22 – 24
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Carolina Billfish Classic Deidre Menefee (843) 345-0369
Sarasota, Florida Sarasota Slam - HBA Fishing Tournament Leslie Weed (941) 412-9696
Varadero Marina, Costa Rica Presidential Challenge of Aruba Joan M. Vernon (305) 361-9258
JUNE 30 – JULY 4
AUGUST 15 – 20
NOVEMBER 10 – 13
Pensacola, Florida Pensacola Int’l Billfish Tournament Greg Whibbs (850) 324-3265
Cape May, New Jersey Mid-Atlantic $500,000 Bob Glover (609) 884-2400
Mazatlán, Mexico Mazatlán Billfish Classic Harvey Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899
JULY 7 – 10
AUGUST 16 – 20
NOVEMBER 12 – 14
Charleston, South Carolina HMY – Viking Megadock McKenzie Hutaff Estes (842) 278-4920
San Juan, Puerto Rico San Juan Int’l Billfish Tournament Gonzalo M. Ferrer (787) 727-7700
Guatemala City, Guatemala Presidetial Challenge of Guatemala Joan M. Vernon (305) 361-9258
JULY 15 – 18
AUGUST 27 – 29
NOVEMBER 20 – 22
Panama City, Florida Bay Point Billfish Invitational Scott Burt (850) 235-6911
Islamorada, Florida Islamorada Swordfish Tournament Richard Peeples III (305) 282-1006
Mazatlán, Mexico Puerto Vallarta Billfish & Tuna Classic Harvey Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899
JULY 23 – 25
SEPTEMBER 23 – 26
NOVEMBER 18 – 21
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands VIGFC July Open Jeffrey Kreiner (404) 580-4126
Miami, Florida Miami Swordfish Tournament Richard Peeples III (305) 282-1006
Los Sueños, Costa Rica Los Sueños Marlin Invitational Ashley Bretecher A.Bretecher@lossuenosresort.com
JULY 29 – 31
SEPTEMBER 30 – OCTOBER 2
DECEMBER 9 – 12
Morehead City, North Carolina N.C. Ducks Unlimited Bob Lichauer (336) 454-5493
St. Augustine, Florida El Pescado Billfish Tournament Dennis Rosa (904) 642-0210
Cabo & Purdo Los Cabos, Mexico IGT Grand Championship Harvey Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899
AUGUST 2 – 6 Ocean City, Maryland White Marlin Open Jim Motsko (410) 289-9229
OCTOBER 7 – 10 New Smyrna Beach, Florida New Smyrna Beach Billfish Invt’l Jon Zeller (386) 290-4181
DECEMBER 8 – 11 WBS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS Los Sueños, Costa Rica Sam White (727) 864-4400
AUGUST 5 – 8
OCTOBER 10 – 13
TBA
Orange Beach, Alabama Orange Beach Billfish Classic Sarah Armstrong (251) 981-4207
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Puerto Los Cabos World Cup Harvey Hunnicutt (714) 259-4899
St. Petersburg, Florida Old Salt Loop Tournament Tom Verdensky (727) 867-9388
AUGUST 9 – 13
OCTOBER 16 – 24
TBA
Manteo, North Carolina Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament Jim Tobin (252) 473-3906
Queensland, Australia Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic Bob Lowe boblowe@lizardislandgfc.asn.au
Venice, Louisiana New Orleans Invt’l Billfish Tourn. Gino Rendeiro (504) 529-5100
the course of the year. Please call us at 727-864-4400 ot visit www.FishWBS.com for the most up to date tournament information.
Taking your yacht from to
Point A Point...
Lifting the standard of yacht transport www.YACHTPATH.com
PALM BEACH
SEATTLE
PALMA
ENSENADA
+ 1 561 784 6700
+ 1 206 282 1201
+ 34 971 450 947
+ 52 646 152 14 39
KAOHSIUNG + 886 7 338 2066