On the Cover Sunsets in Florida are one of the wonders we see daily in the world of sportfishing. This shot was taken at the Bucs Cup Tournament. Photo By Leonard Bryant Photography
Feature Story 14 African Billfish Foundation The African Billfish Foundation (ABF) is a unique charity working along the East African coast that aims at promot ing a smart approach to the conservation, research and management of the Billfish species and their environment.
Tournament Tales 20 BBC Central Abaco Championship The Bahamas Billfish Championship (BBC) launched it’s 38th season with the Central Abaco Championship at Treasure Cay Resort & Marina. Despite two days of windy spring weather and challenging sea conditions
24 BBC Cape Eleuthera Championship Three days of fishing at the Cape Eleuthera Championship proved all about chasing the big blues.
28 BBC Harbour Island Championship Zues scored 2,600 points during the Harbour Island Championship to capture First Place for the tournament.
42 WBS World Tour Standings 46 WBS 2011 Tournament Schedule at a Glance
CONTENTS MAY/JUNE 2011
Departments 7 From The WBS 7 Upcoming Tournament Events 8 Industry News 10 Caught on the WBS World Tour
Billfishing Magazine
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2011 WBS World Tour Sponsors The following companies proudly support the World Billfish Series and the sport of billfishing as sponsors of the 2011 World Billfish Series World Tour. 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
Bertram Yacht, Inc. Builder of sportfishing boats from 39 to 67 feet.
3663 NW 21st Street 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 Avenue Savannah, Georgia 31415
Contact: Sam Peters 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
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 Road Kennesaw, GA 30144
Contact: David Ittner Phone: 770-420-5810 www.yamaha-motor.com
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the World Billfish Series please contact us at: World Billfish Series, 9293 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburgs FL 33708 or call 727-864-4400 6
www.FishWBS.com
FROM THE WBS Speaking for all the tournament directors who organize and conduct events on the WBS World Tour, we need your help! By far, the largest amount of a tournament director’s time and effort is dedicated to “selling” sponsorships to their event. Funds raised from tournament sponsors help to keep registration fees down, awards and prizes up, cover event entertainment costs and provide valuable support for local charities. When potential tournament sponsors are considering whether to invest their promotional dollars in a particular event, they must determine if the event will have a positive benefit for the company either through increased branding or direct promotion to their target market. Tournament directors and their staff do a great job of maximizing exposure for their sponsors. But they need your help! The next time you are attending an event, please pay special attention to what companies have chosen to sponsor the event. Notice all the banners. Review the list of sponsors in the tournament program. Listen as sponsors are announced at the captain’s meeting and awards ceremonies.
BILLFISHING®
The Official Publication of the WBS Volume 11, No. 3 – May/June 2011 www.FishWBS.com President & CEO: James R. Simons Jim@FishWBS.com Creative Director: Linda Fisher-Morgan Linda@FishWBS.com Destination Editor: Jeff Merrill Associate Editor: Morgan Miller Contributing Writers: Ashley Bretecher Janice Sands Joan Vernon Web Master: Linda Fisher-Morgan Web Team: Boldwater Administrative Director: Jana E. Simons
Then, PLEASE, make a special effort to thank each sponsor for their support of the event. If a sponsor’s representative is at the event, walk up to them and say thank you. If you cannot thank them in person, when you get back home, go to their website and send them an email telling them you were at the event and that their sponsorship is greatly appreciated. And whenever possible, buy products from companies who sponsor and support the events and the lifestyle you enjoy. Thank you for your help.
Upcoming Events
Regional Representive: Chris Lynch Mid-Atlantic Division Chris Martin Pacific Division Alistair McGlashan South Pacific Division Jimmy Taylor Gulf Coast Division Published bi-monthly by: World Billfish Series LLC 9293 Bay Pines Blvd. St. Petersburg, FL 33708 phone: (727) 864-4400 fax: (727) 867-1149 email: info@FishWBS.com Subscriptions: 1 Year -$25.00 USA 727-864-4400 3 Years -$75.00 USA Web Subscriptions: www.FishWBS.com
JUNE 21 – 26 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic JUNE 22 – 25 BBC Treasure Cay Championship JUNE 22 – 25 Carolina Billfish Classic JUNE 30 – JULY 3 Pensacola International Billfish Tournament JULY 6 – 9 HMY – Viking Megadock JULY 6 – 10 Bay Point Billfish Tournament
Special thanks to all the companies, associations andindividuals who give back to the sport of billfishing so that future generations can enjoy one of America’s favorite pastimes. All contents © Copywrite 2011 World Billfish Series LLC. All rights reserved. Any use of the contents of this publication without the express written permission of the publisher is strickly prohibited. Some of the views expressed by contributors may not be the representive views of the Publisher. For reprints, web-usage or other permission contact Linda Fisher-Morgan, Linda@FishWBS.com
FOLLOW FO LLOW O US U ON
Order the WBS Tournament Calendar at www.FishWBS.com. Billfishing Magazine
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Industry
News
WIN A TRIP FOR TWO TO ZANCUDO LODGE IN COSTA RICA - ENTER JUST BY BEING AN RFA MEMBER!
T
he Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) has partnered with Zancudo Lodge to offer one lucky RFA member and a guest the chance to spend three days fishing - with three night's accommodations - at the beautiful Zancudo Lodge in Costa Rica. Located along the scenic Pacific Coast on the bay of Golfo Dulce, just 4 miles from Golfito, Zancudo Lodge is a world class destination for anglers looking to score marlin, sailfish, dorado, tuna, roosterfish, snapper, giant jacks and more. Check out the accommodations at www.thezancudolodge.com.
chance to win this trip of a lifetime to Zancudo Lodge, all you have to do is make sure your RFA membership doesn't expire before 12/1/2011, the date of this year's Trip of a Lifetime grand prize drawing. It includes three days of fishing - inshore or offshore - at Costa Rica's premier fishing resort, home to over 70 world class records. From ultra-light and fly to conventional, with corporate sponsors like P-Line, Pelagic Gear, Yo-Zuri, Navionics and Mustad, guests are assured of the most state of the art experience, the highest quality tackle, knowledgeable captains, all in one of the most pristine settings on earth.
This great prize package will be drawn at random from all active RFA members as of November 30, 2011 - to enter for your
If your name is drawn, you and your guest will also enjoy first rate accommodations for three nights at the luxurious Zancudo
Lodge, including food and drink, spacious room, access to the beach and pool, and deluxe service! RFA will also kick in $1,500 towards airfare to Costa Rica, in-country travel and a one-night hotel stay in the Costa Rican capital of San Jose. The full trip value is estimated at more than $6,000, and it could be yours * just for being a member of the Recreational Fishing Alliance! For a chance to win this trip of a lifetime to Zancudo Lodge in Costa Rica, check your RFA membership card for the expiration date. Better yet, call 888-JOIN RFA or visit www.joinrfa.org now and renew your membership today for that chance to win on December 1, 2011.
Who is the “Best of the Best” in the Gulf? Introducing the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Championship Trophy.
E
veryone knows sometimes it takes a little luck to win a Billfish tournament, but it takes skill and persistence to win them consistently. This summer on the Northern Gulf Coast we’ll get a chance to see who truly is the “Best of the Best”.
third at each tournament will qualify for additional points. The boat with the highest point total after all three tournaments will take home the Triple Crown, a phenomenal 4’ tall piece of original art created by marine artist Frank Ledbetter.
The Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament Committee recently announced the formation of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Trophy, a new championship designed specifically for competitors of the top three major Gulf Coast Billfish Tournaments. The Triple Crown is a multi-tournament point series rewarding the top team competing in the “Big Three” Gulf Coast sportfish tournaments: the Mississippi Gulf Coast Billfish Classic in Biloxi, the Emerald Coast Tournament in Destin, and the Bay Point Invitational Billfish Tournament in Panama City. Teams earn points for participating in each event and fish placing first, second or
Designed as a “winner take all” Championship, competing anglers must compete in at least two of the Big Three – one of them has to be the Bay Point Invitational. “We see this as bringing a little bit of NASCAR to the sportfish world,” said Steve Arndt, marina
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director at Bay Point. “The points have been structured to emphasize Blue Marlin, but all tournament award winning fish will qualify. I can see this contest coming down to the wire between multiple teams, and somebody’s gonna get bragging rights for a whole year.” For more information on the Gulf Coast Triple Crown, visit their website at www.GulfCoastTripleCrown.com and watch the for tournament updates at www.FishWBS.com and on Twitter.
Industry
News
June 21 - 26
Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic
Sandestin, FL
June 22 - 25
Carolina Billfish Classic
Charleston, SC
Bay Point Billfish Tournament
Panama City, FL
Sarasota Slam
Sarasota, FL
Mid-Atlantic $500,000
Cape May, NJ
WBS Grand Championships
Los Sue単os, Costa Rica
July 6 - 10 Aug 2 - 6 Aug 21 - 26 Dec 7 - 10
Billfishing Magazine
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Enter the "Caught on the WBS World Tour" contest and win a new pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses! 1
Do you recognize anybody in the “Caught On WBS Tour” photo gallery? 3
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caught on tour the place to see your face 5
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Win a new pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses! See page 15 for more on the “Caught On WBS Tour� Contest. 11
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Billfishing Magazine
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caught on tour the place to see your face 14
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WORLD BILLFISH SERIES
“Caught On WBS Tour” Contest The WBS Anglers Club member who correctly identifies the most people on pages 10, 11 and 13 by July 30, 2011 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 Linda@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
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By Nelly Noela Kadagi
Promoting conservation and research for the protection and improvement of Billfish Species and their Environment.
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Tag deployed on a pacific sailfish.
Programs Tagging The African Billfish Foundation is primarily concerned with the running of a tagging program which targets billfish species. This is carried out by sport fishing boats, both charter and private, operating throughout the coastal East African region. Over 45, 000 fish have been tagged to date. In recent years, the popularity of tag and release has become such that we now require a minimum of about 5,000 tags per season. In the past, the sport fishing community has financed this project along with private donations and support of visiting anglers. We greatly appreciate the sport fishermen, anglers and everyone who has supported this initiative.
The African Billfish Foundation (ABF) The African Billfish Foundation (ABF) is a unique charity working along the East African coast that aims at promoting a smart approach to the conservation, research and management of the Billfish species and their environment. The foundation also encourages fishing practices that support sustainable uses compatible with conservation, whilst still maintaining economic returns.
Recoveries To date, the African Billfish Foundation has recovered over 1,500 fish tags. The most outstanding recovered tags are those demonstrating that tagged billfish can migrate to places as far as the West Coast of Australia, Yemen, South Africa, Reunion, Chagos and many more. Cash rewards for recaptured tags retuned to the ABF with the relevant information are given to the artisanal fishermen as an added incentive for getting involved in the conservation efforts. Billfishing Magazine
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THE SEA CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE.
YOUR ENGINE CAN’T. Jose Wejebe, The Spanish Fly
Jose Wejebe’s recent trip from the Florida Keys to Isla Mujeres, Mexico, covered 400 miles of swells, squalls and the open sea. But with the rock-solid Mercury® Verado and the industry’s best warranty* behind him, he wasn’t worried. He knew Verado® was torture tested way beyond anything he could have faced. See how Mercury uses log strike, saltwater spray, extreme temperature and humidity tests to build unrivaled reliability into the best outboards on the water at mercurymarine.com/reliability. *Three-year limited factory-backed, nondeclining warranty and the industry’s only three-year limited corrosion failure warranty. © 2010 MERCURY MARINE. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Diagram showing International African Billfish Foundation tag Recoveries Advocacy The foundation campaigns and lobbies for the conservation and management of billfish species. It works closely with the local communities, government departments, local and international non-governmental organization as well as partnering agencies in order to achieve a multi-faceted approach in addressing the issues affecting the billfish resources. Research on BILLFISH and other species Through it’s considerable database, the foundation compiles reports for different topics. These include, billfish migration patterns, growth rates and breeding stocks among others.
Nelly Noela Kadagi – African Billfish Foundation Representative educating fishermen in Zanzibar about the importance of reporting recovered tags.
The ABF aims to compile a socio-economic study on the value of sport fishing as a sustainable resource in the East African waters. Community Awareness and education The foundation is geared towards empowering the local communities through education and awareness regarding billfish species, their conservation and management.
Ongoing Projects Migrating with the Billfish expedition in Tanzania and Zanzibar Over the last three months, the African Billfish Foundation team has been working with the local fishermen in Tanzania,
Fish mongers at a Zanzibar Fish Market. ABF works at grassroot level to create awareness among the local fishing communities who are integral part of conserving these incredible species. Billfishing Magazine
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Pemba and Zanzibar with an aim of creating awareness regarding the importance of reporting recovered tags and billfish conservation in East Africa. Fishermen and the fishmongers in Zanzibar and Pemba fish-markets revealed that a lot of the billfish caught have the African Billfish tags in, but they are not returning the tags to the foundation for the following reasons: They believe fish with tags in are poisoned so they throw the tags away before the fish are brought to the market. They think that tagged fish are marked fish that they shouldn’t be catching and that these are are illegal to catch.
They are not aware what the tags are for and therefore just throw them away. In an effort to address the above issues, the foundation will continue to visit and educate all the parties concerned in order to increase its recovery rates and strengthening its ties with the contacts they have made. Sharing the African Billfish Foundation Findings The ABF has been invited to present two papers at the International World Recreational Fisheries Conference in Berlin, Germany from the 1st to 4th of August 2011. In addition, the ABF will also be presenting a scientific paper at the Indian
Ocean Tuna Commission Working Party on Billfish meeting in the Seychelles in July 2011. The ABF team is very excited and views this opportunity as a way of sharing information and networking with other stakeholders. How you can Help Please support by becoming a member. To join us the ABF as a member vite their website at: www.africanbillfish.org and register on-line. If you would like to make a donation to the African Billfish Foundation, please contact: Tina Harris – cell +254-722-294-332, or email her at tina@africanbillfish.org. You can also contact Nelly Kadagi – cell +254-701-662-733 or email her at nelly@africanbillfish.org.w
The hardworking locals in Zanzibar are among those the ABF educates about the tagging of billfish and the recover of these tags. Billfishing Magazine
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Bahamas Billfish Central Abaco
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Harbour
Cape Eleuthera
Tournaments... One Champion
By Brenda Fletcher
Field of 35 Compete in the Central Abaco Championship 20
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Championship Island
Treasure Cay
Guana Cay
The Bahamas Billfish Championship is a world-class fishing tournament series founded in 1973. Taking place April through June each year, the five Championship tournaments are governed by a uniform set of rules for qualifying billfish. Anglers can fish any or all tournaments with cumulative points determining the overall Bahamas Billfish Champions.
Boats departing from Central Abaco in the Bahamas.
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he Bahamas Billfish Championship (BBC) launched it’s 38th season with the Central Abaco Championship at Treasure Cay Resort & Marina. Despite two days of windy spring weather and challenging sea conditions, the fleet of thirty-five sport fishermen caught and released sixty-two billfish during the three day event which was won by Bear Trap, a 66 Spencer based out of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The Bear Trap team, led by owner John Stout and Captain Greg Eklund, racked up 2,800 points by catching and releasing two blue marlin, three white marlin, and two sailfish over the three days. The point total was enhanced with an additional 700 Grand Slam bonus points for the blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish releases on the second day of the tournament. The win garnered Stout a Randy Rich designed trophy presented by tournament sponsors Gulfstream International Airlines and Hatteras Yachts. As the Top Release Team for the Central Abaco Championship, team Bear Trap was presented with a custom hand-carved mahogany trophy sponsored by Murray Products and the Al Behrendt Marine Group. Capt. Greg Eklund and the Bear Trap crew each received a Randy Rich designed trophy sponsored by Steve Lewis of the Lewis Marine Group. Second Place honors at the Central Abaco tournament went to team Zues, a 58 Custom yacht based out of Ft. Pierce, Florida. Billfishing Magazine
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The Bahamas Billfish Championship is a popular tournament series in part due to the commaradery of the social gathers. After sharing the lead with John Lee’s Committed from Destin, Florida for two days, Team leader Tim Lanahan and Capt. Glenn Cameron accumulated 2,300 points by releasing two blue marlin, four white marlin, and two sailfish. Team Zues was also awarded a Randy Rich trophy from Gulfstream International Airlines and Hatteras Yachts. Junior Davis’ Wave Paver, a 61 Garlington from Kissimmee, Florida finished in Third Place also with 2,300 points. Team Wave Paver with Capt. ‘Snick’ Akers caught and released one blue marlin, three white marlin, and three sailfish during the tournament. Like Bear Trap, the Wave Paver received an additional 700 Grand Slam bonus points. In BBC competition, when two teams achieve the same point total, the winner is determined by the team first reaching the point total. In addition to the Randy Rich trophies, the three winning teams also received gift certificates from Roffer’s Ocean
Fishing Forecasting Service (ROFFS) and Anejo Rum from Bacardi and Bristol Wine & Spirits.
made its tournament debut and MarineMax used the tournament to showcase the new 54 Hatteras GT.
For the BBC’s first tournament of the 2011 season, the Central Abaco Championship was action packed for the majority of the thirty-five boats fishing. Of the 62 billfish caught and released, 17 were blue marlin, 27 were white marlin and 18 were sailfish. As with all BBC tournaments, all catches are validated using time and date stamped digital images. Affidavits signed by all participants fishing on each team further confirms that the fish was released in accordance with IGFA and Bahamas Billfish Championship rules.
Now celebrating its 38th season, the BBC is the oldest billfish tournament series in the world. Anglers can fish any or all of the tournaments with cumulative points determining the overall Bahamas Billfish Champions. In an effort to give-back to the Bahamian people, the Bahamas Billfish Championship endowed two scholarships that enable Bahamian students the opportunity to pursue a degree in marine biology or advanced education in the marine technologies.
Gulfstream International Airlines and Hatteras Yachts were the hosting sponsors of the Central Abaco Championship. Social functions during the tournament were hosted by MarineMax Yachts & Brokerage and CAT Marine Power. The new 63 Hatteras GT
For the very latest tournament information, results and overall standings visit their fact-filled Internet website at www.bahamasbillfish.com or contact the Bahamas Billfish Championship at 866-920-5577 or email: info@bahamasbillfish.com.w
The Bear Trap and John Stout were awarded the top prize for the first leg of the BBC. Billfishing Magazine
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Bahamas Billfish Central Abaco
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or team Chasin Tail, three days of fishing at the Cape Eleuthera Championship showed that the 60 foot Viking catches what it is ‘chasin.’ The Ft. Pierce, Florida based team led by Howard Webb and Capt. Robbie Valco kept the pressure on by catching blue marlin each day of the tournament. In catching and releasing four blues over the three days and adding a white marlin to the count on the second day, the team amassed a total of 2600 points to take First Place at the second leg of the 2011 Bahamas Billfish Championship.
Team Zues, with owner Sandy Smith and Capt. Glenn Cameron directing the angling efforts, finished second on the 58 foot Custom sportfisherman. The team compiled a 2,400 point total by catching and releasing three blue marlin, two white marlin and two 24
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Cape Eleuthera
sailfish for the week. Of their point total, team Zues compiled an impressive 2,000 points on the final day of fishing. Third place was awarded to James B. ‘Junior’ Davis of Kissimmee, Florida on board the 61 foot Garlington, Wave Paver. Davis and Capt. ‘Snick’ Akers also compiled 2,400 points in releasing three blue marlin and three white marlin for the three-day event hosted by the Cape Eleuthera Resort & Yacht Club. In BBC competition, when two teams achieve the same point total, the winner is determined by the team first reaching the point total. For the win, Howard Webb and Chasin Tail was awarded a Randy Rich designed trophy presented by the BBC. As Top Release Team at the Cape Eleuthera
Harbour
Championship Island
Guana Cay
Treasure Cay
Chasin BlueS By Brenda Fletcher
This leg was all about the chase for the twenty three teams competing in the Cape Eleuther Championship. There were fifty-eight billfish; twenty-five blue marlin, twenty white marlin, and eight sailfish caught.
Championship, Chasin Tail received a Hy Jacobson original teak sculptured trophy sponsored by Murray Products and the Al Behrendt Marine Group. In addition, Top Crew trophies, sponsored by the Lewis Marine Group, were presented to Capt. Robbie Valco and the Chasin Tail crew. All top three finishers received Randy Rich trophies, gift certificates from Roffer’s Ocean Fishing Forecasting Service (ROFFS) and a supply of Bacardi Anejo Rum
from Bahamas based Bristol Wine and Spirits. This year, the twenty-three participating boats caught and released a total of fifty-eight billfish; twenty-five blue marlin, twenty white marlin, and eight sailfish. As with all BBC tournaments, all releases are validated using time and date stamped digital images. Affidavits signed by all participants fishing on each team further confirms that the Billfishing Magazine
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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 nd 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
fish were released in accordance with IGFA and Bahamas Billfish Championship rules. The Championship tournaments are governed by a uniform set of rules for qualifying billfish with cumulative points determining the overall Bahamas Billfish Champion. After two tournaments of the five tournament series, team Zues ranks First Place Overall with 5,600 points. The top spot is heavily contested with Team Wave Paver a close Second Overall with 5,400 points and team Chasin Tail standing at Third Overall with 5,100 points. The three teams are competing in all five tournaments, Zues and Wave Paver finished second and third respectively at the Central Abaco Championship.
The BBC’s Top Release Team at the Cape Eleuthera Championship went to Chasin Tail received the accolade and Howard Webb was awarded the WBS Top Angler.
The Bahamas Billfish Champion-ship is a world-class fishing tournament series founded in 1973 making it the oldest billfish tournament series in the world. In an effort to give-back to the Bahamian people, the Bahamas Billfish Championship endowed two scholarships that enable Bahamian students the opportunity to pursue a degree in marine biology or advanced education in marine technologies. For the complete details about the Championship, the very latest information and overall standings visit the Bahamas Billfish Championship website at www.bahamasbillfish.com or call them at 866-920-5577 or e-mail: info@bahamasbillfish.com.w
Second place team was awarded to Zues for their efforts.
Current BBC Standings after two events. First Place Overall Team Zues 5,600 points Second Place Overall Wave Paver 5,400 points Third Place Overall Chasin Tail 5,100 points Third place was awarded to Wave Paver for their efforts.
Billfishing Magazine
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Bahamas Billfish Central Abaco
Cape Eleuthera
Harbour
Zues Maintains Top Overall Lead in the BBC Standings
S
andy Smith’s team Zues scored 2,600 points during the Harbour Island Championship to capture First Place for the tournament and maintain their impressive lead in the overall standings of the 2011 Bahamas Billfish Championship. Smith, from St. Cloud, Florida led his team in catching and releasing three blue marlin, one white 28
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marlin and six sailfish during the tournament which was the third leg of the BBC’s five tournament Series. Team Zues caught qualifying billfish each day keeping the pressure on and the points consistently accumulating. The Harbour Island Championship sponsors were on-hand to present the
Randy Rich designed First Place trophy to team Zues during the awards ceremony at the Coral Sands Resort. Sponsor representatives making the trophy presentation were Vanessa Darling of International Special Risks, Casey Sinclair of Smith- Merritt Insurance, Lisa Verbit and John Domenico of Bank of America’s US Trust and Mike Romanchuk of Merrill
Championship Island
Guana Cay
Lynch Wealth Management.
By
As the Top Release Team for the Harbour Island Championship, Zues received a Hy Jacobson original teak sculpture presented by BBC sponsors Murray Products and the Al Behrendt Brenda Fletcher Marine Group. Top Crew trophies, sponsored by the Lewis Marine Group, were awarded to Capt. Glenn Cameron and the crew of Zues. Catching and releasing four blue marlin for 2,400 points was Mike Sandifer’s Makin Reel Memories, a 60 Hatteras. The Second Place team, from Jacksonville, Florida, caught their blues on the first two days of fishing and led the
tournament until the final hours when Zues caught and released two sailfish giving Smith’s team the 200 point margin. Gary Angel’s Sea Angel, a Weaver 60 from Baytown, Texas, finished third with 2,100 points after releasing three blue marlin, one white marlin and one sailfish. In addition to the Randy Rich trophies, the top three finishers all received gift certificates from Roffer’s Ocean Fishing Forecasting Service (ROFFS) and Bacardi Anejo compliments of Bacardi International and Bahamas based Bristol Wine and Spirits. Twenty seven of the world’s top sportfishing boats occupied slips at Romora Bay Resort & Marina, Valentines Resort & Marina and Harbour Island Marina & Yacht Club for the third of the Championship’s 2011 tournaments. Over the three days, the participating boats caught a total of 51 billfish. Blue marlin accounted for 21 of the total along with 13
Treasure Cay
white marlin and 17 sailfish. At all BBC tournaments, catches and releases are validated using time and date stamped digital images. Affidavits signed by all participants fishing on each team further confirms that the fish was released in accordance with IGFA and Bahamas Billfish Championship rules. The opening reception, hosted by Gulfstream International Airlines, was held at the Romora Bay Resort overlooking the harbor at sunset. The closing cocktail reception was hosted by Caterpillar Marine. Both the opening dinner and awards banquet were hosted by the tournament sponsors International Special Risks, Smith-Merritt Insurance, Bank of America’s US Trust and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. With the win at Harbour Island and accrued points from the two earlier tournaments, Zues maintains a strong lead in the overall standings for 2011 with 9,100 points. Team Wave Paver, which Billfishing Magazine
29
Marl i n 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`
Above: First Place winners of the third leg of the BBC Championship series was team Zues. Middle: Real Memories took second place with four blue marlin for 2,400 points. Bottom: Third place went to Sea Angel with 2,100 points after releasing three blue marlin, one white marlin and one sailfish. has had consistently good fishing this season, added 1,400 points at Harbour Island and maintained their Second Place Overall standing with 7,600 points. Team Chasin Tail, winner of the Cape Eleuthera Championship, only added 200 points at Harbour Island but continued in Third Place Overall with 5,600 points. For the overall standings of this year’s BBC teams, visit www.bahamasbillfish.com.
Now celebrating its 38th season, the BBC is the oldest billfish tournament series in the world. Anglers can fish any or all of the tournaments with cumulative points determining the overall Bahamas Billfish Champions. In an effort to give-back to the Bahamian people, the Bahamas Billfish Championship has two endowed scholarships that enable Bahamian students the opportunity to pursue a
degree in marine biology or advanced education in marine technologies. For the complete details about the Championship, the very latest information and overall standings visit www.bahamasbillfish.com or contact the Bahamas Billfish Championship at 866-920-5577 or e-mail: info@bahamasbillfish.com.w
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Billfishing Magazine
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2011 WBS World Tour Standings
1250 1400 1100 1325 800 650 1175 800 950 950 875 875 875 875 875 875 800 800 800 800 800 800 0 725
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
575 0 200 0 425 500 0 275 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 750 0
Ne w Bil Sm lfis yr h T na ou Be rna ach me nt El P To esca urn do am Bi en llfis t h
Bu c To can urn eer am Cu en p t
Jup To iter B urn il am lfish en t
Boat Name Weez in the Keys Get Lit Princess Lily Team Murray Sandra T Weez in the Keys Covert Mission Miss Annie Certifiable Mistress Kemosabe Anita L Hard Way Pro-Payroll Osprey Drag N Slayer Get Lit Miller Time Black Out Double Diamond Barefoot Snap Bean Intents Get Lit
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 Scott Robins Peter Miller Mike Samuels Heather Murray Serena Wilson Edgar Benes Tom Craig Mark Donahue Janeen Davis Mike Murray Bonnie Carpenter David Nelson Daryl Deka John Duval Lamont Harris Trent Glaub Claudio Martinez Ralph Schiattarella Roy Merritt Chris Shermon Justin Lord Tony Cummings Alan Sadler Kitt Toomey
Sil ve rS ail fis h
De rby
Treasure Coast Division
100 50 100 50 100 100 50 100 50 50 50 50 0 0 0 0 50 50 50 0 0 0 50 50
1925 1450 1400 1375 1325 1250 1225 1175 1000 1000 925 925 875 875 875 875 850 850 850 800 800 800 800 775
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 100 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1200 1050 975 750 700 650 625 575 575 575 550 475 475 475 475 475 450 450 425 425 425 425 400 400
42
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0 50 125 0 0 0 200 0 0 0 0 200 0 0 0 0 50 50 0 0 0 0 125 0
625 800 425 325 275 0 425 575 275 200 350 275 350 200 200 125 275 275 425 425 0 0 0 275
Yam Bil aha lfis Co h T nte ou nd rna er me Mia nt mi Fo rt To Lau urn de am rda en le S t wo rdf ish Mi a To mi S urn wo am rdf en ish t
Boat Name High Standards Qualifier Get Lit Captain Gas Miss Britt 2 Money Shot Wound Up Wound Up Double Diamond Amore Priceless Get Lit Uptight Jichi Qualifier Viva La Vida Viva La Vida Get Lit L&H Jichi Voodoo Child Priceless Viva La Vida No Mercy
575 200 425 425 425 650 0 0 200 275 200 0 125 275 275 350 125 125 0 0 425 425 275 125
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 Frankie Villasante Jimmy David Peter Miller Alex Meyer John Burke Eddie Lopez Warren Sands Roy Huff Carl Weigold Jorge Lopez Andres Avello Cap Hinckley Jeffrey Fiorentino Anibal Moya Trey Claus Eric Darvill John Cole Kitt Toomey Freddy David Jeff Bolt Brett Brunner Jordan Gruber Jimmy Fickling Albert Castro
Ch e Sa eca L ilfi od sh ge To Pr urn es am ide en ntia t l Ca pta Bil in lfis Bo hC bL ha ewi llen s ge
Southeast Division
2011 WBS World Tour Standings
1150 2050 1150 850 1875 1725 1450 275 825 600 1000 600 525 1250 525 1000 1250 525 275 525 600 275 0 0
1800 1175 1025 2225 1025 1100 1325 2325 1825 1775 1350 1650 1800 875 1475 575 725 1400 1650 1250 1250 1475 1700 1675
Pr e of side Co nti sta al C Ric ha a llen ge Pr e of side Gu nti ate al C ma ha la llen ge Lo s Inv Sue ita ño tio s M na a l rlin
Boat Name Spanish Fly Tres Amigos Spanish Fly Da Bait Sea Angel Gotcha Dragin Fly Big Oh Contendress Let it Ride Let it Ride Viking 68 Dealer’s Choice Dealer’s Choice My Doris Uno Mas Dealer’s Choice Miss Behavin R&J Dealer’s Choice 61 Megabytes Miss Celeste Viking 76 Viking 76
600 0 975 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 425 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS
Angler Richard Lebo Michael Rankey J. Godwin Jeff Cohen Austin Angel Cliff Mountain George Beckwith Gray Ingram Fred Camoin Ben White James Kontos Pat Healy Eric McDowell Gerald Imparato Skip Smith Greg Angel Frank Bongiorno Jason Nolan Richard Belding Drew McDowell Michael Wells David Finkelstein Dale Willis Pat Kelly
Lo s Se Sue rie ño sL sS eg ig I nat ur e Lo s Se Sue rie ño sL sS eg ig II nat ur e
Pacific Division
150 100 0 0 0 0 0 100 0 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 100 0 0 50 50
3700 3325 3150 3075 2900 2825 2775 2700 2650 2375 2350 2350 2325 2125 2100 2000 1975 1925 1925 1875 1850 1750 1750 1725
Boat Name Fa La Me Wave Paver Juel Marie Floridian Wave Paver NOFA Reel Relief Rum Bum Marlin Darlin Game On Bear Trap Mama Who Makin’ Reel Memories Makin’ Reel Memories Sultrap Gina Lea Marlin Darlin Uno Mas Miss Annie Chasin Tail Deguello Committed Angry Scot Blue Heron
1250 450 650 300 650 0 975 0 125 250 975 450 0 0 375 0 125 0 0 575 175 125 0 0
875 400 1200 600 250 800 0 0 600 800 0 400 0 800 400 0 250 0 0 0 400 400 525 525
1075 1375 175 775 525 450 275 1250 450 0 0 0 850 0 0 700 250 575 575 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 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 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 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS
Angler Tim Lanahan Russell Sinclair Chris Martin Sandy Smith Jr Davis Ronnie Burbage Garett Yarbrough Luis Bacardi Bobby Jacobsen Carmine Galati Matt Carter Elaine Jones Ed Nimnicht Greg Sandifer Storm Smith Mark McDevitt Colby Jacobsen Greg Angel Luke Hickey Cecil Hatfield Chris Domel John Lee Dave Metzler Mark Knowels
BB C Ch Ce am ntr p al BB ions Aba hip co CC Ch a am pe p E BB ions leuth C H hi er p a Ch a am rbo p u HM ions r Is la Y Bil -B hip nd lfis oat h H BB Blas arb CG t our Ch u am an p a Tre ions Cay hip as To ur urn e C a a BB men y Bil t lfis C Ch Tre h am as pio ure ns Ca VI hip y GF CJ uly Sa Op n en Bil Jua lfis n I h n Sa Tou t’l rna nJ To ua urn n I men am nt’l t en Bi t llfi sh
Caribbean Southeast Division
0 0 150 0 0 100 0 0 0 100 0 0 0 0 0 50 0 50 50 0 0 0 0 0
Billfishing Magazine
3200 2225 2175 1675 1425 1350 1250 1250 1175 1150 975 850 850 800 775 750 625 625 625 575 575 525 525 525 43
Who is Invited WBS Grand Champions - All the WBS Grand Champions have a lifetime invitation to the big event. Division Winners - Any person who has been named a Division Winner on the WBS World Tour qualifies for five years starting in the year they are named the winner of that division. Top Anglers - Any person who has been named the WBS Top Angler of a sanction event on the World Tour qualifies to participate in the Grand Championship for three years starting in the year they are named the Top Angler.
WORLD W ORLD BILLFISH SERIES Presented Pr esented By: Los Sueños Resort and Marina, Cost Costa a Rica
2011 WBS Grand Championships
Division Qualifier - The top fifteen anglers at the end of the year for 2010 and 2011 are eligiable to particiate in the WBS Grand Championships. 2010 WBS Grand Championship Finalist - The 2010 GC finalists who qualify for the 2011 event are: Gerald Aliseo, Chris Domel, Gary Domel, Jimmy Taylor and Greg Voell. All qualified members of the WBS are strongly encouraged to reserve both rooms and charter boats for the WBS Grand Championships to be held in Costa Rica at the Los Sueños Resort and Marina on December 7–10, 2011. For reservations at the Marriott Hotel or any of the local condo rental agency visit their website at lrm.com There are a number of excellent charter operations in Costa Rica, but as with any high-profile tournament, the best boats will be booked early. For more info on the WBS Grand Championships or for assistance in making reservations contact the WBS International Headquarters at 727-864-4400 or via email at info@FishWBS.com.
Billfishing Magazine
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2011 WBS World Tour Southeast Division Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish – 1/20 - 1/22 Captain Bob Lewis – 3/3 - 3/5 Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament – 3/31 - 4/3 Ft. Lauderdale Swordfish Tournament – 8/12 - 8/14 Miami Swordfish Tournament – 9/8 - 9/11 Treasure Coast Division Silver Sailfish Derby – 1/5 - 1/8 Jupiter Billfish Tournament – 1/12 - 1/14 Buccaneer Cup Tournament – 1/19 - 1/22 New Smyrna Beach Billfish Invitational – 10/6 - 10/9 El Pescado Billfish Tournament – 10/13 - 10/15 Ft. Lauderdale Billfish Tournament – TBA Pacific Division Los Sueños Signature Series I – 1/26 -1/29 Los Sueños Signature Series II – 3/2 - 3/5 Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica – 3/24 - 3/27 Presidential Challenge of Guatemala – 11/10 - 11/13 Los Sueños Marlin Invitational – 11/30 - 12/3 South Pacific Division Marlin Masters Mauritius – 2/13 - 2/19 Broken Bay GFC – 3/18 - 3/20 Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic – 10/1 - 10/8 Caribbean Division BBC Central Abaco Championship – 4/27 - 4/30 BBC Cape Eleuthera Championship – 5/11 - 5/14 BBC Harbour Island Championship – 5/25 - 5/28 HMY-Boat Harbour Billfish Blast – 5/30 - 6/3 BBC Guana Cay Championship – 6/8 - 6/11 Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament – 6/12 - 6/17 BBC Treasure Cay Championship – 6/22 - 6/25 VIGFC July Open – 7/12 - 7/14 San Juan Int’l Billfish Tournament – 8/5 - 8/11 Presidential Caribbean Cup – 10/19 - 10/22 Mid-Atlantic Division Carolina Billfish Classic – 6/22 - 6/26 HMY – Viking Megadock – 7/6 - 7/9 Beach Haven White Marlin Invitational – 7/27 - 7/30 N.C. Ducks Unlimited – 7/28 - 7/30 White Marlin Open – 8/8 - 8/12 Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament – 8/15 - 8/19 Mid-Atlantic $500,000 – 8/21 - 8/26 Gulf Coast Division Old Salt Annual Release Loop Tournament – 5/26 - 5/29 Mobile BGFC Memorial Day Tournament – 5/27 - 5/30 New Orleans Invt’l Billfish Tournament – 6/16 - 6/18 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic – 6/21 - 6/26 Pensacola Int’l Billfish Tournament – 6/30 - 7/3 Bay Point Billfish Invitational – 7/6 - 7/10 Sarasota Slam – 8/2 - 8/6 Orange Beach Billfish Classic – 8/3 - 8/7 WBS 2011 Grand Championships – 12/7 - 12/10
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JANUARY 5 – 8 Palm Beach, Florida Silver Sailfish Derby Tom Twyford (561) 832-6780
MARCH 24 – 27 Samara, Costa Rica Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica Joan M. Vernon (305) 361-9258
JANUARY 19 – 22 Singer Island, Florida Buccaneer Cup Tourn. Gary Caputi (732) 899-9988
APRIL 27 – 30 Bimini, Bahamas BBC Central Abaco Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577
JANUARY 12 – 14 Jupiter, Florida Jupiter Billfish Tourn. Courtney Bowden (561) 847-2090
JANUARY 20 – 22 Islamorada, Florida Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Liz Hill (305) 451-5094 JANUARY 26 – 29 Los Sueños, Costa Rica Los Sueños Signature Series I Ashley Bretecher A.Bretecher@lsrm.com
FEBRUARY 13 – 19 Mauritius Island, Mauritius Marlin Masters Mauritius Albert Dunieville albert.dunieville@naiade.com
MARCH 2 – 5 Los Sueños, Costa Rica Los Sueños Signature Series II Ashley Bretecher A.Bretecher@lsrm.com
MARCH 3 – 5 Miami, Florida Capt. Bob Lewis Billfish Challenge Janice Sands (305) 525-9456
MARCH 18 – 20 Broken Bay, Australia Broken Bay Invt’l Tourament Cathy McDonald cathy@royalmotor.com.au
MARCH 31 – APRIL 3 Miami, Florida Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tourn. Judy Layne (305) 598-2525
MAY 11 – 14 Eleuthera, Bahamas BBC Cape Eleuthera Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577 MAY 25 – 28 Harbour Island, Bahamas BBC Harbour Island Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577
MAY 26 – 29 Anna Maria Island, Florida Old Salt Loop Release Tournament Tom Verdensky (727) 439-7945 MAY 27 – 30 Orange Beach, Alabama Mobile BGFC Memorial Day Tourn. Bill Hixson (251) 228-2181 MAY 30 – JUNE 3 Marsh Harbour, Bahamas HMY-Boat Harbour Billfish Blast Mike Middleton (954) 926-0400
JUNE 8 – 11 Guana Cay, Bahamas BBC Guana Cay Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577
Tentative Schedule JULY 27 – 30 Beach Haven, New Jersey Beach Haven White Marlin Invitational John Fitzgerald (609) 713-9996
SEPTEMBER 8 – 11 Miami, Florida Miami Swordfish Tourn. Richard Peeples III (305) 282-1006
JUNE 21 – 26 Sandestin, Florida Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Shawna Meisner (850) 267-6168
AUGUST 2 – 6 Sarasota, Florida Sarasota Slam Leslie Weed (941) 907-4133 ext. 309
OCTOBER 6 – 9 New Smyrna Beach, Florida New Smyrna Beach Billfish Invt’l Jon Zeller (386) 290-4181
JUNE 22 – 25 Charleston, South Carolina Carolina Billfish Classic Deidre Menefee (843) 345-0369
AUGUST 8 – 12 Ocean City, Maryland White Marlin Open Jim Motsko (410) 289-9229
JUNE 12 – 17 Abaco, Bahamas Treasure Cay Billfish Tourn. Sabine Kirchner (954) 525-7711
JUNE 16 – 18 Venice, Louisiana New Orleans Invt’l Billfish Tourn. Charlie Caplinger (504) 237-4030
JUNE 22 – 25 Treasure Cay, Bahamas BBC Treasure Cay Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577
JULY 28 – 30 Morehead City, North Carolina N.C. Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish Trey Oliver (336) 580-8739
AUGUST 3 – 7 Orange Beach, Alabama Orange Beach Billfish Classic Sarah Armstrong (251) 981-4207
JUNE 30 – JULY 3 Pensacola, Florida Pensacola Int’l Billfish Tourn. Perry Palmer (850) 324-6365
AUGUST 12 – 14 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Ft. Lauderdale Swordfish Tourn. Richard Peeples III (305) 282-1006
JULY 6 – 10 Panama City, Florida Bay Point Billfish Tournament Steve Arndt (850) 628-1740
AUGUST 21 – 26 Cape May, New Jersey Mid-Atlantic $500,000 Bob Glover (609) 884-2400
JULY 6 – 9 Charleston, South Carolina HMY – Viking Megadock McKenzie Hutaff (843) 278-4920
JULY 12 – 14 St. Thomas, Virgin Islands VIGFC July Open Jeffrey Kreiner (340) 775-9144
AUGUST 15 – 19 Manteo, North Carolina Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tourn. Barry Wickre (252) 473-3906
SEPTEMBER 5 – 11 San Juan, Puerto Rico San Juan Int’l Billfish Tourn. Gonzalo M. Ferrer (787) 722-0177
OCTOBER 1 – 8 Queensland, Australia Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic Bob Lowe boblowe@lizardislandgfc.asn.au
OCTOBER 13 – 15 St. Augustine, Florida El Pescado Billfish Tourn. Lynn Layton (904) 642-0210
OCTOBER 20 – 23 Varadero Marina, Aruba Presidential Caribbean Cup Joan M. Vernon (305) 361-9258
NOVEMBER 10 – 13 Guatemala City, Guatemala Presidential Challenge of Guatemala Joan M. Vernon (305) 361-9258 NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 3 Los Sueños, Costa Rica Los Sueños Marlin Invitational Ashley Bretecher A.Bretecher@lsrm.com
DECEMBER 7 – 10 WBS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS Los Sueños, Costa Rica Linda Fisher-Morgan (727) 864-4400
This 2011 schedule is tentative and The World Billfish Series reserves the right to make changes in this schedule, including addition and deletion of events at any time. Please call us at 727-864-4400 to visit www.FishWBS.com for the most up to date tournament information.
Billfishing Magazine
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