Guatemala Fishing Season Gearing Up

Guatemala Fishing Season Gearing Up

It’s the sport-fishing capital by day and the world’s new premium-class entertainment destination by night. But, the opportunities to explore one of this hemisphere’s ancient places still untouched and tainted by modern travelers are many. Guatemala offers incredible travel destinations including the magical City of Antigua. In Antigua, you can visit the Indian village of San Antonio Aguas Calientes, surrounded by an impressive volcanic landscape and famous for its textiles and handcrafts. Afterwards visit the Cultural Centre “La Azotea”, where you can enjoy a guided visit to an organic coffee plantation and the Traditional Maya Museum “K’ojom”. Visit the Historic Center of Antigua beginning in the Main Plaza and visiting the city’s priceless monuments and lively restaurants. Few countries in the world have as many volcanoes as Guatemala. Fish for the monsters of the ocean, the Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado and Tuna with the most famous Captains in the sport in what they call, “The Best Place to Big Game Fish in the World” and its pristine waters surrounded by nature’s most incredible natural wonders. Every imaginable adventure sport is available to create a trip that you will never forget including world-class Fishing, Golf, Snorkeling, Scuba, Boating, Kayaking, Sailing, Windsurfing, Jungle Hunting, Tennis, Racquetball and Mountain Biking, to name just a few choices of true action available in exotic Guatemala.

Tickets available for IGFA Hall of Fame

Tickets available for IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame in October

Tickets are still available for the annual star-studded enshrinement ceremony and dinner to be held Tuesday, October 27 at 6 p.m. at the International Game Fish Association Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla. The public is invited.Five talented men, all who have made significant contributions to the sport of recreational fishing, will be inducted as the 11th class into the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame. The class of 2009 includes Carlos Barrantes, Sr, Jack Erskine, Dr. Guy Harvey, Harlan Major and Stephen Sloan. The honorees are selected each year for the significant contributions made through angling achievements, literature, the arts, science, education, invention, communication or administration of fishery resources. For ticket and reservation information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222

Four classes remain for IGFA’s School of Sportfishing

Over this month and into October, the IGFA’s School of Sportfishing will be hosting four more sessions on a variety of inshore and offshore fishing topics, according to Jeff Mackin in the IGFA’s education department. The popular classes are held each Tuesday night from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Florida. 
“Once again we’ve been able to attract some of the finest captains from around the area to lead each class,” said Mackin. “Not only do these instructors guide clients to trophy fish day in and day out through their charter businesses, but they also have a knack for being able to teach our participants their secrets through hands-on interaction.”
 


The dates, topics and instructors include:

September 15, All About Live Bait with Capt Shawn Fairbanks

September 22, Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs with Capt Bouncer Smith

September 29, Secrets to Surf Fishing with Capt Steve Kantner

October 6, Kite Fishing Techniques with Capt Bouncer Smith

Along with the printed course materials, each participant will receive tackle and products valued at over $70. Included in these giveaways is an Econoscale from Evolution Products, hook packs from VMC, and much more. As an added bonus, each person in the class will be entered to win various door prizes, such as lures, rods, and rod & reel combos, given out during each class.

NOAA scientists catch rare giant squid

Scientists from NOAA's Fisheries Service have captured a giant squid while conducting research off the Louisiana coast in the Gulf of Mexico. This is only the second known giant squid obtained from the Gulf of Mexico – the first was collected in 1954 off the Mississippi Delta where it was found floating dead at the surface.

THE PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF GUATEMALA

THE PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF GUATEMALA

at Casa Vieja Lodge - November 20-21-22, 2009

Guatemala has emerged as the sailfish capital of the world. The PCCA Committee invites you to share the experience of fishing in these prolific waters during one of the best months of the year. We are co-hosted by new and modern Marina Pez Vela, the new marina within Puerto Quetzal. Boats leave from and return to this marina. Your worry-free trip begins upon arrival in Guatemala City. All transportation is arranged for you. Bring your rods, reels and be prepared for the billfishing trip of a lifetime. Your entry fee covers airport transfers on designated days, all land transportation, daily cocktail parties and two dinners. Boats are limited in this country. The entire Casa Vieja Fleet is available for charter on a first come-first serve basis. We offer special tournament packages to team competing in the PCCA. Therefore, reservations and deposit for this event must be made by September 1, 2009. [Limited to fifteen teams] Entry fee...$2,800.00 per team $3,000.00 per team after September 1, 2009. Teams must charter their own boats or fish aboard their own boat.

Changes to Miami Billfish Tournament Announced

Changes to Miami Billfish Tournament announced

2010 Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament – March 25 - 28 at Miami Beach Marina. One Day Mini Tournament. Can't fish 3 days? Now there is an event for you! New for 2010, the YCMBT one Day Mini Tournament. Details to follow! More Ways to Win Cash in 2010. YCMBT is now awarding cash prizes to the Top Inboard and Outboard Divisions. More Cash in Funfish. Now you can win even more money for Dolphin and Kingfish! Marine Conservation Night. Free and open to the public with food and drinks. Don't miss MCN on Tuesday, November 10th at 6:00 pm at RSMAS. Prof. Arthur Mariano will lecture on Ocean currents and how they affect fishing. Over $230,000 in Cash Prizes Awarded in 2009! Become a Sponsor of the 2010 YCMBT! New sponsor opportunities for 2010. Tons of opportunities to get involved. Great ways to promote your company or product. Call the tournament office to get more info.

For more info go to www.miamibillfish.com

21st El Pescado Billfish Tournament Oct. 1-3

World Billfish Series News - The Monique Burr Foundation for Children announces the 21st Annual El Pescado Billfish Tournament will be Oct. 1-3.

One of Northeast Florida’s most celebrated fishing events, the El Pescado Billfish Tournament will run out of Camachee Cove Marina in St. Augustine with more than $100,000 in cash prizes available. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the foundation and its programs, which provide child abuse education and prevention to children

The Billfish Foundation continues building strong relations on fisheries conservation

New regulations enacted by INCOPESCA, the Costa Rican fisheries agency, will require electronic vessel monitoring systems (VMS) on all commercial vessels larger than 56 ft. that operate in Costa Rican waters. These rules were published on August 5 and all affected vessels must have operational systems within six months of that date. The Billfish Foundation’s (TBF) Chief Scientist Dr. Russell Nelson and TBF Central American Conservation DirectorHerbert Nanne have been pushing INCOPESCA to develop these regulations for a year-and-a-half. (click link above to read more)

Presidential Caribbean Cup cancelled

Presidential Caribbean Cup cancelled

Marlin Magazine Online - Tue, Sep 08, 2009

The Presidential Caribbean Cup, originally slated for September 18-20, 2009, has been cancelled. The event¹s organizers were disappointed to learn of several prominent charter boats that would not be returning to Venezuelan waters for the fall season, which in turn prompted others to also not return to the area. In addition, the ever-changing political landscape has made it very difficult to organize tournament logistics such as fuel supplies and catering in order to run a successful event. Presidential Challenge teams that have already pre-paid for this event may choose to apply their entry fees to either the PCCA El Salvador or Guatemala tournaments or may elect to receive a full refund. Despite the cancellation of the Caribbean Cup, the two remaining events on the 2009 PCCA schedule, the El Salvador and Guatemala legs, are proceeding as planned. For more information on these tournaments, please visit www.preschallenge.com

Winners of the 56th Club Nautico De San Juan Tournament

Winners of the 56th Club Nautico De San Juan Tournament are DOUG COVIN - 1,200 pts. for top Angler, Rum Bum - 2,400 pts. for top Boat. Team USA with Luis Bacardi, Doug Colvin & Salim Merheb - 2,000 pts. for top Team. For half a century now, big-game aglers have come from around the world to participate in the San Juan International Billfish Tournament. This invitational and classy nautical event attracts deep-sea fishing experienced anglers and boats for a week-long tournament, including four fishing days and wonderful parties. The Tournament follows all IGFA conservation procedures, including the tag and release format. In order to make this year's event more competitive, we are fishing using light tackle 50 lb. Tournament Test Line.

Sportfishing industry hopeful about NOAA's "Fresh Look" at recreational fishing

News from Marlin Magazine - Following a number of conversations with members of the recreational fishing industry and media, this morning Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., announced her intention to "take a fresh look" at NOAA's relationship with the recreational fishing community. The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade association representing the sportfishing industry, is hopeful that Dr. Lubchenco's announcement signals a new era within NOAA to work productively with the saltwater recreational fishing community as policies and processes are developed.

The 56th Club Náutico de San Juan Billfish Tournament

The last two days of the 56th Club Náutico de San Juan Billfish Tournament begin with breakfast at the club and Thursday night culminates with the Awards Banquet. More than 30 prizes and trophies are given out, including International Winning Team, Winning Inter-Club Team, Top Angler, Top Visiting Angler, Top Local Angler, Best Boat, Best Visiting Boat, Best Local Boat, Captain with most Releases, Best Crew and more! The winning team also receives an invitation to fish in the IGFA Offshore World Championship. Congrats to the Anglers and may the best Team win!

11th Annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament October 13 - 17, 2009

The 11th Annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament to kick off tournament season, October 13 - 17, 2009. Los Cabos hosts several top fishing tournaments each year that attract competitors from across the globe. The 11th Annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, scheduled to take place from October 13-17, 2009, will commence the fishing season in the region.