Mobile Big Game Fishing Club cancels tournament due to oil spill

Mobile Big Game Fishing Club cancels tournament due to oil spill

By Mobile Big Game Fishing Club

The Mobile Big Game Fishing Club regretfully announces the cancellation of the 2010 Memorial Day and Ladies Tournaments due to the oil spill at Deepwater Horizon. The MBGFC Board of Directors called a special meeting last night (Sunday, May 2, 2010) to look at options for the beginning of the 2010 tournament season in regard to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. At the conclusion of the meeting the Board of Directors under the leadership of President Bill Hixson agreed to cancel the 2010 Memorial Day Tournament and the 2010 Ladies Tournament. The remaining tournaments (Junior Angler, Limited and Labor Day) will be evaluated individually at a later date. The MBGFC will keep our club members, sponsors and tournament participants informed via our 'E-Blasts' and our website as we all hope for the best during this crisis.

NYSF to donate $10k towards sportfishing protection

The 28th Annual New York Sportfishing Federation (Federation) Forum & Auction eclipsed last year's attendance levels, as more than 1600 hardcore fishermen walked through the gate at the Freeport Recreation Center from February 12-14. According to the Federation Board of Directors, despite the down economy and a Valentine's Day conflict, the 'Freeport Show' was another big success, with proceeds raised from the show already contributed towards key initiatives to help safeguard the rights of New York sportfishermen. The Federation Board met earlier this month and unanimously approved plans to contribute $10,000 in 2010 towards key lobbying efforts on behalf of recreational fishermen throughout the New York marine district, which includes $5,000 dedicated to the United Boatmen (UBNY) for the ongoing lawsuit brought by the state of New York, UBNY, New York Fishing Tackle Trades Association (NYFTA) and the Fishermen's Conservation Association to force the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) into a more equitable allotment of New York's shares of the fluke fishery.

IGFA Observer Training Class

Virginia Beach’s Ocean’s East II tackle shop will be the site of the next IGFA Observer Training class (OTC) and will be presented on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 9 a.m. The class instructs experienced anglers, boat captains and crew members as observers for fishing tournaments held across the globe. The IGFA OTC covers topics such as species identification, IGFA saltwater fishing rules and tackle regulations, safety at sea and boating etiquette.

Space is limited to 40 people and IGFA OTC applications are available online at http://www.igfa.org/PDF/COP_Application2008.pdf. Pre-registration is required and the $150 fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials, and a one-year membership in the IGFA. Please contact IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or email: jschratwieser@igfa.org for additional information.

2010 Billfish Expo a success

The 2010 Billfish Expo presented by www.RUMBUM.com was held February 13, 2010 at the Biscayne Marriott in Miami, Florida. With more than thirty experts covering every species of Billfish, not one of them held back any information! A special thanks to our host and all the speakers: Mark Sosin, Capt Dave Fields, Capt Ron Hamlin, Capt Ray Rosher, Capt Bouncer Smith, Capt Peter Wright, Professor Arthur Mariano, Raleigh Werking, Capt Bubba Carter, Paul Spencer, Rob Ruwitch, Capt Steve Lassley, Capt Peter Groesbeck, Capt Kevin Nakamura, Capt Gene Vander Hoek, Capt Mike Lemmon, Stephen Jenyns, Capt Matty Tambor, Capt Karl Anderson, Chris Fischer, Capt Jody Whitworth, Capt Brett McBride, Capt Richard Stanczyk and Capt Josh Brown. Other major sponsors present were Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, Shimano, Tropic Star Lodge, Smith-Merritt Insurance, Travelers, Marlin Magazine, Dockwise, Momoi, Diamond Fishing Products, Custom Rod & Reel, IGFA, TBF, Gray Taxidermy, Pompanette, American Custom Yachts and many others who offered financial support for the event.... more information from Marlin Magazine...

IGFA Guatemala Expedition: April 10-18, 2010

IGFA Guatemala Expedition Filling Up Fast:

April 10-18, 2010

Former IGFA President Michael Lerner recognized how little was known about the creatures in our oceans. The scientific world was convinced that life first began in the ocean depths, but almost nothing was known about marine flora and fauna. In 1936 Lerner embarked on a series of expeditions that would evolve into five years of unprecedented exploration and research. He began the expeditions in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, then in 1938 embarked on the Australia-New Zealand Expedition and finished the Expedition Series off in 1940 with the Peru-Chile Expedition. The International Game Fish Association was born from Lerner’s adventurous spirit. Lerner spanned the globe in search of great fishing and great knowledge. Joined in his quest by the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Kip Farrington, Alfred C. Glassell Jr. and Tommy Gifford, these early years of exploration were considered the golden years of fishing, exploration and science. Today, the golden years are back with the IGFA Expedition Series. The IGFA Expedition Series is your opportunity to fish together with some of today’s legends of the sport and explore some of the richest fishing locations in the world. The 2010 Expedition Series begins with fishing the world-famous Pacific sailfish run at Casa Vieja Lodge in Guatemala on the dates of April 10-18, 2010.

TBF's Annual Tag & Release Awards

You are invited to join the presentation of TBF's Annual Tag & Release Awards on Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay. These prestigious awards recognize the Captains, Mates and Anglers (including Youth & Ladies) who have tagged and released the most of each billfish species in each of the world's three major oceans during the previous year.

8th annual FishStock

8th annual FishStock adds 5K and family fun run to its Memorial Day weekend festivities New Smyrna Beach, Fla. - FishStock - one of the largest fishing tournaments and festivals in the nation - announced today it will add a 5K race and family fun run to its long list of festivities in downtown New Smyrna Beach this Memorial Day weekend. The inaugural race will be held on Saturday, May 29, at Riverside Park. "The FishStock 5K and Family Fun Run is a great way to keep fit over the holiday weekend, and one of the many great activities we have in store at our event this year," said Drew Townes, director of sales and marketing for FishStock. "Run in the morning, enjoy the race expo in the afternoon and relax at the dockside party in the evening; it's a great way to spend the day." The course is a flat, fast and accurately timed race with ChampionChip timing. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. at Riverside Park, run through downtown New Smyrna Beach and local neighborhoods, and continue along the Intracoastal Waterway before returning to the park to cross the finish line. Children 9 and under will start their fun run at 9 a.m. All registered 5K runners will receive an exclusive 2010 FishStock 5K and Family Fun Run T-shirt. While supplies last, every fifth entry for the 5K will win a free Zebco 33 combo rod and reel, so register now. To register for the FishStock 5K and Family Fun Run, visit www.fishstock5k.com.

The IGFA’s 2010 World Record Game Fishes annual

Coming in January: Fishing’s most valued reference book. It’s been described as “the most comprehensive piece of fishing information available anywhere,” a statement made often by serious fishermen and fishing writers alike. The IGFA’s 2010 World Record Game Fishes annual -- the reference book that’s a mainstay in recreational fishing -- continues its legacy as the most reliable and complete resource book of worldwide fishing records and a wide range of fishing-related reference materials. Plus it includes in-depth and entertaining features by top writers. IGFA members will begin receiving their 408 page edition in mid-January as one of the many benefits of joining the IGFA. The popular annual is the official guide to saltwater and freshwater catches for over 1100 species around the world in the all-tackle category and nearly 400 species in line class, fly, and junior angler record categories. To receive your copy of 2010 World Record Game Fishes, go to www.igfa.org and sign up to become a member of the IGFA today.

Stu Apte Fly Fishing Sailfish Tournament

5th Annual Stu Apte Fly Fishing Sailfish Tournament

The premier fly fishing sailfish tournament is headed back to Guatemala for a January date. Casa Vieja Lodge in Pto. San Jose is the host.
Last year's defending champion Tim & Pete Eshelman will be competing against all comers in this prestigious event.

Dates: Jan, 18 2010 to Jan, 24 2010

Location: Pto. San Jose Guatemala

Guatemala is the Sailfish Capital of the World

Guatemala is the Sailfish Capital of the World

By: Kevin Styles (from worldwidefishing.com)

If it's billfish action that you are looking for then look no further. Two recently released studies of catch rates for Pacific Sailfish have come to the same conclusion; there is no place to compare for numbers caught by anglers in the rich waters of the Pacific Coast of Guatemala.

This may become the destination for your billfish fishing trip because anglers regularly have shots at 20+ Sailfish per day. For all of the bluewater anglers, there are opportunities for Blue marlin and Black marlin as well as Tuna and Dorado.

The coastline and ecosystem support vast quantities of bait year round and warm eddies hold large pods of sailfish between 2 and 50 miles from port. Guatemala holds many official (and unofficial !) records for Pacific Sailfish including most in a day on conventional (124) and on the fly (57)...as well as most in a season..................so there is clearly no shortage of action !

Guatemala is no longer a well kept secret for anglers who want the best chance at consistent action year round. It is also a favored destination for those hankering after the thrill of a billfish on the fly. The crews are professional and experienced in both conventional and fly tactics and despite seeing double digits of Sailfish on a regular basis, treat every trip with enthusiasm and encouragement.

The region is blessed with good weather almost year round in the peak season, running from October through May, the winds are light and the seas are generally calm, even as far out as 50 miles.

The fishery has experienced remarkable runs of Blue Marlin for the past couple of seasons, possibly as a function of more anglers in more charters covering more water each day.

Stu Apte Fly Fishing Sailfish Tournament

The Fifth Annual Stu Apte Fly Fishing Sailfish Tournament will be held at Casa Vieja Lodge, Guatemala, 18-24 January 2010.

All pertinent information can be viewed at www.stuapteflytournament.com

Or by calling their office at 800-882-4665

The 2009 WBS Grand Champion

The 2009 WBS Grand Champion is Thomas Russell who finished onboard Cerveza. Thomas scored 900 pts with 1 striped marlin and 5 sailfish. Second Place: Richard Richardson onboard Family and Friends. Richard scored 900 pts with 1 blue marlin, 4 sailfish. Third Place: Tim Hake onboard Tuna Bite had 400 pts with 4 sailfish. Congratulations to the winners!

2009 WBS Grand Championships

2009 WBS Grand Championships: Los Suenos, Costa Rica
Day One Official Results:

1st - Tuna Bite, Tim Hake 700
2nd - Family and Friends, Richard Richardson 600
3d - Cerveza, Rodney Williams 400
4th - Hatta Boy, Bob Del Vecchio 400
5th - Clean Sweep, Andy Shapiro 400
6th - Drum Roll, Ken Moore 300
7th - Spanish Fly, Larry Drivon 300
8th - Tuna Bite, Andy Levy 300
9th - Shotgun, Dwight Wolf 200
10th - Uno Mas - Bayliss, Brooks Smith 200
11th - Macushla, Davis Clapp 200
12th - Reel Screamer Too, Scott Rickert 200
13th - Reel Screamer Too, Jim Vaughan 200
14th - Super Fly, Jimmy Taylor 200
15th - Adios, Chris Domel 200
16th - Macushla, Mary Temple Mullis 200
17th - Uno Mas, Bob Osborn 100
18th - Super Fly, Sari Turner 100
19th - Family and Friends, Chad Jackson 100
20th - Cerveza, Tom Russell 100
21th - Shotgun, Dell Dembosky 100
22th - Drum Roll, Dean DeSantis 100
23rd - Let It Ride, James Kontos 100
24th - Clean Sweep, Jordan Hammell 100
25th - The Bite, Justin Walker 100
26th - The Bite, Boyd Mothe, Jr.

A-FIN-ITY Wins PCCA Grand Champion Team 3rd Year In A Row!

Team A-Fin-Ity pulled off another victory in the PCCA - Bertram/Evermarine Grand Champion Team competition for the third year in a row! Henry Riggs-Miller staked claim to the prestigious Eagle Claw Grand Champion Angler award. The Presidential Challenge of Guatemala Presented by INGUAT got off to an encouraging start when the Maverick Sport Fishing team fishing aboard Super Fly found some fish. They added many sails to their score before A-Fin-Ity leaped ahead of everyone when they reported a flurry of fish released. Team Decisive racked up points on the board as well as well as Circle Hook. The IWFA team turned in a blue marlin caught by Diane Locke. After all the scores were tallied A-Fin-Ity came out on top.

2009 WBS Grand Championships

December 2 - 5, 2009 - Los Sueños Resort and Marina, Herradura, Costa Rica. This year’s tournament will offer a $10,000 cash top prize to the overall winner, who will be named the WBS World Champion of Billfishing. They will also receive the custom bronze Grander Marlin trophy by marine artist Geoffrey Smith and the custom gold Champion’s ring in addition to a lifetime invitation to defend their championship in future events. The tournament format features two qualified anglers per boat (competing as individuals) for the first two days of competition. The top five anglers will move on to fish solo against one another for the final day, with the winner being named the WBS World Champion of Billfishing.

The Presidential Challenge of Guatemala Presented by INGUAT

TEAM CASA VIEJA WINS 2009 PCCA OF GUATEMALA PRESENTED BY INGUAT

DAVIS CLAPP AND TEAM A-FIN-ITY ARE GRAND CHAMPIONS FOR THE 2009 PCCA SERIES

COSTA DEL MAR GRAND CHAMPION TEAM - A-FIN-ITY 8250 POINTS

2ND - USA - 8150

3RD - OL SALT - 6600

EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER - DAVIS CLAPP 4050 POINTS

2ND - MIKE VIVEIROS 3250

3RD - DAN PIMENTAL 2650

Congratulations to the Anglers of the Presidential-Guatemala. 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. The Presidential Challenge of Guatemala is co-hosted by INGUAT and the modern Marina Pez Vela, the new marina within Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala.

IGFA Rules

The word "angling" is defined as catching or attempting to catch fish with a rod, reel, line, and hook as outlined in the international angling rules. There are some aspects of angling that cannot be controlled through rule making, however. Angling regulations cannot insure an outstanding performance from each fish, and world records cannot indicate the amount of difficulty in catching the fish. Captures in which the fish has not fought or has not had a chance to fight do not reflect credit on the fisherman, and only the angler canproperly evaluate the degree of achievement in establishing the record. Only fish caught in accordance with IGFA international angling rules, and within the intent of these rules, will be considered for world records.

Following are the rules for freshwater and saltwater fishing:

http://www.igfa.org/PDF/InternationalAnglingRules09.pdf

The Presidential Challenge of Guatemala

THE PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF GUATEMALA

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.

Team A-Fin-ity Wins Presidential Challenge of El Salvador

A-FIN-ITY GOES WIRE TO WIRE FOR WIN
The Presidential Challenge Of El Salvador

FINAL RESULTS: Tournament: 147 SAILS

COSTA DEL MAR TEAM DIVISION 1ST PLACE TEAM: A-FIN-ITY 3500 pts 2ND PLACE TEAM: USA 2400 pts 3RD PLACE TEAM: MARCIANO 2400 pts

BAPTIST HEALTH INTERNATION/ KING SAILFISH ANGLER DIVISION 1ST PLACE ANGLER: DAVIS CLAPP 1400 PTS 2nd PLACE ANGLER: DAN PIMENTAL 1300 PTS 3RD PLACE ANGLER: PACO SACA 1200 PTS

MASPOR MARINE BOAT DIVISION TOP BOAT: A-FIN-ITY 3500 PTS 2ND BOAT: MOJO 2400 pts 3rd BOAT: MARCIANO 2400 pts

The final day of the PCCA El Salvador brought a slight change in the weather. The skies were cloudy and there was a breeze. The fleet with anxious anglers aboard departed the dock promptly at 6am. With A-Fin-Ity having a substantial lead, the battle today was going to be for second and third place on the leader board. Mike Viveiros released the first fish at 7:52am fishing aboard the White Marlin for Team OBX. The morning action was steady with ten fish called in an hour. Marciano made their move early with their anglers releasing eight sails first thing in the morning. Not to be left in the dust, Team OBX anglers put nine on the leader board to creep into third place. As the day progressed, Team USA overtook OBX and tied Marciano for second place. Fishing really slowed up for the teams this afternoon. By the time Scorekeeper Dan Kipnis called lines out of the water A-Fin-Ity was the winner leading wire to wire. Davis Clapp caught the first fish of the tournament and never slowed down. Teammates Dan Pimental and Louis Fernando were right behind him. USA with anglers Bill Easum, Jimmy Taylor and JW Bones fought hard and it paid off with a second place finish. Team Marciano with anglers Jose Gonzalez D., Ricardo Gonzalez, Jose Gonzalez G. and Rodrigo Gonzalez did some fine fishing to finish in third place,tied with USA on time. The Baptist Health International Angler Division was another hard fought battle. Finishing in second place behind Davis Clapp was teammate Dan Pimental. Paco Saca fishing on team Sandy Ita fished a great tournament to finish in third place.

The IGFA School of Sportfishing

The IGFA School of Sportfishing is getting ready to kick off Session 13 onNovember 3. The lineup of classes will be focusing on offshore species such as wahoo, marlin and sailfish with instructors to includeRonnie Hamlin, Bouncer Smith, and Karl Anderson. The IGFA’s Jeff Mackin said updated information can be found at the school’s website atwww.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp. “Session 12 wrapped up in early October and was highly successful,” said Mackin. “Participants enjoyed a class lineup that covered different aspects of both inshore and offshore fishing including bottom, kite, and surf fishing. Participants also benefited 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. “Attendees can expect us to provide and continue improving on the finest series of fishing courses available,” he added. 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.