Vol 10, Issue 5

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A four stroke that’s up to 17% more fuel efficient.

“TALK ABOUT WORKING SMARTER.” CAPTAIN GEORGE MITCHELL WEIGHS-IN ON THE NEXT GENERATION OF YAMAHA V6 OFFSHORE FOUR STROKES. “In the 20-plus years I’ve been taking folks out fishing, I’ve never experienced anything like it. On my gulf iron-man expeditions, we can run 300 miles round trip, and not have to refuel. Not once. In this market, it’s nice to be able to offer people the same big, blue-water experience and feel good about the bottomline—all because I’m burning less fuel. I’ll tell you what, these new offshore V6’s are just smart business.”

CAPTAIN GEORGE MITCHELL YAMAHA PRO ANGLER

CLASS-LEADING YAMAHA V6 OFFSHORE FOUR STROKES. Here’s what they’ve got on the competition: > Smarter—Up to 17% more fuel efficient than comparable 300hp four strokes > Stronger—4.2-liters of big-bore displacement, the largest in its class > Lighter—Up to 77 pounds lighter than others in its class > Faster—Up to 19% faster at cruise RPM than other four strokes of similar horsepower > Dependable—Legendary Yamaha four stroke reliability Lighter. Faster. Smarter. Go get ‘er. Visit DiscoverV6Offshore.com to learn more about the new Yamaha V6 Offshore Four Strokes. Follow me on Twitter™ and Facebook . ®

To learn more about Yamaha Outboards, or locate the nearest Yamaha Marine Dealer, visit YamahaOutboards.com or call 1-800-88-YAMAHA. REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear. © 2010 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.




CONTENTS B

On the Cover: This scenic from the Megadock Billfish Tournament was taken from the docks on July 9th. This Golden Sunset is an inspiration and another of the natural wonders we see nearly daily in the fishing world. Photo provided by Hull Photos

Feature 14

British Invasion

Well known for its pink sand beaches and fashionable shorts, Bermuda has become a billfish hotspot thanks to its annual migration of big blue marlin.

Tournament Tales 22 HMY-Viking Megadock With 62 boats participating, two days of fishing and 81 billfish released and the Megadock Billfish

30 N.C. Ducks Unlimited-Band The Billfish

Tournament went off without a hitch.

The 22nd annual NC Ducks Unlimited “Band the Billfish� tournament kicked off with a packed house on July 29, 2010.

26 VIGFC July Open

34 Mid Atlantic $500,000

Boats come here because of the blue marlin and the bite. Leading up to the full moon, there should be some great fishing in the Virgin Islands.

Record number of attendance and an exciting finish were the benchmark for this years Mid Atlantic $500,000.

38 White Marlin Open The 37th Annual White Marlin Open, 255 boats and over 1800 anglers competed for $2.13 million in prize money.

Departments 7 From The WBS 7 Upcoming Tournament Events 8 Industry News 10 Caught on the WBS World Tour

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FROM THE WBS The 2010 tournament season is quickly winding down with a new WBS World Champion of Billfishing to be crowned at our Grand Championships December 8 – 11 at Los Sueños Resort and Marina. If you are one of the few anglers to qualify to compete against the best anglers in the world for this title, registration is limited so please send you entry in as soon as possible. We at the WBS are already deep into planning for 2011 and what we see as the beginning of a new growth period for offshore tournament fishing. During the last two years our business plan to cope with the state of the economy has been to keep our financial foundation strong and prepare for the time when the light at the end of the tunnel is a ray of hope. We feel that time is now and we are preparing to release several new programs to energize the WBS World Tour and excite the anglers, tournament directors and sponsors who have struggled through this unprecedented time.

BILLFISHING® The Official Publication of the WBS Volume 10, No. 5 – September/October 2010

President & CEO:

James R. Simons Jim@FishWBS.com

Creative Director:

Linda Fisher-Morgan Linda@FishWBS.com

Webmaster: Editor-At-Large: Destinations Editor: Administrative Director: Regional Representive:

Linda Fisher-Morgan David A. Bown Jeff Merrill Jana E. Simons Chris Lynch Mid-Atlantic Division Morris Palmer Pacific Division

Before we unveil our plans for 2011, we would like to ask for your suggestions and recommendations regarding changes or improvements you would like to see on the WBS World Tour. We would greatly appreciate hearing from you on any matter you think is important. Please email you comments to Linda Fisher at Linda@FishWBS.com.

Scott Rickert Florida’s West Coast Division Alistair McGlashan South Pacific Division

Thank you for your help and support during the difficult times. We are confident that 2011 will be an exciting New Year!

Harvey Hunnicutt Mexico Division

The World Billfish Series Gulf Coast Division Jimmy Taylor

Upcoming Events Correspondents: Bailey Bobbitt Leonard Bryant Laurie Ciecierski Capt. Rob Ellyn Brenda Fletcher Rick Gaffney Greg Gawlikoski Scott Kerrigan Marty Locke Heather Maxwell November 10 – 13 Mazatlán Billfish Classic November 18 – 21 Ft. Laurderdale Billfish Tourn. November 18 – 21 Presidetial Challenge of Guatemala November 20 – 22 Puerto Vallarta Billfish Classic December 1 – 4 Los Sueños Marlin Invitational December 8 – 11 WBS Grand Championships Los Sueños Resort and Marina Order the WBS Tournament Calendar at www.FishWBS.com.

Kitty McGowan Jim Niemiec Bruce Paul Capt. Richard Peeples III John E. Phillips Walt Rhodes Capt. Jim Sharpe Tom Twyford Tina Weller Capt. Joan Vernon

For reprints, web-usage and other permissions Linda Fisher-Morgan, Linda@FishWBS.com Published bi-monthly by SportsUSA Group, Inc. 9293 Bay Pines Blvd. • St. Petersburg, FL 33708 phone: (727) 864-4400 • fax: (727) 867-1149 email: info@fishwbs.com 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© 2010, SportsUSA Group, Inc. Billfishing Magazine

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INDUSTRY NEWS

SEVEN LEADING INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS JOIN RFA BOARD In its ongoing efforts to build strategic alliances within the recreational fishing and boating industry while strengthening representation of individual members, the Executive Board of Directors for the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) has officially appointed seven, highly qualified new members to begin three-year terms effective immediately. The seven newest members of the RFA Executive Board include international fishing personality Tred Barta of The Best and Worst of Tred Barta (Versus Channel); Nick Cicero, Sales Manager at the Folsom Corporation; Robert Healey, Jr., Assistant to the Chairman for the Viking Group; Jack Holmes, Executive Director of the Southern Kingfish Association (SKA); Tom Putnam, owner of Half Hitch Tackle in Panama City, FL; Norm Schultz, contributing writer for boating publication Soundings Trade Only; and Capt. Bob Zales, II, president of the National Association of Charterboat Owners and Operators (NACO). The newest RFA “Directors at Large” join an RFA Board that also includes Ken Ehlers, Northeast representative for Lamiglas and Wizard Lures; Peter Harper, Business Solutions Manager for GE Capital; RFA co-founder Bob Healey, Chairman and CEO of the Viking Yacht Company; Patrick Healey, Executive Vice-President of Viking Yachts; Phil Keeter, President of the Marine Retailers Association of America (MRAA); Mike Leech, Director of the World Cup Blue Marlin Tournament; Jim Motsko, White Marlin Open; Joey Prochazka, Director - Saltwater Division for Z-Man Fishing; Jim Simons, World Billfish Series; Jerry Straub Sr., Chief Financial Officer of Viking Yachts; William “Jamie” Wilkinson, Senior Director of Event Operations at ESPN Outdoors; and Dick Wood, President of Wood Advertising. “These are difficult times for our recreational fishing industry, and the folks now assembled at the RFA’s national advisory level truly understand today’s challenges,” said RFA Executive Director, Jim Donofrio. “When we first incorporated the RFA in 1996, our goal was make positive changes in the way that our government manages our nation's saltwater fisheries by combining the voting power of a grassroots national membership with the economic power of the fishing industry. These board

members are truly engaged at both levels and can help expand our national message that fishing is a right worth protecting.” As managing partner of the nation’s largest saltwater tournament trail, SKA’s Holmes has worked very closely with both fishermen and fishing industry during his career. “I travel all over the southeast talking to both tournament anglers and weekend warriors virtually every weekend and I can say that the fishing community is visibly upset with current government controls,” Holmes said. “In the 30 years I've been affiliated with the marine and fishing industry I have never seen anything like this. We're letting all we've worked for go down the drain because of a lack of vision and unity.” Holmes said the recession is most certainly hurting business, but it’s the regulatory issues that are killing the industry. “When fishermen are denied access to their passion or they need an attorney to fish with them the results are obvious, they will give up their activities, that's not speculation, it's fact and we've seen it first hand and so have boat and motor dealers and especially tackle stores.” Holmes said joining the RFA Board of Directors provides a valuable opportunity to help fight for the rights of those individual SKA anglers. “Over the years the Recreational Fishing Alliance has become the voice for these people,” he said. “All conservation groups that deal with salt water are more good than bad, and although many have their strengths and weakness I belong to each one of them,” said Tred Barta. A lifetime member of the RFA, Barta added “the fact remains that the RFA does more, accomplishes more to protect our rights as saltwater anglers than all of them put together.” As representative of a major international fishing tackle wholesaler, Cicero stressed the importance of getting everyone in the fishing industry engaged in the process. “Allowing the National Marine Fisheries Service to implement checks without proper balances is a dangerous proposition,” Cicero said, adding “If left unattended, our industry would be in perilous jeopardy.” “What’s most important about the RFA is their willingness to address the inequities threatening our industry, which further undermine the recreational fishing traditions in America,” Cicero said. “Our fishing community is demanding attention, and I believe the RFA gets them the attention from a federal level,” he added.

MARINA PEZ VELA OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS It is no longer necessary to talk about Marina Pez Vela in the future tense. Marina Pez Vela’s first phase is complete and offers immediate access to 100 floating concrete slips ranging from 35 to 200 feet, and all the amenities you would expect from a first class marina: • 700-foot long fuel dock with diesel and gas tanks holding 48,000 gallons of fuel

• On-site marina office with concierge service • Bathrooms and shower facilities • Bilingual and professionally trained staff • 24 hour security throughout the property • On-site Customs and Immigration office

• Fully stocked on-site Marine Store for convenience goods, bait and supplies

• State-of-the-art septic treatment plant with in-slip pump out

• Wireless Internet throughout the site

• Full and complete electrical hookups

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INDUSTRY NEWS • High pressure fire control system • High pressure fresh water system with 100,000gallon storage capacity “This is a one-of-a-kind marina that opens up all of Central America to more cruising and fishing opportunities,” says project founder Harold Lovelady, noting the multi-year permit and construction process included dredging 425,000 cubic yards of sand, placement of 350,000 cubic yards of rock, and construction of 4,000 concrete barrier jacks. “The extraordinary requirements to build a marina of this size in the ocean took longer than expected, but we never gave up, and the fruits of our labor are here for all to see and enjoy!” Encompassing more than 55 acres of land and water, this state-of-the-art marina (with Bellingham docks and Eaton power systems) has been built to the highest standards, and it features one of the most sophisticated breakwaters ever constructed for a recreational marina, providing a safe harbor at all times. Within walking distance of Marina Pez Vela is the charming town of Quepos, filled with restaurants, shops, casinos and friendly residents. Quepos is known worldwide as one of the world’s premier sport fishing destinations and Marina Pez Vela offers an ideal base of operations for fishing and boating along the Pacific coast of Central America –literally opening hundreds of miles of ocean that was previously impossible to fish or access. Five minutes from Quepos is the world-renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most popular destinations for Costa Rica tourism. Surrounded by tropical rainforests and five-star boutique hotels, it is the perfect complement to the marina amenities for those who prefer to stay landside and enjoy the spectacular array of nature that Costa Rica has to offer. Access to Marina Pez Vela is the easiest of any marina in Costa Rica. The San Jose International Airport offers non-stop flights daily to and from major cities around the world, and Quepos is served by two commercial airlines with numerous daily 18-minute flights from San Jose. Preparations for the next phase of Marina Pez Vela are already underway and will include 200 additional wet slips, a dry stack system capable of housing 120 boats up to 35 feet, and a full-service boatyard, complete with 75 and 200-ton Travel-lifts. Future landside development is also planned to include a hotel, residences, restaurants, and shops. Marina Pez Vela will be exhibiting at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show October 28 – November 1 (booth located at the Bahia Mar site). For more information about Marina Pez Vela, visit www.marinapezvela.com.

FEATHER LIGHT, IMPACT RESISTANT COSTA 580P™ It’s rare for lightening to strike twice. But Costa Sunglasses has done it again with the introduction of its new Costa 580P™ lens: a super lightweight, impact resistant injected polycarbonate alternative to Costa’s existing 580 glass lens. All of the patented Costa 580 lenses block yellow light at 580 nanometers on the light spectrum. The result for consumers is unparalleled visual clarity, the highest levels of polarization efficiency and razor sharp color enhancement. Until now, the Costa 580 lens has only been available in glass. While glass is the most optically correct and most scratch resistant material, it is not as impact resistant and lightweight as polycarbonate or other plastic lenses on the market. Costa developed C SHELL, a highly specialized, oleophobic and hydrophobic coating on the new 580P lens to make it as virtually scratch resistant as glass, while also repelling water, oil and dust. Consumers will now have an extremely lightweight, impact resistant Costa 580P option available with the same visual clarity and durability of glass. “Many of our customers requested a more lightweight, impact resistant Costa 580 lens for use during fast-paced, aerobic activities,” said Chas MacDonald, Costa Sunglasses president. “The challenge was to develop a polycarbonate lens that lived up to Costa 580’s high standards for visual clarity and durability, and that’s what we’ve done. Now, there’s a Costa 580 lens for everyone.” Costa’s 580P lenses are available in gray, copper or amber, and initially will be available in 18 of the “forget-they’re-on” comfortable frame styles, including the popular Fisch, Blackfin, Zane and Corbina. Prices range from $159 to $199, depending on frame choice, and will be available in retail outlets and online in July. About Costa™ As the leading manufacturer of the world’s clearest polarized performance sunglasses, Costa offers superior lens technology and unparalleled fit and durability. Still handcrafted today in Florida, Costa creates what has been referred to as the highest quality, best performing sunglasses on the planet for outdoor enthusiasts. For Costa, conservation is all about sustainable fishing. Many fisheries that should be vibrant and healthy are all but devoid of native fish because they have fallen victim to poor fishing practices, unregulated development, lack of watershed protection or all of the above. Costa works with partners around the world to help increase awareness and influence policy so that both the fish and fishermen of tomorrow will have healthy waters to enjoy. Costa encourages others to help in any way they can. For more info, contact 1-800-447-3700 or visit the company’s web site at www.costadelmar.com, or join in the conversation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/costadelmar.com or Twitter @CostaSunglasses. 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

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Do you recognize anybody in the “Caught On WBS Tour” photo gallery? 4

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caught on tour the place to see your face 7

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Win a new pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses! See page 13 for more on the “Caught On WBS Tour� Contest.

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caught on tour the place to see your face 15

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“Caught On WBS Tour” Contest 21

The WBS Anglers Club member who correctly identifies the most people on pages 10, 11 and 13 by October 30, 2010 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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British

Invasion By Jeff Merrill

W llll kknown We Well Wel knnow nnoow own wn for for o its itts ts pink piinnk pi nk sand ssan and an nd be bbeaches beac eeaach ach che hes an hes and and nd ffas fashionable fa ash as sshi hhiiion ona on naabble na le sshorts, shhor hor orts rts rt tss,, Bermuda B Be errm er mud m mu uuda da hhas as be become bec eeccom com ome me a bi bbillfish iillllfis lllfis lfis lfish fish sh hhot hotspot ots ots ot tsspot pot poot tthanks thhan han anks nks nk ks ttoo it ittss its annual ann an nnu nnu nua uual aall migration miig m iggrra raat ati ttiiion onn of of big bigg blue bi blu luuee marlin. maarl m arl rlin liliin. n. n.

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nown centuries ago as the “Isles of Devils” thanks to the treacherous reefs that surround the island, creating a navigational nightmare, Bermuda consists of 181 islands and isles and encompasses 21 square miles. Britain’s transfer of Hong Kong to China in 1997 left Bermuda as the largest British C Colony olony and it is also the old old-est. The second oldest Parliamentary Democracy after EngEngland, Bermuda was colonized in 1612 by the British after the 1609 shipwreck of the vessel Sea Venture, Venture, originally bound for Jamestown, Virginia, fetched up on the reefs of its shores. By 1612, permanent settlers had arrived from England and the town of St. George was established as the island’s first capital. In the early days whaling, shipbuilding and tobacco were the backbone of the island’s economy and with the growth of the island’s population, the capital city was moved day. Today, y. T odayy, to Hamilton in 1815 where it remains to this day international company business, insurance, oil, computer software, investment holding, finance communications and shipping all play a major role in the tiny island’s growing diversity. However, economic diversity y. However r, tourism by far serves as Bermuda’s primary foreign exchange earner earner, r, with well over 85 percent of its visitors coming from the United States. Contrary Contrary to popular belief, Bermuda is not located in the Caribbean Caribbean but is actually situated in the Atlantic roughly 650 east of Cape Carolina. Cape Hatteras, North C arolina. The island enjoys a year-round sub-tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 68 to 85 degrees and relative humidity levels varying from 70 to 85 percent. Though prolonged steady rain is rare, sporadic showers produce an average rainfall of about 58 tem-inches and during the warm summer months the ocean tem perature is a balmy 85 degrees f. Bermuda’s stunning natural beauty has been protected for centuries as the world’s first

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environmental laws were enacted there in the 1600s. The island is the world’s number one wreck diving destina destina-tion with more than 350 wrecks providing an endless window to hundreds of species of fish, coral and other underwater life. Bermuda is also home to more golf courses per square mile than anywhere in the world and hosts several prestigious events each year year. r. The island’s signature pink sand beaches are not really sand but actually are a combination of crushed coral, calcium carbonate and shells of tiny single-celled animals called Foraminifera. Foraminifera.

Sampling the island’s excellent billfish bite aboard your own boat is indeed a unique experience, though a trip to Bermuda on its own bottom is not for the faint of heart much less the inexperienced. Suffice to say traveling 650 miles of open-ocean warrants plenty of planning, including pre-trip maintenance and a check of all safety equipment plus an accurate fuel consumption estimate. Capt. C apt. Rich Barrett has made the trip several times on various sportfishing vessels from the U.S. mainland and says safety is the most important consideration. “Obviously we watch the weather carefully when planning our departure,” notes Barrett, adding the “Typically Typically y I top off the trip is often a 30-plus hour excursion. “T main fuel tanks the night before, then fill my bladder tanks in the morning before we leave, because I don’t like to leave full tanks on the deck too long.” Barrett usually plans his


British Invasion B departure around 8 a.m. and runs as long as daylight allows, then pulls ‘em back in the dark. By daylight the next morning Barrett says he’s up and running again and is usually within sight of r. “T Typithereafter. “TypiBermuda by noon or shortly thereafter cally in the spring there’s usually a bunch of boats going over so it’s nice to go as a group,” he noted, adding he’s gone it alone and with other vessels. “My crew and I have no problem going solo but first-timers should try to find a couple boats to run with for an .” safety.” added margin of safety.

Approaches to Bermuda also require caution since the island’s reefs extend up to 10 miles out to sea on the north side of the island and more than a mile on the southern side. All vessels approaching the island should maintain radio contact with chan-Bermuda Harbour Radio on VHF chan nels 27 or 68. All vessels must also contact Bermuda Harbour Radio prior to arrival, preferably when within 30 miles of the island, and provide vessel description and any special TA and details of certain safety requirements, ET ETA equipment onboard. This contact also allows for officials to relay harbor entrance information as well as Customs and Immigration specifics and relevant ship traffic in the harbor to arriving vessels. It’s worth noting the Bermuda Firearms Act of 1973 prohibits the importation of any firearm, part of a firearm or ammunition except under specia special ommissioner of Police, though suc authority of the C Commissioner such exemptions are rarely granted.

Sipping champagne while enjoying a beautiful sunset as the warm Atlantic soothes your feet is a relaxing way to end the day.

Billfishing Magazine

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British Invasion Once inside the harbor, caution also should be used when navigating the channel to avoid any issues. “The channel is well marked but the buoys are considerably smaller than those here in the States,” Barrett reported, adding the water depth can change quickly. “Over there you’re quickly in either 20 feet or two feet if you’re not careful,” he noted, while adding the local charter captains are always eager to provide local navigation knowledge when asked. Several marinas inside the harbor offer transient dockage for visiting sportfishermen. One of the largest is the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club in the center of Hamilton, which offers over 100 slips with floating docks surrounded by a new 1000-foot camber that provides additional dockage space for large yachts. Additional facilities include 100 amp, 125- and 240-volt single and three-phase electrical service, pumpout facilities, laundry, club restaurant and supply services. There are also accommodations for tenders from vessels anchored in the harbor. Located just west of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club at The Waterfront is PW’s Marina, with 50-plus deepwater slips plus a Shell fueling facility that offers gas and diesel, oil, water, block and bag ice, bait snacks, drinks and other refreshments, while PW’s Marine Store boasts a fully stocked inventory of boating and marine supplies. Within walking distance is Miles Market, a high-end specialty food store that also offers catering, lunch specials and delivery service. There’s also a Café Godiva where you can browse through gift baskets, Godiva chocolates, wines and other specialty items while enjoying your favorite latte or cappuccino. A bit further east in Hamilton Harbour is where you’ll find the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club which also has transient dockage and metered electric service. Harbour anchorage is also an alternative for those who prefer more privacy and have transportation capabilities to the island.

*LEEV +LOO /LJKWKRXVH LQ 6RXWKDPSWRQ VWDQGV JXDUG IRU PDULQH WUDIÀF DSSURDFKLQJ the island while offering panoramic views of Bermuda and beyond for visitors.

)URQW 6WUHHW DQG LWV DGMDFHQW DOOH\ZD\V LQ GRZQWRZQ +DPLOWRQ LV ZKHUH \RX·OO ÀQG some of the islands most elegant shops, stores and boutiques.

Getting Out, About and Around Though rental cars are noticeably absent to visitors of Bermuda, getting around to all the sights and sandy beaches of this island paradise is easily accomplished. Transportation by taxi, bus, minibus, ferry and horse-drawn carriages is readily available. Exact change in coin is required for cash fares though tickets and tokens, including multi-day passes, for buses are available at most resorts. Bus stops and shelters are brightly marked with pink or blue poles depending on whether their route is inbound to or outbound from Hamilton. Several ferry routes departing from the Ferry Terminal in Hamilton offer a scenic alternative to land-based travel around the island. Four and six-seat taxis can quickly be hailed outside larger hotels and on the streets of Hamilton, St. Georges and the Royal Naval Dockyard. All taxis are metered and rates are set by law so fees are consistent across the entire island. Taxi drivers are also excellent tour guides and readily share information on historical landmarks, customs and places of interest during your ride. One of the most popular and economical modes of transportation for many visitors is a motor scooter which can be rented at cycle liveries all around Bermuda. Though a license is not required, helmets must be worn by all riders and the operator must be at least 16 years old. The rental fee includes a helmet, security lock, insurance and a full tank of gas. Keep in mind travel on Bermuda roads, known locally as the carriageway, is on the left and the speed limit is 20 mph (35 kph) and is often reduced within city and town limits.

Billfishing Magazine

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a n i l o r a C h t u o S , n o t s Charle t n e m a n r u o T k c o d a g e M g n i k i V and HMY y a l P o T e c a l P t a e r G A

a d n a h c t i h a t u witho f f o s e m o c t n am e n r u o T h s i ve. f l o l i C B s e k t c a o r i d P a t g e a M itors t e p m o C r o f g n strong showi

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July 7, 2010 The fleet at the HMY-Viking Megadock Tourmanet

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he fourth stop of 22nd was blessed with three days of excellent fishing. The HMYViking MEGADOCK Billfishing Tournament was held at the Charleston City Marina on July 8-10, and yielded more billfish releases during the course of the three day tournament than has been witnessed thus far this year. With 62 boats participating and fishing two days each, 81 billfish were released. As in recent history, the majority of the catch was comprised of sailfish, with a total of 64 released. Three white marlin were also caught and released during the tournament. “The interesting thing is that for the first time in years, a large number of blue marlin were encountered, with 14 actually being caught and released. This is more than the total number of blue’s that have been caught this year in the three

previous tournaments combined. Further, in recent years, July has been a slow month for encountering blue marlin,” said S.C. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologist Wallace Jenkins. He added that, “The reason for the surge is unknown.”

Billfish Boat award, with the release of five sailfish and one blue marlin. Steven Davis of Greenwood, SC owns the Bench Mark, which is captained by Bobby Garmany. The boat was also recognized and awarded the Outstanding Billfish Conservationist for the 6 billfish releases.

Points for Governor’s Cup tournaments are awarded for billfish releases as follows: 600 points for a blue marlin, 300 points for a white marlin, and 200 points for sailfish. As with all tournaments participating in the Series this year, tournament releases also had to be documented with time and date coded digital photos or video of the fish and a color coded streamer to be awarded points.

Second place honors for Outstanding Billfish Boat went to Reel Passion, owned by William Ingram and captained by Gary Richardson, which finished with 1,400 points for the release of two blue marlin and one sailfish. Secotan owned by Paul Spencer and captained by Daniel Spenser finished third with 1,200 points for releasing three sailfish and one blue marlin.

The crew of the Bench Mark won top honors in the tournament by earning 1,600 points to win the Outstanding

Angler Ryan Higgins aboard Miss Magnolia, owned and captained by Tram Colket, won the Outstanding Dolphin award for his 50.6-pound catch. Billfishing Magazine

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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

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

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The Outstanding Tuna was awarded to angler James Lucas for his catch of a 12.2-pound black fin tuna aboard Gusto IV owned by Gusto III Charters Inc. and captained by Tim Scalise. The Outstanding Wahoo award was won with a catch of a 42.0-pound fish by Carter Smith aboard Mindset owned by Robert Goff and captained by Lee Conner. First place for Outstanding Lady Angler went to Kara Slick for the release of one sailfish aboard Rock N’ Reel, owned by Allen Bell and captained by Chris Bell.

Bench Mark received the top honors and the big first place check.

Second place Outstanding Lady Angler was Rebecca Boykin who also released one sailfish aboard Emily Bliss, owned By Michael Chukusky and captained by Abe Kuhn. Unfortunately, while both women had the same point total, Ms. Slick took top honors because her fish was released just 50 minutes earlier in the tournament. Kathy Baxley won the third place Outstanding Lady Angler award for the capture of a 36.4- pound wahoo aboard Flybouy which is owned by Gary Davis and captained by Todd Baxley. The first place Outstanding Youth Angler was Taylor “Smacky” Wood who caught a 6.4-pound dolphin aboard Emily Bliss. No other youth angler released or weighed in any eligible fish.

Second place Outstanding Billfish Boat went to Reel Passion

After this fourth round of the Series, Caramba owned by Bob Faith leads in series points with 3,275 while Daymaker owned by Mark Daniels is only 200 points back with a total of 3,075. The top five is rounded out with Game On, Reel Passion and Rascal all within striking distance. Bench Mark’s top finish at MEGADOCK puts them in sixth overall while Dem Boys, Jabez, Big Sky and Big Kahuna round out the top ten as the Series goes into its fifth and final stop at Edisto Marina, July 28-31. For more information on the South Carolina Governor’s Cup Billfishing Series, contact Wally Jenkins at (843) 953-9835 or , or Amy Dukes at (843) 9539365 or .

WBS Top Angler award was presented to Chris Byrd.

By encouraging live release, the Series has focused attention on the population status of Atlantic billfish and encouraged conservation and proper management of all marine resources.w Billfishing Magazine

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These Anglers Really Let the Laundry Fly Story by Carol Bareuther Images by Dean Barnes


“We know the boats come here because of the blue marlin and we know the bite will pick up every day now as we head up to the full

he 47th Annual July Open Billfish Tournament (JOBT) – the longest annually held angling contest in the Virgin Islands hosted by the Virgin Islands Gamefishing Club (VIGFC) set off with a fleet of 23 boats hailing from the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and U.S. mainland. “This is one of the best tournaments we’ve had in terms of the number of boats,” says tournament director, Jeffrey Kreiner. “We know the boats come here because of the blue marlin and we know the bite will pick up every day now as we head up to the full moon, so there should be some great fishing.” “This is an all-release tournament,” says Kreiner. “No fish will be boated or brought to the dock for weigh-in.”

moon, so there should be some great fishing.”

IGFA trained Observers, all members of the IGFTO (International Game Fish Tournament Observers), rode aboard each boat throughout the tournament to verify the releases. The public is invited to greet the fleet as the boats come back to the dock around sunset. The number of flags flying on the outriggers indicates how many billfish the boat’s anglers caught and released for the day. Past winners of the prestigious Capt. Johnny Harms ‘Give Him Line’ Trophy read like a Who’s Who of blue marlin sport fishing. Angler Elliot Fishman’s winning 845-pound catch in 1968 set an all-tackle world record. Only two anglers have reeled in this honor two times – the late Howard Crouse in 1965 and 1988, and Puerto Rico’s legendary late angler Ralph Christiansen in 1973 and 1984. Over a third of the 23-boat fleet fishing landed on the scoreboard during the first day of fishing with one marlin release apiece. Day one ended with the catch and released of seven blue marlin and one white marlin. Chris Martin, fishing aboard the Fa-LaMe, a 65-foot Viking out of West Palm Beach, Florida, took the lead as top angler by being the first to release a blue marlin, a catch and release that also put Fa-La-Me at the top of the leader board in the best boat category. “I hooked up right after lines in this morning,” says Martin, who has fished in Virgin Islands waters two seasons previously. “It was a teaser bite. The fish went right to the boat. It was picture perfect.”

Martin adds, “The rest of the day was slow. But, we did see another marlin we just couldn’t hook up.” In second place was the Big Oh, with angler, Rodney Ingram, making the release and finishing second in the angler category. Local sports fishing charter boat, Black Pearl, was in third as angler, Mike Graves, released Black Pearl’s lone marlin. A nearly full-moon lit up the docks at American Yacht Harbor where the evening’s dock party took place. The sun came out and the bite turned red hot on the second day of fishing with collectively 20 blue marlin released. Luis Bacardi’s Bertram 58, Rum Bum, took the lead by being the first boat to release three blue marlin. Bacardi released one fish the first day and two marlin early on day two which also moved him into the top angler slot. “The bite was great early this morning,” says Bacardi, a Florida-based worldtraveling sports fisherman who angles with wife, Jennifer. “Then, we sat waiting all afternoon.” Gray Ingram’s Big Oh, a Ricky Scarborough 63, remained second in the boat category, tying Rum Bum on count with three blue marlin releases, but losing out on first place on time. Fa-La-Me, Frank Rodriguez’ Viking 65, was the third boat to release three blue marlin for the tournament. Angler Chris Martin released one marlin near noon and another mid-afternoon, which when combined with his first day release puts Martin second only to Bacardi in the angler standings. The energy on the docks at American Yacht Harbor was unmistakable. Boat after boat came backing in with one or more flags on their outriggers signaling blue marlin releases. The buzz was that the change in the weather had a lot to do with the voracious bite. “The sea conditions were rough, especially this morning, but this high pressure is really good for the fishing,” says Louisiana-based angler, Damon Chouest, aboard his Monterey 58, Chach. “We saw five, but only caught two. Better luck tomorrow.” In total, the 23-boat fleet caught and released 28 marlin – 27 blue and 1 white – in the first two days of fishing. Consistency paid off for Gray Ingram’s Billfishing Magazine

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Big Oh, which won Best Boat in the 47th Annual July Open Billfish Tournament, fished out of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, July 23 to 25. The team aboard the Ricky Scarborough 63 released one blue marlin the first day, two the second and three the third for a total of six blue marlin, more than any other team in the 23-boat fleet. “It was luck and skill,” says Ingram, from Jupiter, Florida. “We fish as a team.” One of Big Oh’s secrets to success was fishing with light tackle. Four of the six blue marlin were released off 30-pound test line. “If you keep the drag light, you can back right down on them and release them quickly before they go deep,” says Ingram, who is currently lead angler in the World Billfish Series’ Pacific Division.

Gary Ingram (on the far right) and his crew of the Big Oh came up with The Best Boat award of the 2010 July Open.

Luis Bacardi’s Bertram 58, Rum Bum, finished Second Best Boat with five blue marlin releases. All releases on the boat were made by Bacardi, who won the event’s only angler prize, the prestigious Johnny Harms ‘Give Him Line’ perpetual trophy. “It was great,” says Bacardi. “This is where to fish for blue marlin.” Finally, Frank Rodriguez’s Viking 65, FaLa-Me, finished Third Best Boat, and was one of five boats to release three blue marlin. Beautifully carved wood marlin heads, handcrafted by marine wildlife artist, David Wirth, were awarded to the winning teams.

Luis Bacardi (on the far right) and his crew aboard the Rum Bum got Second Best Boat.

In total, the 23-boat fleet released 42 blue marlin and 1 white marlin over the three-day tournament. No fish were boated. Proceeds from the July Open Billfish Tournament benefit the Boys & Girls Club of the Virgin Islands. The Boys & Girls Club of the Virgin Islands, enables all young people, especially those most needy, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Last year, through the generosity of anglers fishing in the 2009 JOBT, the VIGFC was able to donate $25,000 to the organization and enable the doors of the St. Thomas facility to stay open. Donations are tax deductible.w Frank Roduguez (third from right) and the crew of the Fa-La-Me received Third Place Boat. Billfishing Magazine

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Photo Finish Ducks Unlimited 2010 Band The Billfish

By Bob Lichauer

The 22nd annual NC Ducks Unlimited “Band the Billfish” tournament kicked off with a packed house for the Thursday night sponsors’ party and captains meeting on July 29, 2010. Food was provided by title sponsor, Murphy Brown and beverages by Bacardi and Budweiser.

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xpectations were high as the weather forecast was perfect for the sport of billfishing. Perdictions had been made for clear skies and

light winds.

On Friday, July 29th at the starting time there were 54 boats that had signed up for the Ducks Unlimited Band the Billfish Tournament whom all headed for the gulfstream. All fishing was to be done within Lat-Lon boundaries. The boundary to the North was 35 degrees 10 minutes North latitude, and to the South was 33 degrees 30 minutes North latitude. Fourteen billfish were caught and released at the end of day one, but there was no one angler or boat who held a significant lead.

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Saturday’s weather also proved excellent with clear skies. The bite improved and by the lines out time of two o’clock twenty five billfish had been caught and released. There were three boats tied in billfish points. This meant that someone would need a dolphin, wahoo, or tuna to break the tie. The rules are only one wahoo, tuna (yellowfin, bigeye) and dolphin (sport fish) may be weighed by each boat per day so teams need to choose carefully which fish they would take to the scales. With the three way tie at the end of lines out the decision came down to a photo finish. First in was Carolina Time. They were at the scale and weighed in 26.9 pounds of meatfish to win the tournament with 576.9 points. Next in came Megabite with 562.9 points and Impulse with 560.1 points. These three boats fished hard but were unsuccessful in qualifying for the daily grand slam category which would have paid out a $50,000 bonus. This money will be carried over to next year’s tournament. Megabite, captained by Captain Whitley Stephenson won the World Billfish Series top award because of their catch which included a white marlin caught at 8:31 am by Spencer Scheper and a blue marlin at 9:13 am by Crystal Davis. Crystal also was top lady angler and received a crystal vase and $1700 for her blue marlin. WBS regional representative Chris Lynch provided invaluable technical assistance in the proper method to break ties and helped spice up our tournament image with his display of blue water shirts. Total purse was $190,000 and the tournament raised over $41,000 for the conservation of wetlands through Ducks Unlimited. The annual "Band the Billfish" Tournament benefits wetland habitats in North Carolina and waterfowl breeding areas across North America through Ducks Unlimited's Sound CARE program. The Band the Billfish tournament has raised over an unpresidented one million dollars for Ducks Unlimited over its 22 year history all thanks to the generous contributions of the tournament participants and sponsors. All the parcipating anglers are looking forward to next years tournament which will be held again in Morehead City, NC on July 28 - 30, 2011. We would like to take this time to thank Captain Bob Lichauer who will step down after 4 years as chairman of the tournament. Our new chairman will be Trey Oliver who can be reached by phone at 336580-8739 or at mc_treyoliver@yahoo.com. His address is 3693 Davis Cup Drive, Greensboro, NC 27406.w

Billfishing Magazine

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Mid-Atlantic $500,000 Gets Hooked Up

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fter a week of fishing that saw white marlin bite in record numbers, it was another down to the wire finish at the 2010 Mid Atlantic $500,000! Over the years the tournament has a history of producing final day heroics and 2010 would be no different. With just minutes before the scales closed at 9 p.m. on Day Five, Matt Kriedel’s Impulse IV based out of Newington, Connecticut backed to the scales at Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May with what would be the last fish to be weighed at the tournament. Moments later, weighmaster Chris Booth yelled out the weight to the large crowd which had left the tournament tent and gathered around the scales when word spread of a big fish on the way in. At 177 pounds, Kriedel’s big eye tuna sealed its spot atop the leaderboard in the tuna category and won the crew $168,812!

Earlier in the evening, also in the tuna category, Anthony Matarese of Pennsville, New Jersey aboard his Reel Chaos shook-up the category a bit when he weighed a 105pound tuna in Ocean City which would take second place and earned $100,265. Don Pyle of Annapolis, Maryland aboard his FinNess finished in third place with his 84pound yellowfin caught on Day Three and earned $78,893. In other news on the day, a major shakeup occurred in the white marlin category when

Ocean City, Maryland’s Steve Ramsey aboard Lady Luck weighed an 88-pound white marlin in Ocean City and moved in to a tie for heaviest billfish in that category. In the end however, it would be Bill Zimmerman, also of Ocean City, aboard his Billfisher that would be the big winner in the category as he was entered in all the calcuttas. Billfisher received $791,442 for their 88-pound white marlin which was caught on Day One and Lady Luck received $298,514. Chris Shultz’s Cracker, based in Ovieda, Florida, finished in third place with his 82-pound white marlin, which was also caught on Day One. For the first time in the tournament’s 19year history, the blue marlin category went unfilled. Although several blue marlin were caught and released, the 400-pound minimum weight was tough to crack and all the prize money for the category was rolled over to the white marlin category and equally divided among winners. Russell Baiocco of Glenn Mills, Pennsylvania aboard American Lady held on to win the dolphin category with the tournament record 56-pounder he caught on Day Two and won $10,000. Don Haines of Berin, Maryland on Shelly II won the wahoo category with a 49-pounder caught on Day One and received $10,000. Some of the boats with significant white marlin releases on Day Five include

Anthony DellaSalla’s Andiamo with 11 while Charlie Horning’s Fish Whistle and Ron Bennett’s The Legasea each released nine. Bob Bocchino’s Mehl Ticket and Billfisher released seven while Pat Healey’s Viking 70 and Ed Dunn’s D.A. Sea each released six. Reel Chaos, Steve Hotz’s Deal Breaker, Mike Ackley’s Foray, Bill Haugland’s Lights Out, Marty Judge’s Judge, Don Spiecher’s Spike’s Boat and Mike Dugan’s Osprey each released five. Boats with four white marlin releases on Day Five include Jeff Citron’s Singularis, Steve Castellini’s Uncle T and Paul Spencer’s Secotan as well as Fin-Ness, Cracker, Dan Burt’s Pumpin’ Hard, Nick and Trish Rodriguez’s Par Five. Brian Sullivan’s Emanon released a blue marlin on Day Five. It’s worth noting that the tournament record of 558 white marlin caught during the tournament by the 134 boats equates to an average of well over one white marlin per-boat per-day! The tournament concluded on Friday evening with a lavish buffet dinner and awards ceremony at Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May and Sunset Marina in Ocean City, where the total cash purse of over $1.7 million was distributed to the winners. Bob Glover and Rick Weber thanked all participants at their respective venues and said plans are already in the works for next year’s tournament which will mark the 20th anniversary.w

Team Billfisher won $791,442 for their Day One white marlin. Billfishing Magazine

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THE SEA CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE.

YOUR ENGINE CAN’T. Jose Wejebe, The Spanish Fly

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Final Standings Weight Standings Heaviest White Marlin – tie - 88 lbs. Bill Zimmerman - $791,442 Steve Ramsey - $298,514 3rd Heaviest White Marlin – 82 lbs. Chris Schultz – $204, 573

Team Lucky Lady V received $298,514 for their third place in the marlin division.

Blue Marlin – No qualifying blue marlin were caught so prize money was rolled over to the white marlin category and divided equally among the winners. Boats receiving calcutta money but not receiving tournament purse money for various catches during the week include the following: Toplesss – Scott Steele - $27,427 Tar Heel – Mike Chrysanthopolis -$24,510 Singularis – Jeff Citron - $20,425 Krazy Salts – Dave Anderson - $15,172 All In – Curtis Maycomber - $12,255 Lil’ Man – Steve Dayton - $12,255 Canyon Lady – William Diller - $7,002

Chris Schultz and team Cracker halled in a whooping $204,573.

Point Standings Most Points White Marlin 1575 pts. – Judge – Marty Judge 2nd Most Points White Marlin 1350 pts. – Shark Byte – Peter Cherasia 3rd Most Points White Marlin 1200 pts. – Viking 70 – Pat Healy Most Points Blue Marlin 300 pts. – Fin-Ness – Don Pyle 2nd Most Points Blue Marlin 300 pts. – Emanon – Brian Sullivan 3rd Most Points Blue Marlin 150 pts. – Reel Joy – Susan McCart Most Points Overall 1575 pts. – Judge – Marty Judge

Team Fin-ness proudly display their $79,893 reward. Billfishing Magazine

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red hot fishing The 37th Annual White Marlin Open was held August 2-6 in Ocean City, Maryland. 255 boats and over 1800 anglers competed for $2.13 million in prize money. Fishing was red hot during the event which made for a very exciting tournament. 38

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Photo credit to White Marlin Open and Sportfishermen.com

L

ate in July there were only 51 boats that had in registered for White Marlin Open, although organizer Jim Motsko was confident more anglers would come and this number would change. The tournament went on to have a total of 298 boats vying for thier chance at the big prize. Jim Motsko, the tournament director, said “they will wait until in last Sunday before the tournament, watching the weather.” and the wait was worth it. It all started out with 238 boats who fished on Monday August 2nd, which turned out to be the busiest day at the scales in White Marlin Open history. The first day brought in so many fish that it took 7 hours to weigh them all in. Im sure that you are wondering how many fish that might have been, well it was a record 60 fish. The majority of which were tuna. This included a White Marlin weighing in at 78.5 pounds and a Blue Marlin at 790 pounds. Jim Motsko presented Jeff Citron the WBS Top Angler award and his invitation to the WBS Grand Championships in Costa Ricas Los Sueños Resort and Marina.

The first fish brought in and weighed was at 66lb pound white marlin caught aboard the Canyon Express. Other highlights included a 78.5 pound white caught by the Troublemaker, a 76.5 pound tuna caught aboard That’s Right, a 53.5lb bull dolphin from Top Gun, and a 790lb blue marlin caught by Trey Little on Scandalous. Billfishing Magazine

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Photo credit to White Marlin Open and Sportfishermen.com

White Marlin Open Final Standings 1st White, 97.5lbs caught by Brian Roberts on Shelly II, $856,000 2nd White, 92lbs caught by Tommy Fowler on Sea Toy, $92,000 3rd White, 80.5lbs caught by Tommy Jones on the Kingfisher, $60,000 After the first days excitement it was hard to imagine that day two could top that pace, but it did. There were 230 boats who departed to fished on Tuesday. After a beautiful day of fishing the scales opened at 4pm. This is when the second two largerst fish were brought in for measurement.The angler who bagged this the large blue marlin was James Kontos aboard the Let it Ride. The crowd was excited and a cheer went up when the scale showed its weight to be 1010.5 pounds to be exact! James Kontos’ fish was the second largest blue in White Marlin Open history and only the second grander to be caught off of Ocean City. What a way to start the day! Several whites were weighed through out the evening but the highlight was the 97.5 pound white marlin brought to the scale by Ocean City local Brian Roberts who was fishing aboard the Shelly II. This white was the second largest white in White Marlin Open history.

1st Blue, 1010.5lbs caught by James Kontos on Let it Ride, $423,000 2nd Blue, 790lbs caught by Trey Little on Scandalous, $118,000 1st Tuna, 77.5lbs caught by Trey Little on Scandalous, $283,000 2nd Tuna, 76.5lbs caught by Travis Boone on That’s Right, $55,000 3rd Tuna, 73.5lbs caught by Caitlin Schiffer on Lucky Duck II, $10,000 4th Tuna, 73lbs caught by Kevin Miles on the Sea Hag, $12,000

On Wednesday, 142 boats went fishing. Fewer fish were weighed due to the high bar that was set on Tuesday. American Ambition weighed a 26lb dolphin that won the daily meat fish category for Wednesday.

1st Dolphin, 53.5lbs caught by Cory Bubb on Top Gun, $4,000

Undesirable weather conditions moved in on Thursday and fewer than 20 boats went fishing. A lone wahoo was brought to the scales but missed the minimum qualifying weight by 3 pounds.

2nd Dolphin, 51.4lbs caught by Timothy Warner on White Lightning, $25,000

On Friday, the final fishing day, Scandalous weighed a 77.5lb tuna to take first place, Banshee 2 weighed the only qualifying wahoo which was 47.5lbs. Luck Duck II weighed a 73.5lb tuna that broke into the prize money with 3rd place.

3rd Dolphin, 43lbs caught by Rob Bennett on Queen Anne, $2,000

With over 600 billfish caught,93% of those released, and two huge marlin, the 37th Annual White Marlin Open was one of the most memorable.w

1st Wahoo, 47.5lbs caught by Zachary Gelacek on Banshee 2, $6,000

Top Boat, Fin Ness

White Marlin Open Grand Champion, Jeff Citron

For a complete listing of the 37th Annual White Marlin Open standings, please visit www.whitemarlinopen.com.

Billfishing Magazine

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Billfishing Magazine

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2010 WBS World Tour Sponsors The following companies proudly support the World Billfish Series and the sport of billfishing as sponsors of the 2010 World Billfish Series World Tour.

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

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

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2010 WBS World Tour Standings HM M Y- V eg iki ad ng oc kT ou rna me Du nt ck s Ba U nd nli the mit Bil ed lfis hin g W hit eM arl in Op en Pir ate Bil ’s lfis Co h T ve ou rn am en M t idAt lan tic $5 00 ,00 0

Boat Name Let it Ride 0 Bedrock 0 South Jersey Champion 0 Billfisher 0 Orion 0 Shark Byte 0 Life is Good 0 Bluewater 0 Scandalous 0 Viking 68 0 Waste Knot 0 Jabez 125 Mimi 0 Espadon 0 Sea Splendour 0 Restless Lady 0 Pipe Dream 0 Barbara B 0 Game On 200 Sea Toy 0 Sea Toy 0 Fin-ness 0 Non Typical 0 Uno Mas 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 675 125 0 0 0 0 0 0 175 0 0 0 0

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

1435 1310 1050 925 925 925 825 300 840 550 0 0 0 748 100 700 700 0 0 0 675 675 425 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 550 0 175 825 0 625 0 0 0 0 700 500 500 0 0 250 625

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 626 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Angler James Kontos Jeff Citron Scott Knoff Jeremy Duffie Sean Healey Peter Cherasia Martin Peake Dan Stephano Trey Little Pat Healey Jason Yates Chip Byrd Paul Spencer William Pino Andy Levy Anthony Baiocco Daniel Gedral Chris Cates Kelli Roof Page Robertson Larry McKinley Tim Hake Jim Hughes Brooks Smith

Ca ro Cla lina ss Bil ic lfis h

Mid Atlantic Division

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

1485 1310 1050 975 975 925 875 850 840 825 825 800 750 748 726 700 700 700 700 675 675 675 675 675

Boat Name

Dan Munyan Terry Peltz Tommy Laronge David Cummings Darren Impson Matt Taylor Mikeal Kasten Chris Galati Jr. Mike Early Paul Cornell John Redmann Craig Clark Jason Lozeau Nick Smith Brad Hickman Christian Hightower Craig Joy David Doss David Janes Mark Miller Matt Mashke Mike Voigt Ray Howard Thomas Jackson

Hot Rod Whiskey Tango Ruckus Miss Britt 2 The Ripper The Ripper Team Galati Team Galati Kings Ransom Whiskey Tango First Draw Marlin Darlin Team Galati Ruckus First Draw Team Galati Cabo Loco Whiskey Tango Sarasota Yacht & Ship Cabo Loco Sarasota Yacht & Ship Sarasota Yacht & Ship First Draw First Draw

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

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

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

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

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

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

0 450 0 0 300 300 125 50 0 125 100 50 50 0 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50

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

651 0 350 300 0 0 50 50 175 0 0 0 50 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Angler

Ol dS alt Lo op Mo b i Da le B y T FG ou C M rna e Ne me mo w nt rial Bil O lfis rlea h ns Em Tour Inv na ’t M eral me arl d nt in Co a Cla st Pe ss B l ic ue n Bil sac lfis ola h T In ou vt’l Ba rn yP am Inv o en i n ita t t tio Bil na lfis l h Sa ras ota Sla Or m an Bil ge lfis Be h C ach las Ga sic l a t Da i Y y B ac illf ht S ish al To es L urn ab am or en t

Gulf Coast Division

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

Billfishing Magazine

651 450 350 350 300 300 275 200 175 125 100 100 100 100 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 51


2010 WBS World Tour Standings

Boat Name Chips Ahoy Certifiable Challenge Sea Hag Rude Awakening Masque Osprey Miss Annie Covert Mission Masque Anejo Catch One Juel Marie Boneshaker Chips Ahoy Sea Check Chips Ahoy Fa La Me Billfisher Gina Lea Celia P No Mercy Chips Ahoy Fa La Me

575 875 575 0 425 725 650 0 0 425 0 575 0 200 0 650 650 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1325 425 0 0 875 0 575 0 650 0 0 725 0 0 350 0 350 0 0 0 875 875 0 0

800 200 350 425 275 425 0 0 0 425 425 0 500 350 725 500 0 0 0 200 0 0 0 125

1100 650 950 1175 0 350 275 1375 650 500 800 0 800 650 0 0 0 1100 950 800 0 0 875 700

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

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

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 Mark Wodlinger Matt Lynch Tom Wichers Kyle Fisher Rudy Polselli Jr. Skyler Wicher Lamont Harris Mark Donahue Tom Craig Van Wicher Nate Benz Erik Waldin Chris Martin Joe Lehner Mike Risely Bob Greene Tony Cummings Dave Bernard Jeremy Duffie Mark McDevitt Hunter Beall Mike Causley Chip Sheehan Frank Rodriguez

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

Treasure Coast Division

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

3800 2150 1875 1600 1575 1500 1500 1425 1400 1350 1325 1300 1300 1200 1175 1150 1100 1100 1000 1000 925 925 925 925

52

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725 800 950 0 500 275 650 425 350 350 0 0 0 425 200 275 275 275 125 425 0 0 275 200

0 350 0 0 0 125 0 0 200 0 575 725 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

725 650 725 350 275 425 125 200 350 425 425 200 350 350 275 275 350 350 275 125 200 125 0 200

950 0 125 875 650 425 425 575 275 400 0 0 575 125 425 350 200 200 425 275 600 650 500 350

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

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

ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION POINTS

Angler Boat Name Jeffrey Fiorentino Uptight Bill Danko Miss Costa Luis Isaias Jichi Ridge Murphy Contender One Frankie Villasante High Standards Brett Dudas Wound Up Rudy Espinosa Rock Star Robbie Clawges Sundance Ocean Scott Robins Weez in the Keys Warren Sands Wound Up Peter Miller Get Lit Kitt Toomey Get Lit Gaston Legorburu Tag Line Freddy David L&H Charmain Rosher Team Costa Eric Fillyah Advance Roofing Dominick LaCombe Freedom Tyler Claus Qualifier David Dalfo Freedom Greg Braswell Advance Roofing Chad Newell Tag Line Macky Pesch JV Eloy Dominguez Owls Nest Rob Ruwitch No Mercy

Th e To Sail ur fis na h me nt Ch e Pr eca es Lo ide dg nt e ial Sa ilfi sh Ca pt. Bil Bo lfis b h C Lew ha is lle ng Ya e ma M ha iam C i B onte illf nd ish er To Isl ur am n. Sw ora or d a dfi sh To ur n. M iam To i S ur w na or me dfi nt sh

Southeast Division

0 0 0 150 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2400 1800 1800 1425 1425 1250 1250 1200 1175 1175 1000 925 925 900 900 900 825 825 825 825 800 775 775 750


2010 WBS World Tour Standings Lo s Sig Sue na ños tu re Se rie s

Boat Name Big Oh Spanish Fly Contendress Sea Toy Espadon Lady Columbo Sea Angel Ultra Super Fly Cerveza Sea Toy Never Enough Cerveza Spanish Fly After You HT Hook Xtra-Sea III Let it Ride Dragin Fly Dealer’s Choice Mimi Dealer’s Choice One Two Many Penny Perfect

1100 800 575 875 975 1200 575 950 650 875 800 950 1200 725 1175 1175 875 725 1200 650 725 650 650 1000

575 975 1150 725 575 350 200 425 825 425 500 425 0 425 50 50 350 500 0 425 200 425 275 0

675 0 0 0 0 0 750 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 0 0 0

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

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 Gray Ingram J. Godwin Fred Camoin Watson Caviness William Pino Frank Smith Jr. Austin Angel Rodney Williams Joan Vernon Tom Russell Page Robertson Walter Shikany Jr. Greg Boger Richard Lebo Bill Royster Harry Shufflebarger Alexis Chamorro James Kontos Mark Jones Drew McDowell Greg Voell Gerald Imparato Bob Osborne Lee Anderson

Lo s Sig Sue na ños tu re Se rie s

I

II Th eP Ch re all sid en en ge tal of Co sta Ric a Th eP Ch res all id en en ge tia of l Gu ate ma la Lo sS Inv ue ita ños tio M na ar l lin

Pacific Division

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

2500 1775 1725 1700 1650 1550 1525 1475 1475 1400 1400 1375 1250 1250 1225 1225 1225 1225 1200 1175 1125 1075 1025 1000

Angler Luis Bacardi Garett Van Orman Chris Martin Bobby Jacobsen Mark Knowels George Strait Gary Domel Nick Lucov Greg Bogdan Jim Jensen Sheila Knowels Jeff Cohen Rodney Ingram John Wegner Damon Chouest Cristina Munoz Federico Juarbe Miguel Donato Solis Thomas Cordero Hector Torres Mark Donahue Taylor Beckford Luis Isaias Don McKinney

Boat Name Rum Bum Ticket Juel Marie Marlin Darlin Blue Heron Day Money Deguello Bac in Five Miss Annie Ticket Blue Heron Da Bait Big Oh Apache Chach Unknown 50/50 Unknown Unknown Double Dog Miss Annie Lo-Que-Sea Jichi Double Dog

BB Ch C C am en pi tral on A BB sh ba ip co Ch C C am ap pi e E on le BB sh uth ip er Ch C H a am ar b pi ou on r H sh Is ip lan ChMYd am Bo a pi t H on a BB sh rb ip ou Ch C B r am oa pi t H on ar Tr sh bo ip ur Toeasu ur re na C m ay en B BB t illf Ch C T ish am rea pi sur on e sh Ca VI ip y GF C Ju ly Op Sa en n Bi Ju llfi an s h In To t’l ur na Ca m rib en be t an Cu p

Caribbean Division

0 600 0 1500 1150 675 175 0 0 900 900 0 0 350 0 0 0 0 0 1150 350 0 1025 600

0 175 0 0 0 975 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 175 0 0

0 850 175 450 450 0 450 300 700 0 0 0 0 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 175 0 0 0

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

450 450 450 0 50 0 0 450 575 0 0 0 0 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 850 0 0

450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 850 575 0 450 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 450 0 0 450

.2050 0 1250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1250 1250 0 1250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1250 1250 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 0 0

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

Billfishing Magazine

2950 2075 2025 1950 1650 1650 1475 1475 1375 1350 1350 1300 1300 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1250 1150 1125 1125 1075 1050 53


2010 WBS World Tour Southeast Division FYI Sailfish Kickoff – 12/10 - 12/13/09 The Sailfish Tournament – 1/14 - 1/17 Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish – 1/23 - 1/23 Miami Mayor’s Cup – 1/28 - 1/31 Capt. Bob Lewis – 2/25 - 2/28 Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament – 3/25 - 3/28 Islamorada Swordfish Tournament – 8/27 - 8/29 Miami Swordfish Tournament – 9/23 - 9/26 Treasure Coast Division Palm Beach Sailfish Classic – 1/1 - 1/3/10 Silver Sailfish Derby – 1/6 - 1/10 Jupiter Billfish Tournament – 1/13 - 1/15 Buccaneer Cup Tournament – 1/20 - 1/23 El Pescado Billfish Tournament – 9/30 - 10/2 New Smyrna Beach Billfish Invitational – 10/7 - 10/10 Ft. Lauderdale Billfish Tournament – 11/18 - 11/21 Pacific Division Los Sueños Signature Series I – 1/13 -1/16 Los Sueños Signature Series II – 2/17 - 2/20 Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica – 3/4 - 3/7 Presidetial Challenge of Guatemala – 11/18 - 11/21 Los Sueños Marlin Invitational – 12/1 - 12/4 South Pacific Division Broken Bay GFC – 3/14 - 3/16 Tahitian International Billfish Tournament – 3/24 - 3/29 Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic – 10/16 - 10/24 Marlin Masters Mauritius – 11/30 - 12/5 Caribbean Division BBC Central Abaco Championship – 4/21 - 4/24 BBC Cape Eleuthera Championship – 5/5 - 5/8 BBC Harbour Island Championship – 5/19 - 5/22 HMY-Boat Harbour Billfish Blast – 5/31 - 6/4 BBC Boat Harbour Championship – 6/9 - 6/12 Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament – 6/13 - 6/18 BBC Treasure Cay Championship – 6/23 - 6/26 VIGFC July Open – 7/23 - 7/25 Cap Cana Classic – 7/29 - 8/1 San Juan Int’l Billfish Tournament – 8/16 - 8/20 Presidential Caribbean Cup – 10/19 - 10/22 Mid-Atlantic Division Carolina Billfish Classic – 6/23 - 6/26 HMY – Viking Megadock – 7/7 - 7/10 N.C. Ducks Unlimited – 7/29 - 7/31 White Marlin Open – 8/2 - 8/6 Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament – 8/9 - 8/13 Mid-Atlantic $500,000 – 8/15 - 8/20 Gulf Coast Division Old Salt Annual Release LOOP Tournament – 5/27 - 5/30 Mobile BGFC Memorial Day Tournament – 5/29 - 5/31 New Orleans Invt’l Billfish Tournament – 6/17 - 6/19 Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic – 6/22 - 6/27 Pensacola Int’l Billfish Tournament – 6/30 - 7/4 Bay Point Billfish Invitational – 7/15 - 7/18 Sarasota Slam – 8/3 - 8/7 Orange Beach Billfish Classic – 8/5 - 8/8 Mexico Division Puerto Los Cabos World Cup – 10/10 - 10/13 Mazatlán Billfish Classic – 11/10 - 11/13 World Billfish Series Grand Championships – 12/8 - 12/11 54

www.FishWBS.com

DECEMBER 10 – 13, 2009 Miami, Florida FYI Sailfish Kickoff Anthony Albelo (305) 461- 2700

JANUARY 1 – 3, 2010 Palm Beach, Florida Palm Beach Sailfish Classic Pat Ross (561) 818-6095

JANUARY 6 – 10 Palm Beach, Florida Silver Sailfish Derby Tom Twyford (561) 832-6780

MARCH 4 – 7 Samara, Costa Rica Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica Joan M. Vernon (305) 361-9258

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

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

JANUARY 13 – 15 Jupiter, Florida Jupiter Billfish Tourn. Scott Nichols (561) 262-6424

MARCH 25 – 28 Miami, Florida Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tourn. Judy Layne (305) 598-2525

JANUARY 14 – 17 Miami, Florida The Sailfish Tourn. Richard Peeples III (305) 282-1006

MAY 5 – 8 Eleuthera, Bahamas BBC Cape Eleuthera Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

JANUARY 13 – 16 Los Sueños, Costa Rica Los Sueños Signature Series I Ashley Bretecher A.Bretecher@lsrm.com

JANUARY 20 – 23 Singer Island, Florida Buccaneer Cup Tourn. Gary Caputi (732) 899-9988

JANUARY 21 – 23 Islamorada, Florida Cheeca Lodge Presidential Sailfish Liz Hill (305) 451-5094

JANUARY 28 – 31 Miami, Florida Miami Mayor’s Cup Anthony Albelo (305) 461-2700

FEBRUARY 17 – 20 Los Sueños, Costa Rica Los Sueños Signature Series II Ashley Bretecher A.Bretecher@lsrm.com

FEBRUARY 25 – 28 Miami, Florida Capt. Bob Lewis Luana Stowe (305) 942-8095

APRIL 21 – 24 Bimini, Bahamas BBC Central Abaco Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

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

MAY 27 – 30 Anna Maria Island, Florida Old Salt Annual Release LOOP Tourn. Tom Verdensky (727) 439-7945

MAY 29 – 31 Orange Beach, Alabama Mobile BGFC Memorial Day Tourn. Robert Weaver (251) 978-5454

MAY 31 – JUNE 4 Marsh Harbour, Bahamas HMY-Boat Harbour Billfish Blast Lori Bass (954) 926-0400

JUNE 9 – 12 Boat Harbour, Bahamas BBC Boat Harbour Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

The World Billfish Series reserves the right to make changes in this schedule, including addition


Schedule At A Glance JUNE 13 – 18 Abaco, Bahamas Treasure Cay Billfish Tourn. Sabine Kirchner (561) 603-3101

JUNE 17 – 19 Venice, Louisiana New Orleans Invt’l Billfish Tourn. Charlie Caplinger (800) 322-3005

JUNE 22 – 27 Sandestin, Florida Emerald Coast Blue Marlin Classic Shawna Meisner (866) 505-4458

JUNE 23 – 26 Treasure Cay, Bahamas BBC Treasure Cay Championship Brenda Fletcher (954) 920-5577

JUNE 23 – 26 Charleston, South Carolina Carolina Billfish Classic Deidre Menefee (843) 345-0369

JUNE 30 – JULY 4 Pensacola, Florida Pensacola Int’l Billfish Tourn. Greg Whibbs (850) 324-3265

JULY 1 – 4 Boca Grande, Florida Boca Grande, Red White’s & Blues Tom Verdensky (727) 439-7945

JULY 7 – 10 Charleston, South Carolina HMY – Viking Megadock McKenzie Hutaff Estes (842) 278-4920

JULY 15 – 18 Panama City, Florida Bay Point Billfish Invitational Steve Arndt (850) 233-1633 JULY 23 – 25 St. Thomas, Virgin Islands VIGFC July Open Carol Bareuther (340) 998-3650

JULY 29 – 31 Morehead City, North Carolina N.C. Ducks Unlimited Trey Oliver (336) 580-8739

JULY 29 – AUG. 1 Cap Cana, Dominican Republic Cap Cana Classic Andrew New (809) 695-5539 Ext. 4264

AUGUST 2 – 6 Ocean City, Maryland White Marlin Open Jim Motsko (410) 289-9229

OCTOBER 14 – 16 St. Augustine, Florida El Pescado Billfish Tourn. Lynn Layton (904) 642-0210

OCTOBER 16 – 24 Queensland, Australia Lizard Island Black Marlin Classic Bob Lowe boblowe@lizardislandgfc.asn.au

AUGUST 3 – 7 Sarasota, Florida Sarasota Slam Leslie Weed (941) 412-9696

OCTOBER 19 – 22 Varadero Marina, Aruba Presidential Caribbean Cup Joan M. Vernon (305) 361-9258

AUGUST 9 – 13 Manteo, North Carolina Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tourn. Jim Tobin (252) 473-3906

NOVEMBER 18 – 21 Guatemala City, Guatemala Presidetial Challenge of Guatemala Joan M. Vernon (305) 361-9258

AUGUST 16 – 20 San Juan, Puerto Rico San Juan Int’l Billfish Tourn. Gonzalo M. Ferrer (787) 727-7700

DECEMBER 1 – 4 Los Sueños, Costa Rica Los Sueños Marlin Invitational Ashley Bretecher A.Bretecher@lsrm.com

AUGUST 5 – 8 Orange Beach, Alabama Orange Beach Billfish Classic Sarah Armstrong (251) 981-4207

AUGUST 15 – 20 Cape May, New Jersey Mid-Atlantic $500,000 Bob Glover (609) 884-2400

AUGUST 27 – 29 Islamorada, Florida Islamorada Swordfish Tourn. Richard Peeples III (305) 282-1006

SEPTEMBER 23 – 26 Miami, Florida Miami Swordfish Tourn. Richard Peeples III (305) 282-1006

OCTOBER 7 – 10 New Smyrna Beach, Florida New Smyrna Beach Billfish Invt’l Jon Zeller (386) 290-4181

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

NOVEMBER 18 – 21 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Ft. Lauderdale Billfish Tourn. Julie Sack (954) 523-1004

NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 5 Mauritius Island, Mauritius Marlin Masters Mauritius Albert Dunieville albert.dunieville@naiade.com

DECEMBER 8 – 11 WBS GRAND CHAMPIONSHIPS Los Sueños, Costa Rica Linda Fisher-Morgan (727) 864-4400

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

Please call the WBS International Headquarters at 727-864-4400 or visit us our website at www.FishWBS.com for the most up to date tournament contact information and tournament dates.

and deletion of events at any time. Please call us at 727-864-4400 ot visit www.FishWBS.com for the most up to date tournament information. Billfishing Magazine

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