Central and South American teams dominate 10th IGFA OWC
A trio of teams representing Central and South America beat out 40 other teams from 20 countries on six continents at the 10th annual IGFA Offshore World Championship in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
On their combined 14 marlin releases, eight of them coming in the final round, a local Mexico team from Los Cabos won the four day championship held November 8 - 13. The team which advanced to the IGFA OWC after their win in the World Championship Billfish Release Tournament last year was made up of Hernando Gonzalez, Jobe Villavicencio, Cubi Villavicencio and Oscar Daccarrett, all of Cabo along with Drew Andrews from the U.S. state of Georgia. In the final hours of the tournament they vaulted from 11th place past a major contingent of teams on six marlin caught with live bait and two more on ballyhoo.
All billfish were safely released at the boat in the catch-and-release tournament.
Second place went to the team representing the Presidential Challenge of Guatemala on 3000 points from nine marlin releases and three sailfish releases.
With steady fishing throughout the tournament and nine marlin released, third place went to a team representing Brazil’s XLVI Torneio Annual de Peixes de Bico ICRJ, with 2700 points.
The defending world champions, with most of its members from the U.S. Florida Keys, held the lead the first day but slipped over the course of the tournament finishing in sixth place. They combined with seven striped marlin releases and a 29 lb dorado as its sole weight fish for a total of 2129 points.
The tournament was hosted and managed by Bonnier Corporation, the publishers of three of the world’s leading saltwater fishing magazines which include Marlin, Sport Fishing and Salt Water Sportsman.
The championship is considered international fishing’s most prestigious billfish tournament entertaining winning teams from locations spanning the globe who have been invited after winning one of over 130 qualifying events held in 2008. It’s also the largest contingent of international teams to compete in a single catch-and-release fishing tournament world wide.
For a complete wrap-up of the tournament visit Marlin Magazine online and Charlie Levine’s coverage at http://www.marlinmag.com/news/news/cabo-team-takes-the-igfa-offshore-world-championship-title-on-the-final-day-of-fishing-1000078351.html
And for complete scoring of all of the teams please go to the official IGFA Offshore World Championship web site at www.igfaowc.com
For more on the tournament or about registering a tournament as a qualifier, contact Lynda Wilson at Lynda.Wilson@Bonniercorp.com or via phone at 407-571-4517, or contact Dan Jacobs, Tournament Director at Dan.Jacobs@Bonniercorp.com or call 407-571-4680.
###
10 year old Californian youngest to achieve IGFA Royal Slam
Most anglers would love to achieve it in their lifetime. For Wes Davis, a Malibu, California 10-year old, and with the help of a number of captains, family and friends he achieved it in the span of under five years becoming the youngest angler in history to complete an IGFA Billfish Royal Slam for nine species.
He tacked his first at the age of six in the summer of 2005 landing a short billed spearfish. Three months later it was a white marlin. A year and half later he landed two Atlantic sailfish in February 2007 and a Pacific blue marlin that summer.
In 2008 off Mexico he caught three Pacific sailfish and later that year a swordfish off Ft. Lauderdale.
This past January in Panama he landed the black marlin, followed by three striped marlin in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in August.
The finale and his toughest contender came in September, with a 300 lb Atlantic blue marlin. After a two hour fight in high winds on very rough seas, the fish was finally tagged and released.
With the exception of the swordfish all of the fish Wes caught to make up the IGFA Billfish Royal Slam were tagged and safely released.
###
Sold out crowd witnesses IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame induction
A sold out crowd witnessed the star-studded enshrinement ceremony and dinner honoring the 11th class into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. The event was held October 27 at the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla.
Jack Erskine of Australia who has made major advancements to fishing tackle primarily offshore reels joined researcher and world famous artist Dr. Guy Harvey on center stage with speeches to accept their places in the Hall.
Three other talented men -- Carlos Barrantes, Sr., Harlan Major and Stephen Sloan – were also inducted posthumously.
The five in the class of 2009 had made significant contributions to the sport of recreational fishing.
Each year the honorees are selected for significant contributions made through angling achievements, literature, the arts, science, education, invention, communication or administration of fishery resources.
For more on these five men and 75 other men and women IGFA Fishing Hall of Famers please go the IGFA web site at http://igfa.org/about/fishing-hall-of-fame.aspx and click on their bios for more details on their lives.
###
Live in So. Fla? “Oceans Five” Gala set for Dec. 10th in Naples
Looking for a break this holiday season? Then join the IGFA on Thursday, Dec. 10th in Naples, Florida, for the first of an annual “Oceans Five – Let’s Keep Them Alive” gala, an event supporting the IGFA’s Conservation and Education programs.
This new IGFA event will be hosted by International Committee Representative Roy Cronacher, along with his wife Jackie, and Kermit and Jenny Sutton. It will be held at the Port Royal Club in Naples with the cocktail hour beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Respected marine scientist, author and former IGFA Trustee Dr. Ellen Prager will be the special guest speaker presenting “Our Oceans – Our Future.” In addition, there will be dinner, dancing and a lively auction.
For more on the evening please visit www.igfa.org for a listing of nearby hotels and local IGFA Captains if your plans include plans world-class fishing.
Tickets start at $250 per person and sponsorships are available. Cocktail attire please. For more information or to RSVP (by November 30th), contact Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222, or email larico@igfa.org.
###
Three more classes left in 2009 for IGFA School of Sportfishing
The popular IGFA School of Sportfishing has just three more classes left for 2009. The lineup of classes will be focusing on offshore species.
Classes, dates and subject briefs include:
The IGFA’s Jeff Mackin said updated information can be found at the school’s website at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp.
Participants will benefit from the School of Sportfishing’s partnership with Yo-Zuri, receiving free Crystal Minnow lures and spools of fluorocarbon in addition to the customary rod, lure, and tackle giveaways.
The IGFA School of Sportfishing classes are held on Tuesday nights from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida and are limited to the first 24 anglers to sign up.
For more information, please contact Mackin at 954.924.4340 or e-mail him at jmackin@igfa.org Anglers can also visit www.igfa.org/education/school-of-sportfishing.aspx and also sign up online at www.igfa.org/education/school-of-sportfishing-registration.aspx.
###
IGFA’s online auction now underway; part of annual fundraiser
The IGFA’s popular online auction which runs in conjunction with the 26th Annual IGFA International Auction & Banquet is now underway on the IGFA’s web site www.igfa.org.
Lesley Arico of the IGFA said typically 20 - 25% of the online bidding have been the winning bids for the past five years.
The online portion of the auction began on Nov. 5th and ends at 9 a.m. EST on January 25, 2010. All bids are in U.S. dollars. Bid raises must be raised by at least $5 increments.
“The highest bid on each item will be the starting bid at our silent auction the night of the event at The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida on January 29, 2010.
She added that bids will not be accepted without a valid credit card number and expiration date, name, address, email and contact number. All online winners will be notified by 5 p.m. on February 1, 2010 and are responsible for shipping charges. The IGFA reserves the right to amend the description of an item or withdraw any item from the online auction prior to the end of the auction. Bids may be withdrawn on any item where the description or offering has been changed by IGFA.
For additional details on a particular item please contact Arico at 954-924-4222 or email: larico@igfa.org
###
More great items arriving for 26th IGFA Auction & Banquet
The IGFA reports more exciting auction items continue to arrive each week for the 26th Annual IGFA Auction & Banquet, slated for Friday, January 29, 2010.
The event is the non-profit IGFA’s biggest fundraising event of the year.
“We expect to have a vast array of more than 200 silent and live auction items up for bid as the evening unfolds at 6 p.m. at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla.,” said the IGFA’s Lesley Arico.
She highlighted a few of the most recent items that will be up for bid:
Arico said, “Other global adventures include fly fishing for seven days in Argentina, a Tahitian cruise, a French Polynesia cruise, a photo safari at Zulu Nyala Game Lodge in South Africa, fishing trips to the Bahamas, to Los Suenos and the Zancudo Lodge both in Costa Rica, to the Tropic Star Lodge in Panama, along with more cruises, artwork and sculptures and more.
“We have world-renowned Australian sculptor, Bodo Muche as the featured artist who is creating a special sculpture for the auction.
Tickets are $200 per person and included the silent auction, Conservation Awards, dinner and live auction and free valet parking.
Corporate tables for 10 are also available for $5000 which includes VIP placement, table favors, an ad in the auction program and more. To make a donation to the auction or for reservations and additional information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or LArico@igfa.org
###
|
World Fishing Network (WFN) Partners with IGFA
|
WFN: World Fishing Network, North America's only 24-hour fishing lifestyle network, and the IGFA have announced an extensive three-year marketing partnership. Through the agreement, the IGFA will leverage WFN's multi-media platform and regional production bureaus to promote its conservation and fundraising efforts and in turn, promote WFN, its programs and promotions to members across North America.
"It is an honor to join forces with a respected and powerful organization such as the IGFA to bring more attention to the issues affecting America's 60 million passionate anglers," says Mark Rubinstein, President of WFN. "Not only will our partnership help each of us grow, but together we can expose and educate anglers on important conservation issues to benefit our world."
Through the partnership, the Denver Colo., based WFN will promote IGFA's conservation efforts in a variety of ways including: an extensive on-air and online advertising campaign; sweepstakes and promotions; the production of monthly regional video features for the IGFA website of important conservation stories; monthly regional features on WFN's Reel Road Trip with Mark Melnyk, and more.
Each week on WFN News, Melnyk hosts "IGFA Hot Catches," a look at record-breaking - or near record-breaking - catches from around the world as submitted to IGFA. WFN has also launched a promotional campaign on-air called "Fishing is Big," comparing some of the phenomenal record-breaking catches from around the world to other great sports records.
In turn, the IGFA will promote WFN to its members, host WFN events at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum, and provide WFN the right to use the IGFA Corporate Partner logo on-air, online and on advertising and promotional material.
"This partnership with WFN provides us a powerful media platform to promote our initiatives and important conservation issues to anglers across North America," said Mike Myatt, Chief Operating Officer of the IGFA. "We look forward to a long-lasting and mutually beneficial partnership."
Like millions of anglers across North America, WFN is committed to supporting important conservation issues and groups that are fighting to preserve North America's waterways and fisheries. WFN is also dedicated to using its resources and powerful media platform to help grow the sport by promoting and championing groups and organizations that are helping to inspire a new generation of anglers to appreciate and respect the world's natural wonders.
WFN: World Fishing Network is the only 24/7 television network dedicated to all segments of fishing with programming that covers instruction, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more. WFN's wide-ranging programming lineup includes a selection of the best international series and the most diverse species coverage of any outdoor network. Featuring popular programs hosted by the world's top anglers, the network also includes a variety of exclusive lifestyle shows including Hookin' Up with Mariko Izumi and WFN's Reel Road Trip With Mark Melnyk. WFN also delivers the beauty of fishing in stunning High Definition with WFN HD, a separate network that delivers 100 percent High Definition programming 24/7.
Originally launched in December 2005, today WFN and WFN HD are available in more than 20 million households through North American cable, satellite and telecommunications distributors. In the U.S., distributors include Verizon FiOS, DISH Network and Charter Communications. For more information visit www.WFN.TV .
WORLD SAILFISH CHAMPIONSHIP NOT THE TYPICAL DAY AT THE OFFICE
Corporate deals closed in the salons of sportfishing boats, not just board rooms
KEY WEST — The cockpit of a 60-foot sport fishing boat has many more uses than just tangling with big game sport fish. Chief among them is its use as a deal maker.
Each April, the annual extravaganza of the World Sailfish Championship serves as a setting for more than just good fishing and warm competitive camaraderie. It also becomes the backdrop for the movers and shakers of the business world to woo clients and close deals.
With sponsorship from companies and organizations that read like a Who’s Who of the Fortune 500, the World Sailfish Championship creates an environment conducive to networking. In past years, developers have sold millions of dollars worth of luxury condominiums from the back of a 52-foot Viking. Lexus reported $1.4 million in sales during one year of the World Sailfish Championship for a 28:1 return on its advertising and sponsorship investment in the tournament.
“This is a professionally run event that provides a world class venue for sponsors to promote their products, develop new relationships and entertain key clients,” said Nick Trivisonno, Retired Chairman & CEO, A.C. Nielsen Company.
“Critically important international financing arrangements have been completed — or saved — aboard some of the gleaming million dollar vessels that assemble for the event yearly”, said Chris King, Chairman of the World Sailfish Championship.
“Because the World Sailfish Championship attracts big name sponsors,” King continues, “our attendees have said it provides them with unprecedented access to potential business partners.”
The type of person who attends the World Sailfish Championship appreciates a finer lifestyle. He or she also shares a romantic Hemingway-like connection to the sea. The all-release format of the event and it’s dedication to raising funds for needy charities gives everyone a positive impression when he returns to his home port.
“The fact that you have brought together great people and great causes makes it all the more special,” said Jim Flanagan, President, Tinsley Advertising.
While the captains of the fishing vessels work to generate the most sailfish bites for their team members, the captains of industry work to generate sales amidst the relaxed atmosphere of the United States’ Southernmost City.
And why not?
Often the privacy and comfort of a beautifully-appointed salon aboard a gleaming fishing yacht is preferred over the stark intensity of a deal hammered out in an office board room. The friendly confines and optional footwear put both parties in a mood for agreement.
Plan to attend the seventh annual World Sailfish Championship in the town of Key West April 14-18, 2009.
Executive Adventures
Executive Adventures is a full-service event management company based in Clearwater, FL. Founded in 2001, Executive Adventures has an extensive background in sports and entertainment marketing including work with Major League Baseball, NASCAR, the National Football League, NCAA, National Hockey League and American Idol. Executive Adventures works with each client to tailor an activation plan making certain expectations are met. Highly trained staff attends to every detail of each event from the initial concept through the completion ensuring a memorable experience. Executive Adventures is widely known in the sport fishing industry for the success of the World Sailfish Championship and the Sailfish Cup held annually in Key West and Miami Beach, FL, respectively and the newly formed Sailfish Pro Series.
SOUTH FLORIDA ANGLERS RELEASE 50 SAILFISH IN ONE DAY OFF KEY WEST
KEY WEST, Florida Keys -- Pompano Beach resident Tim Maddock and his angling crew caught and released 50 sailfish off Key West Thursday, while tuning up for the World Sailfish Championship that begins next Tuesday.
Maddock, who owns the Vitamin Sea Too, a 33-foot Contender, fished with Mike Reisert of Pompano Beach; Chris Zidar of Boca Raton; Jon Kreig, Deerfield Beach, Chris Meek of Pompano; and Mike Dinnen of Fort Lauderdale.
For certain the 50 releases in a single day of fishing is a Florida Keys record, said Mike Weinhofer, World Sailfish Championship director and it could be a state record. The previous Keys record was 37 sailfish releases in one day, achieved in May 2005 by Captain Marty Lewis on the Main Attraction off Marathon.
The International Game Fish Association does not keep records for releases, according to World Record Coordinator Becky Wright. A call to the Billfish Foundation was not returned Friday, perhaps due to the Good Friday holiday.
"The fish were just pouring through," Maddock said. "We had 60 bites and caught 50 of them."
Maddock said he ran out of bait three times, borrowing each time from a nearby boat.
Maddock hopes the hot sailfishing continues into next week for the WSC which features three days of fishing and one lay day. Eighty boats are to compete for a cash prize purse of $1.6 million, Weinhofer said.
"The World Sailfish tournament is in its seventh year and it's never been won with more than 15 fish," Maddock said. "Timing is everything."
#######
Hell’s Bay agrees to settlement in its splashing lawsuit against Beavertail Skiffs
Florida boat company takes action against patent and trade dress infringement
TITUSVILLE, Fla., --- Since launching its anti-splashing lawsuit five months ago in protecting its distinctive hull designs from being copied, Hell’s Bay has reached an out-of-court settlement with Beavertail Skiffs
Hell’s Bay Holdings, Inc. filed the complaint against Fisher Beavertail Manufacturing this past November alleging Fisher Beavertail had splashed Hell’s Bay’s Waterman models. Though Fisher Beavertail Manufacturing is an Avon, Minnesota, based corporation, the lawsuit alleged Beavertail built, distributed, marketed and sold the copied skiffs in Florida injurious to the Hell’s Bay designed and manufactured boats headquartered in Titusville.
The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. Hell’s Bay had asked for a jury trial before a settlement was reached.
Through its Orlando based intellectual property attorneys of Beusse Wolter Sanks Mora, & Maire, P.A., Hell’s Bay brought five counts against Beavertail which included design patent infringement, trade dress infringement, unfair and deceptive trade practices and violations of Florida’s anti dilution statute.
A decade ago Hell’s Bay was formed to create a new style of shallow water fishing skiff that incorporated many new design ideas that now give Hell’s Bay a distinctive look. That look has now become the trade dress for a Hell’s Bay skiff.
For the trade dress portion of the lawsuit Hell’s Bay also included photographs of the unique hulls of its high-end performance flats boats for comparison to the hulls it alleged were copied, produced, marketed and sold by Beavertail under its Osprey, B2 and BTX models.
Though the exact terms of the settlement were not disclosed, Chris Peterson, Hell’s Bay’s president, was elated with the results of the outcome which included Hell’s Bay receiving monetary compensation and that the current Beavertail designs would be discontinued and the molds destroyed.
“While no liability was found or admitted in the settlement we feel that the results of the settlement should show the marine industry that marine intellectual property rights can be protected,” said Peterson.
“It can take some companies well over a hundred thousand dollars and up to a year to develop a design, create its tooling, test it, refine it, and do more on-the-water testing to bring it to market,” said Peterson. “But to splash a hull, it can take just days to copy and a minimal amount of money to produce a boat.”
Kevin W. Wimberly, one of Hell’s Bay’s attorneys said, “Hell’s Bay has been diligent in not only obtaining protection for its intellectual property portfolio but also in asserting that protection.
“Vessel hull designs may be protected in several ways, including by obtaining vessel hull registrations with the Copyright Office, obtaining design patents under the Patent Act, and via registered or common law trade dress under the Lanham Act. Despite this apparent overlapping protection, vessel hull designs are often thought to inhabit an intellectual property gray area due to the intricacies of the law and past precedent.
“While the specific strategy used for protecting a business’s intellectual property portfolio may vary, market conditions and the ever-present threat of shortcut-seeking market entrants make the need for some form of protection plan vitally important.”
Peterson further explained, “One key portion of our lawsuit was the trade dress infringement. Registered or not, trade dress is a protectable right It’s the unique, distinctive design and look of a product,” said Peterson who gave as an example competitive soft drink bottlers trying to use the styling of the famous green Coca Cola bottle.
“We are known, especially among owners of shallow water boats, for the distinctive look of our boats which include the curvature of the bow hull along with the bold splash chine.
“Our boat designs are covered by design patents and our distinctive trade dress. We feel that other manufacturers have copied our designs and we will be evaluating those infringements as we decide to go after other builders who we feel copied us,” Peterson concluded.
Hell’s Bay Marine, which has eight models of shallow-water skiffs in the 14’ to 18’ range, is located in Titusville, Fla., and its web site is hellsbayboatworks.com. Peterson can be contacted at 321-383-8223 or via e-mail to chris@hellsbayboatworks.com.
Changes highlight the 2009
Florida Keys Outfitters/IGFA Inshore World Championship
New management, new format and ESPN coverage of summer competition
ISLAMORADA, In The Florida Keys, USA --- Change is everywhere! It was the buzz word of the presidential election. Changes are affecting everyone based on today’s economy. And change will be among the highlights for the 2009 Florida Keys Outfitters/IGFA Inshore World Championship, one of fishing’s premier events, July 7 – 9, in Islamorada.
“Since we began contacting some of the past winners seeking feedback to our ideas and proposed changes we’ve gotten some great response,” said Sandy Moret the tournament’s new director. “We already have half the two fields filled from just our first wave of invitations sent several weeks ago to the 2008 qualifying tournament winners.”
To be invited anglers must have won one of 36 inshore qualifying tournaments during 2008 throughout the US, Bahamas and Australia.
“We’re adding more all-release tournaments across the globe as qualifiers for the 2010 championships,” said Moret who outlined some of the new changes for the 2009 FKO/IGFA IWC:
Change 1: A new management team and title sponsor.
To allow the International Game Fish Association, which originated and has managed the championship since 2001, to focus on its core mission of conservation and angler education, it partnered with Moret’s Florida Keys Outfitters (FKO), to operate future events beginning this summer. FKO is a prominent saltwater fly fishing shop, school and organizer of numerous Keys tournaments. The IGFA will remain the championship's nonprofit benefactor with a fundraising auction.
Change 2: Separate championships for flyrod and light tackle divisions.
Recognizing the unique differences of skills, technique and expertise required to be a master of either sport, the ninth annual event will feature two distinct competitive styles -- fly and light tackle. Awards will be presented to the Inshore Light Tackle World Champion and the Inshore Fly Fishing World Champion.
“IGFA regulations and many historically cherished angling traditions maintain a clear cut difference between these two forms of sport fishing,” said Moret. “The basic premise in all conventional light tackle angling is the weight of the bait or lure takes the line from the reel, while in fly fishing the weight of the fly line pulls the fly through the air. The three day all-release tournament shares the same playing field of scoring points on the five targeted species: bonefish, tarpon, permit, redfish and snook.”
Change 3: Fields limited to 15 top fly and 15 top light-tackle anglers.
“More than a year ago when we won the bid to manage the world championship we booked the top winning fly and light tackle tournament guides here in the Florida Keys. We believe we have the 30 finest guides chosen for their expertise in the two divisions. Anglers who qualified in fly events will go for the flyrod title and likewise for those for the light tackle title.
Change 4: Same guide and angler combination all three days.
“At the kick off, anglers will draw his or her guide/team mate for the following three days. If they draw a guide they have fished with within one year, they’ll be required to draw again. Anglers and guides need not rotate, because variance in range of guide ability in each division will be very narrow. The results will weigh more heavily on the individual anglers’ skills than in the past. Additionally, teams should be able to develop a rhythm and work more effectively together without having to start from square one each day,” said Moret. “This new format should create a fair, fun and exciting competition with so many anglers and guides coming together utilizing unique angling styles and their ‘best-of-the-best’ natural skills and abilities.”
Change 5: TV coverage on ESPN’s Saltwater Series.
For the first time the championship will be partnering with ESPN Outdoors and its televised Saltwater Series and be presented on other ESPN Outdoors multimedia platforms. Daily tournament coverage will appear on ESPNOutdoors.com and on IGFA.org among others.
Sponsors of this year’s FKO/IGFA IWC include Bacardi, Hook and Tackle, Islamorada Fish Co., The Islander Resort, King Sailfish Mounts, Rapala, Shimano, Stiffy Push Poles, Reel Life Art by Pasta, World Wide Sportsman, KD & G Jewelry, Zane Grey Lounge, Bayside Marina, Tibor, Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series, Diamond Fishing Products, Daiichi, Kaenon Sunglasses, Sage, Patagonia, Green Turtle Inn, Rich Products Corp and "High Roller" author Bill Bishop.
For more information on the FKO/IGFA Inshore World Championship and qualifying tournaments contact Sandy Moret 305-664-5423 or flkeyout@bellsouth.net or visit inshoreworldchampionships.com .
###
POMPANO BEACH TEAM WINS INAUGURAL HAWKS CAY SAILFISH OPEN
MARATHON, Florida Keys -- A Pompano Beach, Fla., team released six sailfish to earn first place and more than $100,000 in cash prizes during the two-day inaugural Sailfish Open at Hawks Cay that ended March 7.
Team Advanced Roofing, with Captain Jeff Scott at the helm, included anglers Robbie Clawges, Chris Czipulis, David Ide, Robbie Waddick and Mike Calabrese, all of Pompano Beach.
The 28-year-old skipper admitted that the win was not easy.
"We must have fished the same one-mile stretch of water over two days," Scott said. "Other boats were catching fish in the same area, but it was only when they cleared out were we able to catch a few by staying there."
Second-place team Screen Print Plus/Prize Fighter released five sails. Led by Captain Mitch Williams of Cape Coral, Fla., the team included anglers Bryan Frye, Chris and Les Achilles and Jim Bebo, all of Cape Coral.
Rock Star's Miami-based contingent landed in third place with four sails. Anglers Ovi Vento, Rudy Espinosa, Jorge Ramirez and Henry Jimenez were guided by Captain Scott Leon.
Thirty teams of nearly 200 participants competing in the Sailfish Open released 52 sailfish. The open is the fourth of six point-earning tournaments in the Sailfish Pro Series that concludes May 3.
###
COMPETITORS CAN'T BEAT THE MAIN ATTRACTION AT LEON SHELL MEMORIAL SAILFISH TOURNAMENT
MARATHON, Florida Keys -- The Main Attraction team out of Key Colony Beach, Fla., won the $25,000 first prize at the 11th annual Leon Shell Memorial Sailfish Tournament that ended March 1.
The victory marks the third consecutive year that one of the three Main Attraction boats has won. Main Attraction II won the 2007 and 2008 tournaments, making tournament history with its repeat victory.
In the 2009 tournament, with Marathon's Captain Marty Lewis at the helm, the Main Attraction team released five sails. Anglers were Max Gray and Robert Griffin of Charlotte, N.C., Fred Bumgardner Jr. of Denver, N.C., James Snyder and Peter Bernard of Richmond, Va., R. Edward Howell of Charlottesville, Va., Tom Adams of Pinehurst, N.C., and Dick Crittenden from Alpena, Mich.
Second place went to the Imagine That team, led by Captain Ray Eggert of Ramrod Key, Fla., for releasing four sailfish. Teammates were Eggert's son Dan Eggert and grandson Ray Eggert as well as Jeff Swopek and John Messenger, all from Ramrod Key.
Third place went to the Main Attraction III team, led by Key Colony Beach Captain Morris Lewis, Marty Lewis's father, with three sailfish releases. The anglers were Susan Manios, Deborah Shirley and R. Dion Watson, all of Marathon, and Richard Jeselskis of Big Pine Key, Fla.
Champion individual angler was Randy Hamilton for his two sailfish releases.
The largest kingfish, 18.7 pounds, was caught by Dan Eggert aboard Imagine That. The champion dolphin was 17.1 pounds, brought in by Ed Jekielek aboard a Vacation Boat Rentals boat.
A field of 66 anglers fished the tournament from 20 boats.
Lois Shell, widow of Captain Leon Shell, for whom the tournament is named, presented a check for $25,000 to Hospice and Visiting Nurses Association of the Florida Keys.
###
The Billfish Foundation helping seven Central America countries launch plan to grow sport fishing in region
Work begins immediately to standardize criteria for sustainable management
MANAGUA, Nicaragua – After nearly a year, all seven countries of Central America have approved an agreement with The Billfish Foundation to create a sustainable management plan for billfish and other popular game fish vital to growing sport fishing and tourism in the region.
The announcement comes on the heels of similar on-going work this past year by TBF of enhancing recreational sport fishing in the countries of Mexico, Peru and Costa Rica. TBF has been working with the governments – some for more than a decade -- for the expansion of conservation measures and laws to protect billfish, mainly from overfishing coastal fisheries by commercial interests, while implementing tag & release programs for sportsmen.
The Billfish Foundation's Dr. Russell Nelson and Herbert Nanne met in Managua, Nicaragua in late February to formally adopt a Central American agreement to develop a sustainable management plan for marlins, sailfish, dorado, swordfish and other highly migratory species important to the regions’ sport fishing tourism sectors. The agreement between TBF and the Organization of Fisheries and Aquaculture for the Isthmus of Central America (OSPESCA) was signed by OSPESCA President Steadman Fagoth Muller, of Nicaragua, and Nelson. OSPESCA Executive Director Mario Gonzalez Recino presided over the ceremony and along with Nelson presented the Nicaraguan Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture with a computer and programs for use in collecting and analyzing sport fisheries data.
Nanne is TBF’s Central American Conservation Director and Nelson is its scientific director. Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama make up the seven countries in the region, all members of OSPESCA.
"This agreement between TBF, OSPESCA and the seven nations of Central America was created and approved by all parties over the past 10 months," said TBF President Ellen Peel. “We now look forward to the hard work of establishing a regional data collection protocol and moving on with improved conservation measures for billfish in the region."
The text of the agreement can be found in Spanish and English at www.billfish.org .
“There are so many positives to working with OSPESCA and its seven member nations in developing a management program in the region that can be a win-win for all,” said Nelson. “Billfish have a very high potential in these waters and high economic and social value if the responsible practice of sport fishing ethics and conservation are fostered.”
Established in 1986 by the late Winthrop P. Rockefeller, The Billfish Foundation is the only non-profit organization dedicated solely to conserving and enhancing billfish populations worldwide. With world headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., USA, TBF’s comprehensive network of members and supporters includes anglers, captains, mates, tournament directors, clubs, sport fishing and tourism businesses. By coordinating efforts and speaking with one voice, the organization works for solutions that are good for billfish, not punitive to recreational anglers and good for the local economy. TBF’s phone number is 800-438-8247.
Trio to receive Lifetime Achievement Awards at IGFA WRAA
A trio of dedicated anglers, each with over 100 IGFA world records, will be receiving IGFA Lifetime Achievement Awards at the IGFA’s Sixth Annual World Record Achievement Awards (WRAA) celebration, April 18, presented by Mercury Marine.
Martini Arostegui, Jodie L. Johnson and Rebecca Wright will be honored along with many other anglers, guides and manufacturers from around the world in the ceremony at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida, USA.
The evening recognizes the 2008 records by men, women, juniors, and professional captains for the most world records compiled from the Top Ten list published recently in the IGFA’s 2009 World Record Game Fishes book.
Tackle, scale, lure and line manufacturers will also be honored based on the number of computer printouts of the anglers using their products in setting the new records in 2008.
At 16 years of age, Arostegui is the youngest person ever to win an IGFA Lifetime Achievement Award. He has been fishing the waters in and around Miami, Florida, since he was four years old and in the 12 years since has amassed over 120-world records in male smallfry, male junior, line class and fly rod categories, as well as five all-tackle records. A Coral Gables, Fla., high school student, Arostegui has traveled to four continents and numerous exotic destinations such as Kenya, Suriname, Thailand, Costa Rica and Panama to obtain such obscure species as the sorubim, trahira, bluefin trevally and the snakehead.
Ms. Johnson, Peterborough, New Hampshire, USA, can lay claim to having 102 records on fly rod, three of which qualified for all-tackle records. She landed her first record catch in October 2004 and her 100th in July 2008. Johnson is also the only angler to achieve 100 records on saltwater fish while using a fly rod. In less than four years, Johnson has also achieved the century mark in record time. As a seasoned traveler, she has presented flies to such species as the narrow barred mackerel in Mozambique, dogtooth tuna in Seychelles, and the longtail tuna in Australia.
With the exception of seven world records, Mrs. Wright, Hollywood Fla., has set most of her 101 light tackle world records in Florida catching her first off Marco Island in 2002. The winner of several top angling awards Wright continued to make record catches until February 2008 when she retired. Wright obtained records in line and fly rod categories as well as three all-tackle records.
Numerous fishing celebrities and IGFA Hall of Fame members are expected to make special appearances at the event which begins with cocktails and a silent auction at 6 p.m. Tickets for WRAA are $50 and include a barbeque dinner, courtesy of Hugh’s Culinary.
Reservations are now available for the ceremony by calling Lesley Arico 954-924-4222orlarico@igfa.org.
###
IGFA Conservation Awards presented
One of the highlights of the 25th IGFA Auction & Banquet at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, USA, was the presentation of numerous achievement and conservation awards presented annually by the IGFA.
The Gil Keech Heavy Tackle Angling Award
Allen Merritt of Merritt Boat Works, Pompano Beach, Fla., was the recipient of the Gil Keech Award for lifetime achievements in Heavy Tackle Angling. The special honor began in 1998 by the Ocean City (Md.) Light Tackle Club; at 62 years it is one of the oldest clubs of its type in the world. Merritt along with his brother Buddy dominated the Bahamian bluefin tuna fishery where innovations like flying gaffs, towers, topside controls, Bimini twists, spliced line and haywire twists originated. They were both famous captains of their day who influenced the development of other great captains like George Staros, Gary Stube and Ed and Cookie Murray. Owner/operators of Merritt Boat and Engine Works, Allen and his family designed and built the Merritt 37, considered to be the best tuna boat of all time. The Merritt’s continue to be a major influence on other boat builders worldwide.
The Bob Herder Light Tackle Award
Established in 2005 also by the OCLTC and the IGFA, the Bob Herder Light Tackle Award, was presented to Gary Carter of Duluth, Ga, USA. Besides being an IGFA representative for Costa Rica, Carter is also a legendary IGFA World Record holder. Though he has held two IGFA All-Tackle records for oceanic white tip sharks caught on heavy tackle, Gary is synonymous with extreme light tackle angling. He specializes in hunting billfish and tuna with light line and the majority of his 10 IGFA records are for line classes 8 lb and under. Among his most impressive angling accomplishments are a 252 lb Pacific blue marlin and a 357 lb Atlantic blue marlin on 6 lb line. Permanently endowed by contributions from the OCLTC and Herder’s family and friends the award is in honor of a man who maintained an abiding commitment to the principles and objectives of the IGFA.
IGFA Conservation Awards; groups and individuals
Along with IGFA President Rob Kramer, IGFA Trustee Dr. Guy Harvey presented honors to two individuals and two clubs who have made significant and outstanding contributions to the cause of conservation in the freshwater, saltwater and fly fishing communities.
For their multi-faceted work in helping to pass laws for their countries fisheries, two fishing clubs from Guatemala were the joint recipients of the IGFA Conservation Award to a Fishing Organization. Combined, Club Nautico Guatemala and the Asociacion de Pesca Deportiva Guatemala have done extensive effort to protect billfish stocks and provide education to children and adults. They developed an annual kids fishing program that each year hold two children’s tournaments teaching hundreds of children resource conservation and how to use circle hooks. Both organizations were also instrumental in passing laws that converted their local billfish fishery to all circle hook and catch and release. Additionally, both organizations developed an extensive artificial reef program in Guatemala. From 2006 to 2008, 500 artificial reefs have been manufactured, transported, set up and monitored in front of the coast of Puerto San Jose in the Guatemalan Pacific Coast. This not only provides great recreational fishing opportunities, but it was developed for commercial fishermen too in an effort to relieve pressure on the billfish stocks.
The recipient of this year’s IGFA Representative Conservation Award is William Sawynok of North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia, where he’s been an IGFA representative for 15 years. Since 1995, Bill has been the manager of InfoFish Services, a small family business aimed at providing a high-quality targeted information service to the recreational fishing industry. Working closely with the Australian National Sportfishing Association, Bill works diligently to support and promote best handling practices and tagging programs throughout Australia. IGFA Trustee Neil Patrick accepted the award for Sawynok.
Dick Pool, Concord, Calif. USA, who over the past 25 years has done more for the fisheries resources in Northern California than any other person was honored with the IGFA Conservation Award to an Individual. Spending hundreds of hours annually for the benefit of Northern California fishery resources, Pool’s current focus is on water issues restoring the salmon population and recreational fishing opportunities. He has served on the Board of Directors for United Anglers of Southern California and the American Sportfishing Association as well as ASA’s government affairs. IGFA Trustee Bill Shedd accepted the award for Pool.
Receiving the IGFA International Committee Membership Incentive Program award was Italy Representative Massimo Brogna who with his son Cristiano received an all expenses paid fishing trip with Miami Captain David Trafton, hotel accommodations and airfare to the US.
###
IGFA mourns the loss of Trustee Ralph G. Christiansen Jr.
Ralph G. Christiansen, Jr., an IGFA International Representative since 1978 and member of the IGFA’s Board of Trustees since 1996, has been lost at sea following a plane crash Sunday evening, February 8, 2009 off the northern edge of Puerto Rico.
Christiansen, along with five other U.S. citizens on the plane, was returning to Puerto Rico from a fishing trip to La Romana, Dominican Republic, when his plane went down approximately a half mile from Quebradillas P.R. According to news reports rescue efforts were hampered by bad weather and high seas.
The son of Ralph G. Christiansen, Sr., a pioneer blue marlin fisherman who helped encourage government officials to develop the sport in Puerto Rico and a founder of the Club Naútico de San Juan, young Ralph started fishing at age four. It was his father’s close friend and fishing companion, Esteban “Chilo” Bird, who became the young man’s mentor (his father remained a light-tackle angler). While fishing with Don Chilo, Ralph increased his knowledge and perfected his technique, catching his first five blue marlin. At a young age he learned the importance of keeping meticulous records on every fish and began his stewardship of the sport.
Ralph was also a founder of the Puerto Rico Game Fishing Association and, at age 30, was the youngest Commodore of Club Naútico de San Juan. During his fishing career he caught more than 600 Atlantic blue marlin, releasing and tagging most of them.
Dedicated to conservation and the sporting ideals of the IGFA, he implemented a catch-and-release policy on his boat in the mid-1970s that continued throughout the remainder of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial tributes be made to the International Game Fish Association and The Billfish Foundation.
###
Interactive “Ocean Today” kiosk coming to IGFA
The IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum has a number of great interactive exhibits and displays throughout its halls and in the next month they’ll be receiving another one.
The IGFA’s Education Department was recently approved to host an Ocean Today kiosk and it should be arriving and in operation by mid April.
“The kiosk was originally developed as a major installation on the floor of the Sant Ocean Hall at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History,” said IGFA Education Director David Matagiese. “It receives real time data directly from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and will educate museum guests on topics such as the current state of the world’s fisheries stocks, endangered species, marine debris and much more.
The kiosk will enhance ocean literacy among museum goers through an enticing multi-media experience. A dynamic interface comprised of ocean imagery and video clips, will invite visitors to explore several content areas. When a visitor touches the screen, the content areas will be revealed to show the most recent information. The main content themes are Ocean Science & Technology, Ocean News, Recent Discoveries, and Ocean Life.
Matagiese said multiple groups can simultaneously interact with content on the kiosk which includes a 42-inch, independently-operated, touch-screen display, and a 50-inch plasma echo monitor above. It accommodates two specially designed sound areas that will envelop visitors. One sound area will immerse the visitors interacting with the 42-inch displays while the other sound area, at a comfortable distance behind the first, allows a group experience and easy viewing of the content mirrored on the 50-inch overhead display.
For more information on the kiosk, please contact Matagiese at dmatagiese@igfa.org.
###
Great incentives in March at IGFA School of Sportfishing classes
The IGFA School of Sportfishing is now into its 10th session through the end of March offering appealing curriculums, limited class sizes, expert instructors answering the needs of the attending anglers and special new incentives all in the conducive setting of the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum Learning Center.
The popular three-hour evening sessions from 7 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday nights, feature many of the most popular classes previously offered along with new classes that participants have expressed strong interest in adding.
“One of the keys to the School of Sportfishing’s success over the past three years is that we’ve taken into account what our attendees have to say,” saidIGFA Education Director David Matagiese. “They’ve provided great suggestions for new topics they’d like to have offered. Before each session we go to the drawing board to provide the best classes and programs possible.”
“And in each of the March classes,” said Jeff Mackin of the IGFA’s education department, “participants will receive giveaways including circle hooks from VMC, Lipper scales from Evolution Products, Biobait soft plastic lures, and entry into raffles for lures, rods, and rod & reel combos from Evolution products.”
“Each class is limited to just 24 anglers and lately we’ve had several filled to capacity,” he said. “Each offers a unique hands-on experience for anglers who want to obtain the skills, information and techniques necessary to maximize their overall success on the water.”
The remaining session of dates, course topics and instructors includes:
Mackin added that all the courses include printed materials along with the equipment and hands-on instruction where anglers have a chance to interact and learn from professional fishermen they’d normally see only on TV or read about in fishing magazines.
The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 each for non-members.
For additional details and updates on future classes and instructors please visit the IGFA website at www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp to assess which courses are appropriate for specific skill levels. Sign up online at www.igfa.org/sosform.asp or contact Mackin at 954-924-4340 or JMackin@igfa.org with any questions you might have.