Marlin World Newsdesk

Not much of a blogger

2008-07-24T23:08:00.003+01:00

Sorry guys but I have been overrun with work lately and not had a chance to keep this blog up to date. All I can say is that the fishing in Madeira this year has been mind blowing with what has probably been the best season ever since the great years of 93, 94 and 95.

I'll have some news in the following week including fishing and the latest to come out of Strike Button Productions. It's guaranteed to blow your mind!

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MADEIRA: Tuesday 24th June brings another big girl

2008-06-24T20:27:00.006+01:00

Pete Bristow rang me about 4.30 this afternoon with news of yet another grander caught in Madeira waters. This fish was put at about 1200 lbs, bigger than Ollie's fat old girl yesterday!

It was caught by Pete and his guest angler on Katherine B and took 2 hours to get to the boat. The fish though was not in bad condition and was released and swam off strongly.

What is happening around here !

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MADEIRA: Ollie gets his 'grander'

2008-06-23T20:24:00.000+01:00

Ollie King having flown out from the UK on Saturday morning to just join the lads on Balancal for a fun weekend, decided to take a cheeky days charter on Balancal on the Monday before he flew back in the evening. At about 11.00 he hooked up in to his first 'grander'. Short length size and the general fat appearance of the fish put it probably into the 1100lb class. Well done Ollie, it's abouttime you got your dream fish!

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MADEIRA: 750 added to Balancal's books

2008-06-21T20:31:00.002+01:00

Saturday afternoon on the Balancal and we had a nice fish of 750 smash into the long right. Jonathan Fletcher in the chair brought the fish to the boat in 30 minutes.

MADEIRA, Portugal - June 20th morning report

2008-06-20T11:57:00.007+01:00

Tight Line are 1 for 5 - Blue of 450 released - Unsuccessful at getting a Madeira monster (that means a fish of biblical proportions) on the bait n switch to play ball.

At one point they had two fish come up on the lures.

Pete Bristow on Katherine B hooked up a fish estimated at around 700 but lost it after it screamed off a load of line.

Fish are still picky about biting tho.

Other boats out include Grumpy and Balancal

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MADEIRA - Quick Afternoon and TWO bites

2008-06-19T21:00:00.004+01:00

Myself and the owner were out on the Balancal this afternoon (left at 1.30pm from the marina, and returned at 7.15 pm).

We had heard that during the day the 'Tight Line' had caught and released a blue estimated between 1100 and 1200lbs (confirmed by Pete Bristow on Katherine B watching the action).

We saw no action until 5.30 when a blue came up on the long right. It took its time and then eventually took the plunge, snapped up the lure and went on a very long run. I first saw the fish jump about 300 metres from the boat and estimates from those onboard put the size around 700lb. Eventually we lost the fish as it managed to out manouvre the boat and got the line caught and cut off by the prop.

One hour later a bite came out of nowhere from a blue but was not hooked well and threw the hooks about a minute into the fight.

The bite is on in Madeira and we are heading out again tomorrow afternoon and all weekend.

Madeira: The Bite Is ON!

2008-06-18T20:38:00.003+01:00

These last few days we have seen a lot of activity in the waters surrounding this Atlantic island. Early in the week Balancal had a fish over 600lb that unfortunately died on the angler. Our Mary yesterday caught and released a good sized fish and today saw much more action with Pete Bristow on Katherine B going 3 for 1, Tight Line hooking up 2, losing a 950 but caught and released a relatively small fish of 400. Savage came in late reporting a 950 reelased, and early in the day Mark Lee on Magic hooked up a fish of biblical proportions that unfortunately due to an inexprienced angler was lost through being broken off.

Quite a day of it, and according to Pete Bristow, Madeira is likely to see the best bite its had in years this summer.

If you're searching for granders, now is the time to get here!

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WCBRT & MARLIN WORLD AGREEMENT

2008-06-10T23:06:00.005+01:00

Marlin World has been appointed ‘Tournament Promotion Partner’ for the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BILLFISH RELEASE TOURNAMENT

This will ensure that the tournament events will receive maximum promotion in the online video magazine including but not limited to:- event promotion, reports, results, sponsor information and news coverage of causes that are supported by the events.

Chris Badsey of the WCBRT and Paul Watson of Marlin World shake hands on an agreement that will give great promotion to the World Championship Billfish Release Tournament and its sponsors.

Chris Badsey stated “the offer from Paul is a very generous one and is certain to help the WCBRT and its sponsors in the future”.

Marlin World is equally pleased and especially happy to help promote what is a non profit event that supports tremendously good causes such as helping The Billfish Foundation's fund for fighting the introduction of the NORMA Shark legislation, the local children’s charity that the event contributes to, and the promotion of circle hooks with 100% catch and release events only.

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Readers Comment

2008-06-10T15:55:00.000+01:00

Hello

I just wanted to thank you for providing such an original, first class e-magazine with fabulous features and photography.

Although most of the destinations are now a world away from me financially, having fished for Marlin on a few occassions with some success, another trip and the banter from fisherman of all backgrounds at the marina bars at night are what dreams are made of.

Keep fuelling those dreams!

Kind regards
Dean Farley

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June/July issue of Marlin World is online

2008-06-10T15:24:00.002+01:00

The WCBRT Tournament video report is quite a large file hence the reason it opens in a new browser window. Due to technical difficulties this will remain so until I have managed to embed the video in the page (another 2 or 3 days). Apologies for this.

Editor

Latest Marlin world issue is a bit late - OOOOPS!

2008-06-10T10:12:00.002+01:00

The inevitable happened, my poor MAC which has suffered greatly at my hands due to the fact it never receives any rest, finally gave up 10 days ago and the hard drive crashed. This put me behind 7 - 10 days but finally the new issue is ready to publish in a few hours.

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Fiji Islands Saltwater Fishing Report : May 2008

2008-05-13T08:58:00.001+01:00

Charter Operator : Matava Resort Gamefishing
Boat Names : Bite Me (Offshore) and Offensive Tackle (Inshore)
Average Water Temp : 28.5
Average Sea State : 50% light breeze / 50% wind chop 2ft ground swell to 4ft
Average Winds : 50% 10 - 15kts
Water Clarity : Variable inshore after tropical rain, good offshore

The Fiji water temp is now starting to ease back from its summer peak of 30 degrees and the relatively quiet month of April actually turned out to be quite good, especially for the popper casting fanatics hunting the big GTs and Bluefin trevally when the bite just went berserk a week either side of the full moon.
Game boats reported a generally mixed bag in April and early May with mahi mahi, yellowfin and recently, wahoo being the main species caught. Boats should start to pick up black marlin from mid May and the blue marlin will really fire up again by the start of June when the water temp hits 27.
Sails are being tagged on most day trips but the big packs should form from June onwards.

The hot news however is that an unusual event occured recently. There was a huge run of whale sharks accompanied by good sized yellowfin tuna through the Kadavu passage, the stretch of water that seperates Fiji's main island of Viti Levu and Kadavu island, 50nm to the South.

The last time this occured was prior to the start of the 2005 winter wahoo and sailfish season. That season was one of the best on record with large wahoo packs everywhere. The wahoo averaged 50lbs with fish to 80lbs being common and many fish over 100lb landed. The sailfish packs were also in plague numbers along Kadavu Island's Great Astrolabe barrier reef with the pack average being about 6 fish ranging from 60lbs to 120lbs.
The wahoo are here already, unusually early in the season but with packs found recently on the Kadavu seamount and off Beqa's 'Golden Mile'and every boat in the recent Suva Game Fishing Club 2 day Tournament coming home each day with wahoo , it is clear that the oceanic currents this year are bringing in the start of what should be a spectaculor 2008 season.

Aboard 'Bite Me' we will be focusing on fishing the light tackle from 12lb to 20lb line class for the wahoo and sailfish as well as some specialised ultra-light tackle fishing on the 8lb (4kg) custom gear. Looks like my bait catching guy is going to be busy.

Summary:
Blue marlin : Quiet but will fire up again end of May
Black marlin - First few tagged recently
Yellowfin - The first few fish of the winter run starting to show, mostly aroud 30-60lbs
Sailfish : First few of the season starting to turn up but not in packs yet
Wahoo : Here early and the big backs will form soon
Mahi Mahi : Bit thin on the ground with just the occasional pair here and there
Mackerel : Good sized fish around hitting skip-baits
GTs : Crazy bite around the full moons

Cpt Adrian Watt
Director, Matava Resort Gamefishing,
Tel: + (679) 3337 222 or 3336 098
www.matava.com
"Bite Me" Matava Resort Kadavu Fiji Islands www.matava.com

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Ninth annual IGFA Offshore World Championship attracts 63 teams

2008-05-10T21:36:00.001+01:00

27 countries from six continents in Cabo for prestigious catch-and-release tournament

CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico --- Sixty-three boats with teams of anglers are set to blast away from the mouth of the Cabo San Lucas harbor early Monday morning signifying the start of the four-day IGFA Offshore World Championship, throughout the week of May 11 – 16.
“We have representation of teams from 27 countries on six continents,” said tournament director Mike Myatt as he and Alberto Trevino the Secretaria de Turismo de Baja California Sur, welcomed the international anglers to the premier fishing location. Considered the most prestigious catch-and-release billfishing tournament in the world, the event also draws the single largest contingent of international teams ever to compete in a fishing competition.
Countries and territories represented include teams from Angola, Australia, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Grenada, Guatemala, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Spain, Sultanate of Oman, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos, the United States, Vanuatu and Venezuela. Many of the teams in the ninth annual tournament will be represented by anglers from a number of additional countries.
The U.S. has 14 teams signed on. Both Mexico and Brazil are represented by five teams each; Italy and Angola each have four.
The teams previously qualified by winning one of 130 IGFA sanctioned tournaments held in 38 countries worldwide during 2007. It’s the seventh straight year Cabo San Lucas has been chosen as the championship location.
They’ll fish for marlin, sailfish and other billfish species with the top team winning engraved watches along with trophies and merchandise. Awards are presented through to the third place finishing team. The final results will be made on Friday at noon PDT.
At the IGFA OWC last year, a team representing its win in Spain’s Marina Rubicon Marlin Cup 2006 tournament leaped from the middle of the 62 boat field to a dramatic win by one release fish over a team from Cabo San Lucas. It was the second straight year that a team, on the final day of the four day competition, had an amazing 10 releases of striped marlin to win the championship. Using circle hooks, a total of 335 marlin were caught and safely released alongside the teams’ boats.
At a kickoff party Sunday at the Hotel Finisterra, each team participated in a drawing for their four different boats --- ones they hope will guide them daily to multiple bill fish releases. All of the boats are captained by local Cabo guides.
Partners and sponsors for the IGFA Offshore World Championship are Secretaria de Turismo de Baja California Sur, Costa Del Mar, Hotel Finisterra, Guy Harvey Inc., Shimano, Picante Sport Fishing and Yacht Sales, Cabo Yachts, K D & G Sea Life Masterpieces, Hook & Tackle, Momoi Hi-Catch, Murray Products, AFTCO BlueWater, Bodo Muche, Minerva’s Baja Tackle, Señor Greenberg’s, IWS Scales, King Sailfish Mounts, Pompanette, Pisces Sportfishing, Corona and Modelo S.A DE C.V. Mexico, Don Tyson, Trans Cabo, Eagle Claw, MoldCraft Products, Inc. and API Dock.
Each morning the daily results along with photos of the previous day’s round will be posted on the IGFA’s home page at www.igfa.org . A list of registered teams can also be found on the web site under the fishing tab on the home page by clicking “tournaments.”
Next year, to begin the event’s 10th anniversary, the tournament welcomes the Bonnier Marine Group which will join the IGFA to manage the world championship which began in 2000.
Founded in 1939 the IGFA is a not-for-profit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices through science, education, rule making and record keeping. IGFA members are located in over 125 countries and territories. The IGFA welcomes visitors to its 60,000-square-foot interactive Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum in Dania Beach, Florida.
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Fishing Report - Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures - April 2008

2008-05-08T17:15:00.001+01:00

April proved another great month for us in Guatemala. The sailfish were biting with great consistency, keeping rods bent and anglers enjoying. 'Decisive' released 340 sailfish and 2 blues over 27 days on the water and has now released well over 2100 billfish since November 1st of 2007 to highlight just what another great season is proving to be.

Bob Edmonds started things off for us on April 1st releasing 14 sailfish from 24 bites after his 24 releases the day before. Things slowed a little the next day with 4 releases but Bob still totaled 42 fish as the single angler in his 3 days and left a happy man.

Kendrick Mattox and friends, Callum Parrott, George Macon, Moultrie Dotterer, Cooper Fowler and Patrick Holder joined us at the Billfish Inn for 4 days of fishing. The group fished aboard the 'Decisive' and the 'Release' throwing the fly and bait at fish over three fairly slow days to start with, although marlin were seen in the spread and sails were released. Their 4th day was the real turning point when a really hot bite was found and things went crazy for the deserving anglers. Aboard the 'Decisive' the boys went 12 from 22 on the spinning and conventional tackle, while also releasing 6 on the fly rods for a smorgasbord of action. The 'Release' was also in on the same action ensuring we saw the group off in fine style.

Our friends John and Heather Harvey made the long trip from South Africa to join us again and started off in fine fashion with Heather releasing her first Pacific blue marlin, making short work of a 300lber on the 50lb standup gear, from a fish we raised on the bridge teaser. Nice going Heather, and another 16 sailfish releases made for a great day shared with the fun loving couple. The next two days saw things slow a little with us releasing 5 and then 4 fish.

Our regular friends Brad Watkins, John Wendkos and Joey Zimmer brought down the 4, 6 and 8lb tackle to persuade the sailfish and marlin with over the next three days. The 11th saw a great bite with the guys going 25 from 36 with over 15 of those fish being released on 4 or 6lb test. The following day saw their averages go up even higher, releasing 25 from 34 bites with another 17 of those releases on 4 or 6lb. A real testament to the quality of angling and team work we had going on. The 19th saw the trio releasing 19 from 35, while the Harvey's released 27 from 45 aboard the 'Intensity' which we had chartered for them for the day.

The weather got a little snotty on us for the next 2 days, which is really unusual for here so we took a break from the fishing but the Harvey's were welcomed back to it on the 16th with the fish still biting and releasing 22 from 35 bites with Heather having the honor of releasing our 2000th billfish for the 2007/2008 season aboard the 'Decisive'. With 17 from 27 bites the following day, the couple ended a most memorable billfishing adventure.

The fishing stayed really steady over the next 5 days, with our NY clients going 23 from 28, 17 from 24, 27 from 44, 25 from 33 and 8 from 13 on a shortened final day, to release well over 100 fish for their trip.

Rees and Sarah Poag joined us the 23rd through 25th with Rees chasing the sails on the fly while Sarah enjoyed the relaxingly private atmosphere of our Billfish Inn. Rees went 4 from 10 the first day on some finicky fish, and 3 from 9 on the fly and 2 on spin the next day. Day three proved the charm with the enthralled angler going 9 from 17 on the sails with a very large marlin in the spread which would not tease or eat the mackerel pitch-bait.

Chester Stokes our old friend from Jacksonville, Fl brought down his fishing team of Tommy Smith, James Moore and Jason Hadjis to try out some Guatemalan action. The boys released 16 from 23 their first day, 11 from 22 the next and finished it off with 6 from 17 the final day. The guys sure had a great time and we look forward to seeing them all down here on a more regular basis.

Our Billfish Inn neighbor and 'marlin charmer', Scott Lund brought with him Scott Armand, Dave Lockey and his usual marlin luck. After a steady morning going 14 from 26 on the sails the blue marlin started biting and in the next 2 hours we pulled the hook on a 400lb blue, released a 350 blue on 50 standup, had another 350 go ballistic on us doing a huge dive and then turn on the surface to break the 20lb line he was hooked on, and had another crash the teaser but not eat to make for some really exciting action. The current moved in some greener water the next day and getting on the same billfishing action as the previous day before proved tuff but with a horde of 20-50lb dorado in the area the Florida boys were kept busy pulling to their hearts contents.

From all this angling action, one can see that you just can't beat the amazing billfishing trips Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures has to offer. We still have May to fish and then we will repower the 'Decisive' with new faster engines and be back at it in early October again. Our bookings for next season are filling really fast, and it looks like we will have a second boat to accommodate our bulging demand. So start planning your next angling adventure and drop us an email or check out the website, it'd be great to see you here.

Until next report, tight lines, circle hooks and healthy releases.

Capt. Brad Philipps
"Decisive"

Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures
E-mail: cindy@guatbilladv.com
Website: www.guatbilladv.com
Telephone/Fax No.: +(502) 7880-4152
Mobile: +(502) 5708-7423
USA Phone No.: (512) 535-1751
Mailing Address:
10 Calle 0-82 Zona 9, Suite 24
Ciudad de Guatemala
Guatemala, Centro America

Red Pig Reels hits the WATER with a line of Two Speed Ocean Reels Ranging from 15w thru 80w.

2008-04-28T18:59:00.002+01:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Red Pig Reels hits the WATER with a line of Two Speed Ocean Reels Ranging from 15w thru 80w.

Retails: $299-499

Warranty 1 Year

www.redpigreels.com

Featured in Saltwater Sportsman Magazine Page 109 May 2008 Issue!

Sample discounts available upon request!

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Fiji Grander Blue Marlin

2008-04-28T10:02:00.002+01:00

Its not common but occasionally I have the pleasure of taking a guest marlin fishing who's aim is not so much to catch a marlin, but to catch a BIG marlin. Some guests have been marlin fishing all around the world and are more interested in achieving a catch of note, rather than just another notch on the tag stick. To exclusively target that fish of a lifetime and by-pass all others takes dedication and an appreciation of all aspects of going out big game fishing, from planning and preparation to just plain enjoying being out at sea searching for that elusive monster.

I have yet to clap eyes on a grander in my spread though a colleague of mine of great experience tagged a blue last year in Kadavu waters. To quote him directly ' It was the biggest blue I have ever seen. Frightened the ******* life out of the crew when they saw her size. I recon she went 900lbs at least'. She was tagged and released. On a trip to the Kadavu seamount in November last year we saw an angry blue jump that would have easily gone 700lbs and a couple of years ago a colleague of mine tagged and released a black marlin on the Kadavu seamount that was estimated by the then editor of BlueWater magazine as being just shy of a grander. The Fiji All Tackle National Record for blue marlin is 447kg (983lbs) which was caught in 1997 on 80lb class gear.

It is clear that Fiji's elusive grander is out there but with very few charter boats with good quality heavy gear out looking for her, the landmark Fiji grander has yet to be caught.

When we do get that rare opportunity to exclusively target a monster, these are the lures we most commonly use:

' BFG ' 22 inch - MBT Lures
Mouldcraft - Wide Range ' 12 inch
Marlin Magic - Mirror Big Dog ' 14 inch
John Lau - Linda ' 14inch - John Lau
John Lau - GoodHead ' 14 inch
Pakula - Smokin' Joe ' 14 inch

These are our main 'go to' lures for targeting the super-sized marlin. I should add that aboard Bite Me, we have a selection of some 40 odd lures of 12 inches or more. Guests sometimes ask us to run a full spread of Pakula lures such as the big Smokin Joe, Sprocket, Wombat etc or we sometimes run a full spread of 14 inch John Lau lures. A couple of other lures should get a mention. We often reach for the smaller but extremely effective Joe Yee Apollo but this does draw strikes from all sizes of marlin and worringly, a fair few wahoo as well. The big Top Gun ball bearing Nightmare has accounted for a number of large fish in other countries including an 800lb blue off Bimini in the Bahamas in 1999. The John Lau 12 inch Talibung in black / red / yellow is also very effective and has accounted for a number of very large blue marlin in Hawaii.

I have mixed feelings about targeting a trophy marlin. I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to try, but know that I will be saddened if we ever have to weigh such a magnificent fish. One of my guests will catch that grander of a lifetime, set the Fiji National Record and I'll leave it at that. Having done so, I will be firmly back in the tag & release corner. Until that day, I intend on thoroughly enjoying seeing my anglers tag and releas all those 'nearly the one's.....

"Bite Me" Matava Resort Kadavu Fiji Islands www.matava.com

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Ross Finlayson Charters, Australia

2008-04-25T10:17:00.002+01:00

LATEST FISHING APRIL 08

After a windy month on the reef and the weather on the improve, the fishing looks set to be an excellent light tackle season with good sized Spanish mackerel are already on the bite and gathering around their winter time spots.

The bait is everywhere and bodes well for good sailfish and marlin action. I've seen 1 tailing sailfish in the last 2 trips with little searching. Both to the North and East of Cairns, yakkas, gobbers and pilchard schools are thick. Spotted mackerel and roaming Spanish mackerel are biting from the 30 metre contour onwards.

The mackerel range from standard 4kg models all the way to good sized 13-14kg fish. The islands and headlands have also produced some good mackerel so with calmer weather the local fishermen will be happy.

This ANZAC long weekend should be a great time fishing from Cairns although the neap tides may make the mackerel fishing a little tough with some sneaky tactics required.

14TH ANNUAL LA GUAIRA SHOOTOUT IN VENEZUELA

2008-04-20T10:31:00.002+01:00

IT’S BIG OH ALL THE WAY AT THE
14TH ANNUAL LA GUAIRA SHOOTOUT IN VENEZUELA

Starting with the first catch of the tournament in the 14th annual edition of the prestigious International La Guaira Billfish Shootout held April 9th to 12th, and up until the signal for lines out on the third and final day of fishing, the Fort Lauderdale team fishing aboard Big Oh held the lead over the other 22 teams in the tournament amassing an impressive total of 6,860 points with 12 blue marlin, 3 sailfish and a white marlin during the three days. Not only did they win the overall pot but they also took all three dailies!

In an event where anglers from the U.S., Europe, Aruba, Puerto Rico and Venezuela competed, characterized by atypical conditions with greenish currents and below average water temperatures resulting in very slow fishing during the first two days, the fleet of 23 tournament boats still managed to release a total of 88 billfish with 67 blue marlin, 20 sails and one white marlin.

Second place in the team category was taken by another Florida team fishing aboard Prime Time with 3,870 points who battled with the Venezuelan/Puerto Rican team aboard Blue Bird up until the last hour of fishing to decide who would take second and who would take third place. Blue Bird finished with a total of 3,500 points.

In the top individual angler standings three Floridians took top honors. Kevin Paul of Big Oh with 2,730 points was the tournaments high point angler, followed by Tom Wichers who fished aboard Prime Time with 2,260 points and Big Oh team mate Jimmy Fields with 2,210 points.

The winning teams received elegant sculpture trophies by Venezuelan sculptor Jose Manuel Rodriguez while each of the top three individual anglers received the Mustad Hooks Silver Hook Trophy. All the winners took home a hefty sum in cash as well as luxury items from Hook & Tackle, Gameface Gear, Leeward Rods, Shimano Reels, Pescador Brand Apparel, Diplomatico Rum and Globalstar Venezuela Electronics.

A good portion of the proceeds was donated to Fundacion Amigos del Niño con Cancer (Friends of Children with Cancer Foundation FANCC www.fncancer.org.ve) with several of the young patients present during the social events. In fact, one of the cancer patient boys threw out the ‘first pitch’ in the annual Venezuela vs The World softball game hosted by Pepsi and Solera Premium Beer held on the lay-day Friday April 11th, where Venezuela prevailed for the third year in a row by a score of 16 to 8.

Plans are already under way for the Venezuelan International Super Slam scheduled for September 25th thru 29th. For additional information about these and other interesting international tournaments visit www.intlbillfishtourns.com or cal 305 213 5521.

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2008 World Championship Billfish Release Tournament – Update April 18, 2008

2008-04-18T18:26:00.000+01:00

With just a little over a month to go the interest in the record setting WCBRT event in Cabo San Lucas Mexico has been outstanding! Cabo is considered the Striped Marlin Capital of the World by knowledgeable blue water anglers worldwide. The phenomenal catch rates in the most recent WCBRT events have further peaked the interest from anglers’ world wide to come to Cabo and participate in the WCBRT this May 2008. This tournament was designed by fisherman to be a tournament "For Fishermen by Fishermen".

The WCBRT on May 17 – 21, 2008 is a three-day fishing tournament with an additional one-day Observer fishing tournament on May 21st. This is a 100% catch-and-release, 100% circle hook with live and dead bait tournament. The WCBT is a 2009 IGFA Qualifying event with, so far to date, eleven International countries participating. This challenging and prestigious event, allows teams to compete against many of the top anglers from all over the world.

With the WCBRT dates quickly approaching, the following update will assist you in your tournament preparations. If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to get in contact with the WCBRT office at www.wcbrt.com or at the emails or phone numbers listed in this update sheet.

New Advisor/Committee Members
The WCBRT is pleased to announce the appointment of Captain Steve Lassley of Team Bad Company and Tracy Ehrenberg of Cabo San Lucas Pisces Sportfishing to the WCBRT Committee and Advisory Board. With Capt. Lassley’s many years of professional tournament experience, knowledge both inside and outside the sport fishing industry and Tracy’s years of local knowledge, charters and support with various government organizations, both of these individuals bring valuable experience and expertise to WCBRT events. Steve and Tracy join fellow Committee and Advisory Board members, Ned Wallace of Tiger Spirit, Rick Twamley of Bull Rider and Tom Lansing of Extraction. We thank all of our Committee and Advisors for their valuable support and participation in the WCBRT!

Observers
The observer count is growing, with the last class of thirty-three IGFA observers completing the course that will effectively allow us to have observers on all tournament boats for the WCBRT event. Observer’s rooms and hotels are booked and paid for by the tournament. Box lunches will be supplied each day for each observer. These lunches may be pre-ordered during angler registration on Saturday, May 17th, 2008. The lunches will be ready for pickup each day at the No Worries Bar and Grill Restaurant at 5:30 A.M. Coffee and sweets will be served every morning at this location and all teams are required to pick up their designated observers each day from the No Worries Bar prior to leaving the marina to fish each day.

Observers will be randomly assigned by the WCBRT Committee to different tournament boats each day and NO observer will be guaranteed any particular boat during the WCBRT event.

Airport Transportation
For round-trip transportation to and from the airport to Cabo, the WCBRT is pleased to offer Trans Cabo as the WCBRT transportation partner. If you have not yet secured your transportation reservations, now is the time to do so. Trans Cabo will have transportation waiting for you at San Jose Del Cabo airport with Championship exclusive rates of $ 30.00 USD round trip transfer. If you take a taxi on your own, it will cost you more than $ 80.00 U.S. It is extremely important that you make prior arrangements with Trans Cabo to pick you up at the airport. Due to new Federal regulations, Trans Cabo will only be able to transport those who are pre-registered. They must have the exact number of persons and their names at time of pickup at the airport. Trans Cabo is the premier destination transportation service in the Baja. These transportation professionals will welcome you to Cabo and can meet all your personal transportation needs. For reservations please contact Trans Cabo at 1-866-403-5987 or visit their website at http://transcabo.com/tsys/indexgr.php?gr=rolex

Registration
Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, adjacent to the Tesoro Hotel, below the lighthouse at No Worries Bar and Grill Restaurant.

WCBRT Mandatory Captains Meeting & Rules for ALL WCBRT Teams / Team Members.
Saturday 5:00 PM at No Worries Bar and Grill Restaurant.

If you require tackle, fishing licenses or need a boat charter please contact the following -
Minerva’s Baja Tackle: 011 52 624 1431282 / Email: Minerva@minervas.com
Pisces Sportfishing: 011 52 624 1431288 / Email: pisces@piscessportfishing.com

Please keep our great sponsors and partners in mind when you’re making your next purchases: Minerva’s Baja Tackle, Melton’s International Tackle, King Sailfish Mounts, Pisces Sportfishing, Tesoro Hotel, No Worries Bar and Grill, Eagle Claw, Berkley, Pacific Coast Sportfishing, Roffs, Marlin World, Pelagic, QuickRig, The Billfish Foundation, IGFA, Ashwill Associates Commercial Real Estate, Finnseeker Sportfishing, Marlinnut, Los Ninos del Capitain Children’s Charity and Cabo Villas Beach Resorts.

Everyone at the WCBRT is looking forward to another great tournament in Cabo! If you have any questions, please email David Brackmann or Chris Badsey at info@wcbrt.com, david@ashwill.com or finnseeker@finnseeker.com. By phone call (888) 637- 6513 or (949) 340-9739.

Schedule of Events

Tournament Check-In and Final Registration:

May 17th, 2008
Team Registration 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. at No Worry’s Bar.
Observers Briefing 4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. at No Worry’s Bar.
Mandatory Captains Meeting 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. at No Worry’s Bar.
Cocktails/Snacks will be served 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. at No Worry’s Bar.

Fishing Days:
May 18th
Coffee & Sweets/Muffins served 5:30 A.M. – 6:00 A.M. at No Worry's Bar.
Teams Pick up Observers 6:00 A.M. at No Worries Bar.
7:00 A.M. - Bimini Start 5:00 P.M. - Lines Out.
Cocktails / Food & Tecate Beer Girls 6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. at No Worry's Bar.
May 19th
Coffee & Sweets/Muffins served 5:30 A.M. – 6:00 A.M. at No Worry's Bar.
Teams Pick up Observers 6:00 A.M. at No Worry’s Bar.
7:00 A.M. - Bimini Start 5:00 P.M. - Lines Out.
Cocktails/Food & Tecate Beer Girls 6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. at No Worry's Bar.

May 20th
Coffee & Sweets/Muffins served 5:30 A.M. – 6:00 A.M. at No Worry's Bar.
Teams Pick up Observers 6:00 A.M. at No Worries Bar.
7:00 A.M. - Bimini Start 5:00 P.M. - Lines Out.
Cocktails/Food & Tecate Beer Girls 6:30 P.M. –7:30 P.M. at No Worry's Bar.

May 21st
Observer Tournament:
Coffee & Sweets/Muffins served 5:30 A.M. – 6:00 A.M. at No Worry's Bar.
Teams Pick up Observers 6:00 A.M. at No Worry’s Bar.
7:00 A.M. – Bimini Start 3:00 P.M. – Lines Out.
Awards Banquet:
Awards Dinner Banquet 7:30 P.M. – 8:30 P.M. at No Worry's Bar.

Mandatory Digital / Video Cameras

Teams must provide their own digital or video camera’s to film and record, validate all billfish releases during the WCBRT event in addition to WCBRT Observer observations.

Observer Tournament

We wish to thank all those teams who have already offered to donate their time and boats to take the Observers out for the special Observer Tournament fishing day. Your generosities, have helped the WCBRT attract the large field of observers to participate and observe this year. Should anyone else wish to participate and take a team of observers out for a day of competition as a thank you for their volunteer support of the WCBRT, we would really appreciate a few more teams / boats to help out in order to lessen the number of observers fishing on each participating boat.

See you in Cabo!

The Committee
WCBRT BILLFISH CONSERVATION GOALS
• Raise awareness of the need for billfish conservation.
• Support responsible billfish conservation management and science programs by donating proceeds to The Billfish Foundation.
• Release all hooked fish with as little injury as feasible.
• Advance the use of conservation-friendly equipment and fishing methods.
• Promote good sportsmanship by setting positive examples for young anglers.
• Provide youth angling and educational opportunities related to billfishing.
• Associate with responsible sport fishing entities, event services & related industry businesses.
• Demonstrate that billfish conservation pays.
• Support the local economy and specifically Los Ninos del Capitain Children’s Charity.
• The WCBRT is a 100% non-profit event

++++++++++

RED PIG Donations

2008-04-15T13:05:00.004+01:00

Red Pig Fishing reels has donated USD 1,800 to cystic fibrosis for the Mike Schmidt Cystic Fibrosis tournament in the Bahamas. Over 60 boats will compete for cash and prizes and Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies mvp will mc the event. Red Pig Fishing is the exclusive fishing reel sponsor of this tournament

Red pig also announces the first 80w reel for $499.99 with a 1 year warranty www.redpigreels.com

More news to follow!
Brant Williams

+++

CORRESPONDENTS WANTED!

2008-04-15T13:00:00.005+01:00

If you would like to become a Marlin World correspondent please send an email to theoffice@marlinworld.tv

We would love to have news from all over the globe to publish not only in this 'blog' but also to use on occasion for articles in the magazine.

All correspondents will have their own posting access to the NEWSDESK BLOG

Thanks
Paul

Change to magazine

2008-04-15T12:57:00.002+01:00

If you look at this current issue of the magazine you'll notice some 'blinking' lights. We've added these over the website and email links of our advertisers to attract readers to click on the links. Apparently some readers did not know the pages were interactive — to me it does not look so nice but at the end of the day we have to please the advertisers with good results.

Don't forget to support the advertisers with a visit to their website!

Thanks
Paul

Cabo Frio, Brasil

2008-04-15T11:47:00.003+01:00

Hi guys,

If anyone out there has information about marlin fishing off Cabo Frio, Brasil - please let me know. It can either be historical news or what is going on at the present time.

Thanks, I really appreciate it.

All the best, Paul
Marlin World Field Editor - EMAIL: theoffice@marlinworld.tv

++++

KEEP’N IT REEL signs partnership agreement

2008-04-13T16:58:00.001+01:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:
Rich Rubenstein – Key Motorsports, Inc.
(704) 663-1670 or (704) 641-7552
rich@keymotorsports.hrcoxmail.com or rubenOTM@aol.com

KEEP’N IT REEL SIGNS PARTNERSHIP WITH KEY MOTORSPORTS
AS NASCAR RACE TEAM’S OFFICIAL APPAREL PROVIDER

MOORESVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA (April 3, 2008 - Keep’n It Reel, manufacturer of the popular line of custom apparel predominantly for fresh and salt water fishing and soon for the hunting industry, has signed a partnership agreement with Key Motorsports as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck and Nationwide Series race organization’s Official Apparel Provider.

Based in Huntington Beach, California, KIR will use its new-found NASCAR format as a means to brand its company and product line. KIR is best known for it’s extremely realistic, action-packed and magnificently colored designs that grace most of its apparel.

The company was founded by current CEO Vince Saiki and President Jason Wood who both grew up around the fishing business – Saiki in the Pacific Ocean in his native Hawaii and then Los Angeles, and Wood in the Delaware Bay in the Middle Atlantic Region of the U.S. Both are avid fishermen who saw a need to develop a company that would address conservation, help protect the world’s sport fishing water sheds and promote the beauty and zeal of outdoor sport like fishing and hunting.

“Most of us sport fish for leisure and that’s what Keepnitreel is all about,” said Wood. “I’d just rather be fishing than working. But I would like to make a greater impact on the industry by helping organizations like the California Coastal Commission,” added Wood, who as a kid embarked on a letter writing campaign that got the Core of Engineers to stop the dumping of batteries that would contaminate his favorite fishing spot.

When Wood and Saiki, a successful businessman who is now the KIR CEO, met and teamed together to form Keepnitreel, Saiki also imagined using the company as a vehicle to help promote sport fishing while helping Wood follow his vision.

“I love the sport and enjoy putting out product that sport fishermen can enjoy like I do,” said Saiki who said that he helped establish KIR for the love of the sport and not the money. “I see KIR as an open-ended business opportunity with nothing getting in the way of our success. There is a lot of junk out there with no love behind it,” Saiki says of the kind of sport fishing and hunting products out there and around which the KIR line has been established. “For us, this is a passion play,” he added.

Wood and Saiki both see the partnership with Key Motorsports as the first step in using the relationship to help build their brand through NASCAR and to target all of those outdoorsmen who love to fish and hunt that also are NASCAR race fans.

“Fishing and hunting are just as much a passion to many NASCAR fans as sport fishing is to us, and we believe that the quality of our products will be something that fishermen and hunters who follow NASCAR would like to have,” Wood exclaimed. “NASCAR fans have long been known to be amongst the most loyal of all sport’s fans, and if they can buy high quality products that fulfill a need, are appealing to the eye and help preserve outdoor life, we believe that they will continue to buy these products,” he added,

Having members of the Key Motorsports team wearing KIR apparel will be the initial step for the company in working to achieve its goals.

“We’re excited and privileged that KIR has seen fit to select our race organization to help its company achieve its goals in NASCAR. We will do everything we can to help KIR further its cause and to capture the imagination and trust of all those fishermen and hunters that also follow our sport,” said Rich Rubenstein, Vice President of Operations at Key Motorsports.

Now in its third consecutive season of full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competition, Key Motorsports is also returning to NASCAR Nationwide Series action in 2008 after a 10-year absence by planning to enter one of its four #31 Chevrolet Monte Carlo race cars in the Circuit City 250 at the Richmond International Raceway on Friday night, May 2. Veteran driver Jeff Green, who tested the car at RIR last month, is expected to be behind the wheel of the #31 Chevy in the first of several NNS races this season that Key Motorsports is to enter.

Keepnitreel products can be found and ordered on line at www.keepnitreel.com.
Jason Wood
jason@keepnitreel.com
www.keepnitreel.com
office 714-9620242
cell 714-906-6896
fax 714-593-0452

Fiji Saltwater Fishing Report - April-May 2008

2008-04-12T16:54:00.000+01:00

For the waters around Kadavu Island- Fiji Islands - South Pacific.

Charter Operator - Matava Resort Gamefishing
Boat Names - Bite Me (Offshore) and Offensive Tackle (Inshore)
Average Water Temp - 29.5
Average Sea State - 40% Wind chop to 2ft, groundswell to 4ft / 60% calm
Average Winds - 50% 5-10kts / 50% calm
Water Clarity - Variable inshore after tropical rain, good offshore

The summer Yellowfin run has proved to be plentiful with many fish to 100Lbs. Large schools of smaller fish offered great sport on the light tackle and plenty of bait for the heavy tackle marlin enthusiasts.

Blue marlin to 200kgs have been regularly seen with some much bigger fish mixed in. Bite Me fought a blue conservatively estimated at 700lbs for almost two hours only to have the line eventually part under sunset drag.

With the water temp now at almost 30 degrees, the blue bite is quiet but will fire up again from the end of April when water temperatures start to ease. The GTs however are loving it with a superb bite all month - especially around the full moon when they went completely berserk. Anglers aboard Bite Me made the most of it taking three new Fiji National Records on the poppers.

Outlook:
May will see the start of the much anticipated wahoo and sailfish run that Fiji is famous for. Packs of sails start to congregate and the big packs of marauding wahoo gather along the Great Astrolabe barrier reef from May. These pack wahoo average about 50lbs with fish to 100lbs.

This season, anglers aboard Bite Me will be making several attempts an the IGFA World Records on line class and on the fly. Amazingly, the first wahoo pack has already turned up on the Kadavu seamount and the first sails tagged. Very early but very welcome and the coming light tackle mayhem is eagerly anticipated by all.

Summary:

Blue marlin - Bite easing but will fire up again in May
Yellowfin - Thinning out now but still some big fish on the seamount
Sailfish - First few of the season starting to turn up
Wahoo - First pack on the seamount - More soon
Mahi Mahi - Bit thin on the ground with just the occasional pair here and there
Mackerel - Good quantities with some nice fish to 50lbs landed recently
GTs - Crazy bite on at the moment with excellent weather conditions for popper casting

Cpt Adrian Watt
Director, Matava Resort Gamefishing,
Tel: + (679) 333 7222 or 333 6098
www.GameFishingFiji.blogspot.com
www.Matava.com

HOT News from the IGFA

2008-04-09T16:56:00.000+01:00

April 2008

By Pete Johnson, Johnson Communications – IGFA PR Counsel

IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame
announces 10th induction class
International event honors contributions of five to the sport of fishing

Four men and a lady, all who have made significant contributions to the sport of recreational fishing, will be inducted as the 10th class into the International Game Fish Association International Fishing Hall of Fame this fall. The announcement of the class of 2008 includes Henry Chee, Dr. Roy Dean, Jimmy Houston, Kay Rybovich and Karl Wickstrom.
The 10th annual star-studded enshrinement ceremony and dinner will be held Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 6 p.m. at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla. The public is invited.
Each year the honorees are selected for the significant contributions through angling achievements, literature, the arts, science, education, invention, communication or administration of fishery resources.
The five inductees and their contributions are:
Henry Chee was one of the original two charter skippers in Kona, Hawaii. In the 1940s he was responsible for the advent of trolling lures, making his first "tube" lure out of fiberglass resin, using a drinking glass as a mold, and went on to perfect the use of brass for leader tubes and strips of pearl shell for inserts. Chee died in 1965.
Dr. Roy Dean dedicated his life to light-tackle fishing. Recognized for his extensive exploration of the coastlines of Mexico and Costa Rica, research on billfish migration, and promotion of catch-and-release, he is best known as the founder of the International Light Tackle Tournament Association (ILTTA) more than 60 years ago. Dean died in 1990.
Jimmy Houston won his first professional bass tournament in 1966, his first B.A.S.S. "Angler of the Year" title in 1976, and has produced and hosted the popular TV show Jimmy Houston Outdoors for more than 30 years. He was inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame in 2002. Houston lives in Cookson, Okla.
One of three founders of the International Women's Fishing Association (IWFA) in 1955, Kay Rybovich remains one of the grand ladies of sport fishing. An early proponent of catch-and-release fishing, she is a long-time supporter of fisheries research programs and numerous conservation organizations. Kay was married to the late John Rybovich Jr. who was inducted into the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame’s first class in 1998.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Florida Sportsman magazine, Karl Wickstrom initiated and chaired the Save Our Sealife constitutional amendment campaign that banned gill nets in 1994 and revitalized Florida's inshore waters. He was also instrumental in the founding of the state's Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) chapter more than 20 years ago. Wickstrom lives in Stuart, Fla.
There are currently 70 Hall of Fame members enshrined including Zane Grey, Ernest Hemingway, Curt Gowdy, Ted Williams, Lee Wulff, Michael and Helen Lerner, Philip Wylie, Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Johnny Morris, Don Tyson and Stu Apte.
Tickets are $200 and include the cocktail reception beginning at 6 p.m., silent auction, dinner and the induction ceremony beginning at 7:30 p.m. Special sponsorships and sponsor tables are available. For reservation information please call 954-924-4222.
The IGFA is a nonprofit, membership-supported, conservation and record-keeping organization founded in 1939 with members in over 120 countries. The association welcomes visitors to the 60,000 square foot IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Florida. For further information, contact Lesley Arico at the International Game Fish Association, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, Florida 33004 Email: HYPERLINK "mailto:larico@igfa.org" larico@igfa.org or by phone (954) 927-2628 Fax (954) 924-4299.

(EDITOR: To schedule an interview with any of the three honorees you may contact Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or HYPERLINK "mailto:lirwin@igfa.org" larico@igfa.org, or Pete Johnson, IGFA PR counsel at 480-951-3654 or HYPERLINK "mailto:johnsoncom@aol.com" johnsoncom@aol.com. Head shot photos of each of the five inductees are available upon request.)
###

Manufacturers among those to be honored at IGFA’s Fifth Annual World Record Achievement Awards

Last month in the IGFA Hot News for March, we highlighted the top anglers from around the world who will be honored April 12 at the IGFA’s Fifth Annual World Record Achievement Awards (WRAA) celebration (please see HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/News.asp?qs=203" http://www.igfa.org/News.asp?qs=203).
This month we feature the manufacturers based on the number of computer printouts of the 495 anglers using their products in setting the new records in 2007. The awards ceremony also recognizes the men, women, juniors, and professional captains for the most world records compiled from the Top 10 list recently published in the IGFA’s 2008 World Record Game Fishes book. The ceremony will be held at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Florida.
Shimano, Ande and Rapala are among the top tackle, line and lure manufacturers to be honored.
Shimano picked up firsts in saltwater rods and reels along with freshwater reels for a combined 240 records. Ande also scored triple firsts in fly tippet, saltwater and freshwater lines totaling 219 records. Rapala had two first both in the use of their freshwater and saltwater lures for records.
Also scoring first were Shakespeare for freshwater rods, Tibor for fly reels, Sage for fly rods, and Boga Grip for scales.

Lifetime Achievement Awards; top anglers to be honored
Guides/educators Captain Jay Wright Jr., Hollywood, Fla., USA, and Jean-Francois Helias, also an IGFA Representative from Bangkok, Thailand will be presented with IGFA Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Each man will receive a David Wirth limited edition bronze “Lava” Hawaiian circle hook sculpture.
Also to be honored will be Ms. Jodie L. Johnson, Peterborough, N.H. USA, as the Overall Female Angler of the year recording the most records, 28 all on fly. In addition Dr. Martin Arostegui Coral Gables, Fla., USA, will receive the Overall Male Angler of the year with 22 records, 18 of them on fly. The retired physician was the first angler to reach the 200 world records plateau two years ago.
All first place winners will receive King Sailfish Mounts.
Cocktails begin at 6:00 p.m. with dinner and awards program at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the WRAA are $50.00 and include a barbecue dinner.
For more information or to reserve a ticket, contact Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" larico@igfa.org .

From the 2008 WRAA Top 10 list –
Tackle manufacturers/guides – # records achieved
Top 3 SW Guides
Andrew Parsons: 16
Capt. Jay Wright: 12
Capt. Greg Eklund: 11
Top 3 FW Guides
Capt. Jay Wright: 20
Jean Francois Helias: 12
Karel Dawson: 8
Fly Rods
Sage: 42
Gloomis: 37
Thomas & Thomas: 12
Fly Reels
Tibor/Billy Pate: 53
Abel: 34
Lamson: 8
Fly Tippet
Ande: 77
Rio: 31
Maxima: 6
3t. Momoi: 6
SW Rod
Shimano: 25
Penn: 17
Daiwa: 11
SW Reel
Shimano: 117
Penn: 46
Daiwa: 32
SW Line
Ande: 62
Momoi: 27
Power Pro: 22
FW Rod
Shakespeare: 25
Pro Kik: 23
Shimano: 18
FW Reel
Shimano: 98
Daiwa: 22
Abu Garcia: 13
3t. Penn: 13
FW Line
Ande: 80
Power Pro: 28
Berkley: 25
Scales
Boga Grip: 170
Chatillion: 70
Berkley: 32
Top 3 FW Lure:
Rapala: 11
Zoom: 7
Mepps: 4
Top 3 SW Lure:
Rapala 4
Storm 3
6 tied with 2
###

Anglers prepare for Ninth Annual Offshore World Championship

It’s the final month of preparation as 63 teams from nearly 30 countries on five continents practice for the 2008 IGFA Offshore World Championship May 11 – 16, at one of the world’s top fishing locations Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Considered the most prestigious catch-and-release billfishing tournament across the globe, the event also draws the single largest contingent of international teams ever to compete in a fishing competition.
The teams were invited after winning one of 137 IGFA qualifying events held in 38 countries and territories plus 14 states in the U.S. It’s the seventh straight year Cabo San Lucas has been chosen as the championship location.
This years’ sponsors are Secretaria de Turismo de Baja California Sur, Costa Del Mar, Hotel Finisterra, Guy Harvey Inc., Shimano, Minerva’s Baja Tackle, Picante Sport Fishing and Yacht Sales, Cabo Yachts, K D & G Sea Life Masterpieces, Hook & Tackle, Momoi Hi-Catch, Murray Products, AFTCO BlueWater, Bodo Muche, Señor Greenberg’s, IWS Scales, King Sailfish Mounts, Pompanette, Pisces Sportfishing, Corona and Modelo S.A DE C.V. Mexico, Trans Cabo, Eagle Claw, MoldCraft Products, Inc., Don Tyson and API Dock.
In 2009 the Bonnier Marine Group will join the IGFA to manage the 10th anniversary of the world championship which began in 2000.
Updated information and a list of the registered teams can be found on the IGFA web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org" www.igfa.org under the fishing tab on the home page by clicking “tournaments.” Questions regarding the 2008 IGFA OWC should be directed to Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or via e-mail at HYPERLINK "mailto:LArico@igfa.org" LArico@igfa.org.
###

IGFA partners with Florida Keys Outfitters for 2009 Inshore World Championship

Hailed for nearly a decade as the “Super Bowl” of fly and light-tackle inshore fishing, the International Game Fish Association’s Inshore World Championship stands to grow even more prestigious thanks to a recently announced partnership with the Florida Keys Flyfishing School & Outfitters, Inc., dba Florida Keys Outfitters.
This championship, which began in 2001, has grown into the sport’s premiere inshore fishing series. To be invited to this prestigious all-release event, anglers must win one of the many qualifying tournaments located around the world.
“The Inshore World Championship has anglers representing more countries than any other inshore fishing tournament in the world,” says IGFA Corporate Relations Director Mike Myatt. “We have over 50 qualifying tournaments from seven different countries this year including 12 states here in the USA.”
Florida Keys Outfitters will manage operations of the championship starting with the 2009 event. The IGFA will remain the championship’s sole non-profit benefactor with a fundraiser and auction for the IGFA to be held at the championship. The championship will continue to use the first-class amenities and guides of Islamorada, Fla., its host location. The Florida Keys Outfitters/IGFA Inshore World Championship is scheduled for July 7-9, 2009.
In 1989 Sandy Moret founded The Florida Keys Fly Fishing School and began holding fly fishing seminars with a list of now legendary instructors. Just to name a few, Flip Pallot, Chico Fernandez, Steve Rajeff, Steve Huff, Rick Ruoff and Moret provide extensive hands-on instruction five times a year at the Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada. Now in its 20th year, it is unparalleled as the place to learn or improve fly fishing skills, whether on the flats or in blue water. Sandy progressed from the school to opening Florida Keys Outfitters, a specialty salt water fly fishing shop in Islamorada, in 1992.
Since then Florida Keys Outfitters has become recognized as one of the premiere salt water fly fishing shops in the world, specializing in providing premium fly fishing equipment and flies along with expert rigging and experienced advice. The shop also offers an excellent selection of men and women’s sportswear, weather gear, gifts and accessories. Anglers are also able to book some of the finest, professional fishing guides in the Keys through the shop.
(For the complete news release please go to the IGFA web site’s home page at
http://igfa.org/inshore_partnership_flkeysout.asp)
###

IGFA School of Sportfishing adds seventh session this spring

Due to its popularity, the variety of appealing curriculums for local waters, the limited class sizes and expert instructors, the IGFA School of Sportfishing has added more classes to begin its seventh session in mid-April.
Held on Tuesday nights from 7 - 10 p.m., at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame headquarters in Dania Beach, Fla., the classes feature many of the most popular subjects previously offered plus two new topics that participants have expressed strong interest in having added.
“We’ve always strived to give the customer the best experience possible so we took their suggestions and brought back the favorite classes,” said IGFA Adult Education Coordinator David Matagiese. “After going through these evaluations with program School of Sportfishing cofounder, Capt. Tony DiGiulian of Saltwater Professional Consulting, it was pretty clear that the customers were looking for a class to help them utilize their onboard electronics to become more efficient anglers. With today’s technology, marine electronics are capable of giving anglers a huge advantage but many people can’t access the full potential of what they paid for. This class will serve to teach customers how to easily manage their electronics and let their tools do the work for them.”
Matagiese said the second new class debuting in this session is the “Tarpon, Redfish and Trout Tactics.”
“This class will be a great supplement to the “Fishing for Trophy Snook” class and will provide each attendee with a whole new set of tactics for targeting these inshore species. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a weekend warrior, these classes offer something for everyone.”
Along with DiGiulian other popular captains instructing the classes are Mark Zaskey, Bouncer Smith and Drew Kettelhut
The dates, subjects and instructors for the eight classes will include:
April 15 -- Four Fundamentals Every Sportfisherman Should Know-- Capt. Tony DiGiulian
April 22 -- Fishing for Trophy Snook --Capt. Mark Zaskey
April 29 -- Fishing Bimini and Cat Cay --Capt. Bouncer Smith
May 6 -- Dolphin and Wahoo Secrets --Capt. Tony DiGiulian
May 13 -- Successful Swordfishing--Capt. Drew Kettelhut
May 20 -- Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs--Capt. Bouncer Smith
May 27 -- Understanding Your Onboard Electronics --Instructor TBA
June 3 -- Tarpon, Redfish and Trout Tactics--Instructor TBA

The cost is $100 for IGFA members and $150 for non-members per class and limited to the first 24 anglers to sign up.
For more details go to the IGFA web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954.924.4247 or e-mail him at HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org. Registration is also available online at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/sosform.asp" www.igfa.org/sosform.asp.
###

--Coming to the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame—
Free IGFA Family Fishing Clinic this month; Sharkwater included

The popular IGFA Family Fishing Clinic at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla., returns on Saturday, April 19, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. IGFA staff members will be available for the free event to provide instruction on casting, knot tying, regulations, angling techniques and conservation practices.
As an added bonus admission to the museum, which offers many family activities including the popular Sharkwater feature length movie, will be also free for children and ½ off for adults.
Reservations are not required.
For more information please call the IGFA at 954-927-2628.
###

IGFA and FFWCC hosting free Boaters Safety Course in May

Are you new to boating or would like for you and members of your family to be safer boaters?
Next month the IGFA and the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission will team together to host its next free Boaters Safety Courses beginning on Saturday, May 10, at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla.
Two other additional classes for 2008 will be offered August 2 and November 8.
The all day class will begin at 8 a.m. and last till 4 p.m.
This course, taught by the law enforcement division of the FFWCC meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida.
The class is comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam and is limited to 16 people with advance registration.
For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at HYPERLINK "mailto:jtomlin@igfa.org" JTomlin@igfa.org.
###

IGFA Junior Angler Summer Camp starts in June; Open house in May

For hands-on activities for youngsters nothing beats the IGFA Junior Angler annual Summer Camps beginning in June.
Now in its ninth year at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame in Dania Beach, Fla., the association will be offering nine weeklong summer camp adventures for children ages 8 – 13 running from June 9 - August 15th.
Campers spend time in the museum where they learn about fishing techniques, conservation, marine biology, tying flies & jigs, and participate in simulated fishing tournaments. Field trips take the campers on a variety of fresh and salt water adventures: drift boat, pier and shore fishing, wetlands exploration and much more. These camps give children the opportunity to have fun while being educated on local habitats and ethical practices. During each week-long experience, campers will discover the importance of the different fresh and salt water habitats for sport fishing.
For a chance to experience the exciting activities in store, parents and their youngsters can come to the IGFA on Saturday, May 17th from 10 a.m. to noon for a Summer Camp Open House. For much more information, please call 954-924-4309, email HYPERLINK "mailto:reservations@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org, or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/camps.asp" www.igfa.org/camps.asp.
###

April Hot Catches from the IGFA World Records Department

Each month the International Game Fish Association’s highlights selected documented fish catches made from across the globe and submitted for world records. IGFA world records coordinator Rebecca Wright provided the following information on these 14 recent submissions now before the world records review committee:

An IGFA world fly fishing record that has been held for over 27 years by Cory Wells, the leader of the internationally famous hit recording rock group Three Dog Night, may be on the verge of being broken. While fly fishing Beaver Creek, on Bull Shoals Lake in Missouri, USA, Michael Bryan Kyle of nearby Springfield, landed a white bass (Morone chysops) on March 26 weighing 1.7 kg (3 lb 12 oz) using a Duane Doty clouser minnow on 4 kg (8 lb) class tippet. Wells caught his 3 lb 8 oz white bass fly fishing Lake Nacimiento, Calif in 1981. Ironically veteran fishing writer Wayne Shaw of the San Luis Obispo (Calif) Tribune was in the midst of writing a feature on Wells and the long standing world record from the local lake. Wells has been a member of the IGFA for over 30 years and held other fly records. (Photo: white bass -- 08040000)

A number of ladies have been tackling IGFA world records. On holiday fishing Barra do Kwanza, Angola, young angler Lydia Nicolson of Brombrough Wirra, United Kingdom, guided by Cam Nicolson, and using a live sardine for bait, took 20 minutes to land a 46.6 kg (102 lb 11 oz) tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) on Dec. 28, 2007. She has sent her documentation to the IGFA in the female smallfry class category to potentially beat the current record of 86 lb caught in Laguan, San Jose, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Nov. 2005. (Photo: tarpon – 08030051)

Fly fishing for heavier game than the fish found in her home waters of Bozeman, Mont., USA, Dotty Ballantyne, landed a California yellowtail (Seriola lalandi dorslis) off Loreto, Mexico while being guided by Abel Davis. The fish weighed 11.34 kg (25 lb 0 oz) on 8 kg (16 lb) class tippet and took 28 minutes to land. The current women’s tippet class record is 8 lb 6 oz recorded in the IGFA records books from the waters of Uncle Sam Band, Baja California in January 2005. (Photo: California yellowtail – 08030053)

DeSoto, Kan. USA angler Joan Vandergriff, guided by Betsy Bullard, while fishing Golfito, Costa Rica, landed a Pacific snook (Centropomus spp.) in 25 minutes on February 13, 2008, weighing 14.23 kg (31 lb 6 oz) on 4 kg (8 lb) class line. The current IGFA women’s line class record is 8 lb 8 oz, caught in Isla Coiba, Panama in June 2005. (Photo: Pacific snook – 08030027)

A month later also at Golfito, Costa Rica, Betsy Bullard, now the angler and guided by Abraham Concepcion, landed a Pacific snook (Centropomus spp.) on March 14 weighing 16.98 kg (37 lb 7 oz) on 6 kg (12 lb) class line. She used live threadfin for bait and took 10 minutes to land the fish. The IGFA women’s line class record currently stands at 7 lb 9 oz caught in the Galapagos of Ecuador in January 2004. (Photo: Pacific snook – 08030054)

Hoping to beat here own 110 lb whaler shark (Carcharhinidae family) IGFA line class world record set last year on the aptly named Shark River of Flamingo in the Everglades of Florida, USA, Rebecca Wright, Hollywood, Fla., may have more than doubled it. Using a live blue runner for bait she hooked up for a 35 minute fight on 60 kg (130 lb) class line finally bringing her quarry in to weigh-in at 109.34 kg (241 lb 1 oz). Guided by Capt. Jay Wright Jr. she now has over 100 records. (Photo: whaler shark – 08020059)

Using her guide Capt. Tim Klein’s TK Special fly, Islamorada, Fla., USA angler Diana A. Rudolph, landed a bonefish (Albula spp.) from her hometown waters January 15, weighing 5.24 kg (11 lb 9 oz). It took the multi-record holder 10 minutes to bring in the trophy fish on 10 kg (20 lb) tippet class. She’s hoping to break the current IGFA women’s record of 11 lb 2 oz from March, 2002 caught in the same area. (Photo: bonefish – 08030042)

Ms. Jodie L. Johnson, Peterborough, N.H., USA, fly fishing the warm waters of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, this past December 13, landed an almaco jack, (Atlantic) (Seriola rivoliana) weighing 2.04 kg (4 lb 8 oz). Guided by Andrew Parsons she fought the fish for eight minutes using a Clouser fly tied on 3 kg (6 lb) class tippet. She’s hoping to beat her own current IGFA women’s 2 lb record for the specie, caught last year in the Bahamas. (Photo: almaco jack – 08030001)

Fishing his home waters of Key West, Fla., USA, Tim Coleman, guided by Capt. Al Golinski, landed a gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus) on Feb. 23, which weighed 4.99 kg (11 lb 0 oz). He used 6 kg (12 lb) class line and a jig with cut herring for bait. The IGFA men’s line class record for the newly added species is vacant. (Photo: gray snapper – 08030010)

Fly fishing the warmer waters of the Seychelles’ Cosmoledo Atoll, where he holds several other records, Washington USA’s Rockwell Hammond Jr., of Fall City, landed a bluefin trevally (Caranx melampygus) on Feb. 18, weighing 2.83 kg (6 lb 4 oz). He hooked the fish using a Dr. Rockbottom fly tied to 2 kg (4 lb) class tippet and fought it for 15 minutes. The current IGFA men’s tippet mark for the specie is 6 lb recorded in 2001 (Photo: bluefin trevally – 08030009)

In Tanzania this past Dec. 7, fishing his home waters of Dar es Salaam and using a rainbow runner for bait, Benward Twalibu, landed a dogtooth tuna, (Gymnosarda unicolor), weighing 100.5 kg (221 lb 8 oz) for a pending IGFA men’s 37 kg (80 lb) line class record . Guided by Maddalena Martinengo, it took him 45 minutes to land the long running and tough fighting fish. He has hopes of beating the current IGFA men’s line class mark of 194 lbs. caught in Kwan-Tall Islands, Kwantall-Do, Korea. (Photo: dogtooth tuna – 08030044)

Escaping the cold weather of Wilton, Conn. USA, for the warmer Atlantic waters off Jupiter, Fla., junior angler Cody Lapnow, guided by Jeff Warshaw, landed an African pompano (Alectis ciliaris) this past February 23. Using goggle-eye for bait and after a 10 minute fight he landed the fish that weighed 19.96 kg (44 lb 0 oz). The current IGFA male junior record is 39 lb 4 oz caught nearly five years ago just north of Jupiter in Port Canaveral, Fla. (Photo: African pompano – 08030035)

Fly fishing the waters of Key West, Florida, USA, Dave Chermanski, of Merritt Island, Fla., guided by Willie Chermanski, landed a cero mackerel (Scomberomorus regalis) on Feb. 26. On his 4 kg (8 lb) class tippet he used his own hand-tied DC Simulator to entice the bite of the fish which weighed 3.8 3kg (8 lb 7 oz). It took him 10 minutes to land. With his documentation he hopes to beat the current IGFA mark of 7 lb 4 oz recorded in 2004 in the same Key West vicinity. (Photo: cero mackerel – 08030022)

Fishing his hometown of Newport, Oregon, USA, angler Todd Pietsch, landed a grass rockfish (Sebastes rastrelliger) on March 30, 2007, weighing 2.89 kg (6 lb 6 oz) to possibly tie the all-tackle record. The current IGFA record fish was caught in the same area earlier that same month. (Photo: grass rockfish - 08030042a)
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Sharkwater extended: film and exhibition drawing big crowds

Sharkwater, the award-winning feature length film and exhibition which premiered in the fall of 2007 at the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., continues to draw big crowds and has been extended through September.
The much acclaimed 90-minute documentary film, winner of 19 international awards, is being shown four times daily on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m., noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. and Sundays at noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. On weekdays the film is shown at 3:30 p.m.
An interactive and educational exhibition based around shark conservation is also featured in the Museum's Changing Gallery.
The IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame is located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, off I-95 in Dania Beach next to Bass Pro Shops. The hall is open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free to IGFA members. Guest fees are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 3 - 16.
For more information phone the IGFA at 954-924-4370.
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From the IGFA -- Did You Know?

• Recreational fishing in Europe is responsible for:
• 2900 companies
• 60,000 jobs
• 5 billion Euros, annually
• Europe has 25 million recreational anglers that spend an estimated 25 billion Euros each year.
• New Zealand anglers spend an average of $900 per year.
• Australian anglers spend an average of $100 per year.
• Nearly 40 million Americans fish.
That's more than the number of people that play golf or tennis combined.
• Recreational fishing in the US supports more than one million jobs.
• Recreational fishing in the US supports more than $45 billion in annual retail sales.
• The total economic output of recreational fishing in the US is over $125 billion annually.
• US anglers and boaters spend over $600 million annually on excise taxes that go towards fisheries conservation and enhancement.
• US anglers directly invest $1.2 billion annually to preserve, protect and enhance the sport of recreational fishing.

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Calendar of future IGFA events

Now through September 2008 – Sharkwater, award-winning feature length film and exhibition, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – Extended through September due to popular demand, the much acclaimed 90-minute documentary film, winner of 19 international awards, is being shown four times daily on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m., noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. and Sunday’s at noon, 1:45 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. On weekdays it’s shown at 3:30 p.m. An interactive and educational exhibition based around shark conservation is also featured in the Museum's Changing Gallery. Monthly lectures featuring local and national shark experts are also scheduled. The IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame is located at 300 Gulf Stream Way, off I-95 in Dania Beach next to Bass Pro Shops. The hall is open daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday – Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free to IGFA members. Guest fees are $6 for adults and $5 for seniors and children ages 3 - 16. For more information phone the IGFA at 954-924-4370.
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April 12, 2008 -- Fifth annual IGFA World Record Achievement Awards and Banquet, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- This celebration dinner and awards ceremony highlights the 2007 records by men, women, juniors, professional captains and tackle manufacturers. For reservations and tickets for the ceremony please call Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" larico@igfa.org.
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April 15, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Four Fundamentals Every Sportfisherman Should Know,” -- IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. If you're new to the game or a seasoned vet to the sport, these are must-have skills every sportfisherman should know. Conducted by Capt. Tony DiGiulian this hands-on intensive class covers different types of bait rigging, how to fill your live well by properly throwing a cast net, how to tie critical knots for double line, line to line, terminal connections, and wire twists, along with proper terminal tackle prep like crimping, making leaders and hook sharpening. The class is limited to only 24 anglers, letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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April 19, 2008 -- Free Family Fishing Clinic, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. IGFA staff members will be available to provide instruction on casting, knot tying, regulations, angling techniques and conservation practices. Museum admission will be free for children and ½ off for adults. Reservations are not required.
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April 22, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Fishing for Trophy Snook,” -- IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Conducted by Capt. Mark Zaskey this class will teach you how to successfully target and find monster snook by working underwater structure using proven techniques including how to consistently provoke huge strikes. Learn from one of the innovators what it takes to land that lunker snook. The class is limited to only 24 anglers, featuring hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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April 25 - 27, 2008 -- 28th Annual Week of the Ocean School Marine Fair, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. Free event showcasing award-winning marine projects
of K-12th grade students from the arts to sciences. Museum hours 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday noon to 6 p.m. (Projects down at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday). For more information please go to HYPERLINK "http://www.national-week-of-the-ocean.org" \o "http://www.national-week-of-the-ocean.org/" www.national-week-of-the-ocean.org or contact Cynthia Hancock at 954-462-5573.
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April 29, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Fishing Bimini and Cat Cay” -- IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Discover this world just 50 miles away. These two Bahamian islands are close to home but require special knowledge on how to make your trip across the Gulf Stream safe, legal and enjoyable as possible. This class conducted by Capt. Bouncer Smith is limited to only 24 anglers, and features hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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May 6, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sport Fishing – “Dolphin and Wahoo Secrets” -- IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. -- 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. – Learn how to increase the size and quantity of the dolphin and wahoo you catch. Gain inside knowledge on the best strategies and techniques and learn to make the best rigs to catch more fish. This class, limited to 24 students, is taught by Capt. Tony DiGiulian, owner of Saltwater Professional Consulting. The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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May 10, 2008 -- Boaters Safety Course, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This free all day course is taught by the Law Enforcement division of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida. It’s comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam. The class is limited to 16 people with advance registration. For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at HYPERLINK "mailto:jtomlin@igfa.org" JTomlin@igfa.org.
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May 11 - 16, 2008 – 2008 IGFA Offshore World Championship, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – It’s international fishing’s most prestigious billfish tournament hosting over 60 winning teams from 27 countries on five continents who have been invited after winning one of over 130 IGFA qualifying events held in 2007. This ninth annual tournament hosts the largest contingent of international teams to compete in a single catch-and-release fishing tournament world wide. Contact IGFA tournament coordinator Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or HYPERLINK "mailto:larico@igfa.org" LArico@igfa.org or for media informationIGFA PR counsel Pete Johnson at 480-951-3654 or HYPERLINK "mailto:johnsoncom@aol.com" johnsoncom@aol.com .
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May 13, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Successful Swordfishing,” IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. From tackle to location, find out everything you need to know to make your next swordfish trip a huge success with hands-on squid rigging and inside information from Capt. Drew Kettelhut one of Fort Lauderdale's best swordfishermen. This class is limited to only 24 anglers, letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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May 17, 2008 – IGFA Summer Camp Open House, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. 10 a.m. – noon. This event gives parents and their youngsters ages 8 to 13 a chance to experience exciting activities during the IGFA’s nine weekly Summer Camps which begin June 9 to Aug 15, 2008. For more information, please call 954-924-4309, email HYPERLINK "mailto:reservations@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org, or visit HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/camps.asp" www.igfa.org/camps.asp.
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May 20, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Bottom Fishing Wrecks and Reefs,” IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. If you have ever had a slow day trolling and wished for some serious rod bending action, then this is the class for you. Techniques for snapper and grouper are just some of what you will learn from Capt. Bouncer Smith, one of the greatest fishermen of our generation. Limited to 24 anglers, the class features hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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May 27, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Understanding your Onboard Electronics” -- IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. With the advent of today’s technology, marine electronics are capable of giving anglers a huge advantage while on the water but many people can’t access the full potential of what they paid for. Limited to 24 anglers, this new class features hands-on instruction letting students learn how to easily manage their electronics and let their tools do the work for them. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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June 1 – 30, 2008 -- BAMM (Broward Attractions and Museum Month) During the month of June anyone with a membership in the IGFA or one the 20 participating museums and attractions in Broward County will be able to use that for reciprocal benefits in all. The theme for the month is “Join one, experience them all.” Each institution will define exactly what benefits will be eligible but at the very least it will be free admission at same member level. The IGFA will honor admission as well as 10% off in the gift shop. For more information please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at HYPERLINK "mailto:jtomlin@igfa.org" JTomlin@igfa.org
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June 3, 2008 -- IGFA School of Sportfishing; “Tarpon, Redfish and Trout Tactics” -- IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA. – 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. Find out what it takes to successfully target these highly sought after inshore species. Limited to only 24 anglers, this new class features hands-on instruction letting students interact and learn from some of the best anglers and captains sharing knowledge in their respective discipline. Pre-registration is required. The cost is $100 per class for IGFA members and $150 per class for non-members. The fee covers the cost of the training class, course materials and fishing equipment relevant to each topic. For more details go to the IGFA web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp" www.igfa.org/schoolofsportfishing.asp or contact David Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dmatagiese@igfa.org" dmatagiese@igfa.org, or contact Veronica Woods at 954-924-4334 or HYPERLINK "mailto:pgaube@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org
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June 9 -- Aug 15, 2008 -- IGFA’s nine weekly Summer Camps begin, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla. USA – This is the ninth year of the IGFA’s popular nine weekly camps held during the summer break for children ages 8 to 13. Campers will explore the aquatic environment and participate in many fishing adventures and exciting marine life activities. Each week-long camp session is held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Before and after-care is available from 8 - 9 a.m. and 4 - 6 p.m. Pre-registration is required. For more information, go to the IGFA summer camp website at HYPERLINK "http://www.igfa.org/springcamp.asp" www.igfa.org/summercamp.asp. There’s a maximum of 45 children per week, so parents are encouraged to reserve early. Registration is available by calling the IGFA education department at 954-924-4309 or via email at HYPERLINK "mailto:reservations@igfa.org" reservations@igfa.org.
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June 29 – July 2, 2008 -- Eighth annual IGFA Inshore World Championship, Islamorada, Fla., USA – Called by anglers and the media the “super bowl” of light tackle and fly fishing, invitations are sent to the winners of over 50 IGFA qualifying tournaments held on four continents in 2007 to compete in this three day all-release championship. From a drawing the qualifiers are paired with a different premier Keys guide each day fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook and redfish using fly or light tackle equipment. The five major award categories will include: Grand Champion (the angler who accumulates the most points for all five targeted species); runner-up grand champion and first places in the fly, artificial lure and bait casting divisions. There are also trophies and merchandise for second and third place divisional winners in the three categories as well as the top three guides. Contact: IGFA IWC tournament coordinator Denise Hartman 954-924-4243 or HYPERLINK "mailto:dhartman@igfa.org" \o "mailto:dhartman@igfa.org" DHartman@igfa.org or for media information Pete Johnson, IGFA PR counsel at 480-951-3654 or HYPERLINK "mailto:johnsoncom@aol.com" \o "mailto:johnsoncom@aol.com" johnsoncom@aol.com
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July 17, 2008 -- Second Annual Fish N Chips Casino party, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. This event benefits the Florida Marlins Community Foundation. For more information please go to HYPERLINK "http://www.florida.marlins.mlb.com/" \o "http://www.florida.marlins.mlb.com/" www.Florida.marlins.mlb.com.
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August 2, 2008 -- Boaters Safety Course, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This free all day course is taught by the Law Enforcement division of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida. It’s comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam. The class is limited to 16 people with advance registration. For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at HYPERLINK "mailto:jtomlin@igfa.org" JTomlin@igfa.org.
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October 25, 2008 -- The 10th Annual IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA -- This year’s event will be the highlight of a weekend-long (Friday, Oct. 24 – Sunday, Oct. 26) celebration in honor of all 70 members and the newest five inductees of the IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees include Henry Chee, Dr. Roy Dean, Jimmy Houston, Kay Rybovich and Karl Wickstrom. They were selected for the important contributions they have made to the sport of fishing through angling achievements, literature, the arts, science, education, invention, communication or administration of fishery resources. The evening includes a cocktail reception, silent auction, the induction ceremony for the 2008 class and dinner. Tickets are $200. For reservation information please contact Ms. Lesley Arico at 954-924-4222 or HYPERLINK "mailto:LArico@igfa.org" LArico@igfa.org
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November 8, 2008 -- Boaters Safety Course, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA. – 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This free all day course is taught by the Law Enforcement division of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and meets the mandatory boating safety education requirements for the State of Florida. It’s comprised of a six chapter review and a final exam. The class is limited to 16 people with advance registration. For more information and to register, please call Joanie Tomlin at the IGFA at 954-924-4312 or email her at HYPERLINK "mailto:jtomlin@igfa.org" JTomlin@igfa.org.
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November 10 – 13, 2008 – The Fifth World Recreational Fishing Conference, IGFA International Fishing Hall of Fame, Dania Beach, Fla., USA --Representatives from around the globe will be hosted by the IGFA at an international forum for the recreational fishing community. The conference will target the tackle industry, angling tourism and include representatives from non governmental organizations and fisheries science and management. Topics will include historical and recent trends in participation, emerging fisheries, recreational fisheries science and management, socioeconomics, and catch and release. For information on the conference or sponsorship opportunities, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.worldrecfish.org" www.worldrecfish.org or contact IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser at 954-924-4320 or HYPERLINK "mailto:jschratwieser@igfa.org" jschratwieser@igfa.org
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2008 World Championship Billfish Release Tournament

2008-04-08T18:40:00.000+01:00

www.wcbrt.com

With just a little over a month to go the interest in the record setting WCBRT event in Cabo San Lucas Mexico has been outstanding! Cabo is considered the Striped Marlin Capital of the World by knowledgeable blue water anglers worldwide. The phenomenal catch rates in the most recent WCBRT events have further peaked the interest from anglers’ world wide to come to Cabo and participate in the WCBRT this May 2008. This tournament was designed by fisherman to be a tournament "For Fishermen by Fishermen".

The WCBRT on May 17 – 21, 2008 is a three-day fishing tournament with an additional one-day Observer fishing tournament on May 21st. This is a 100% catch-and-release, 100% circle hook with live and dead bait tournament. The WCBT is a 2009 IGFA Qualifying event with, so far to date, eleven International countries participating. This challenging and prestigious event, allows teams to compete against many of the top anglers from all over the world.

With the WCBRT dates quickly approaching, the following update will assist you in your tournament preparations. If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to get in contact with the WCBRT office at www.wcbrt.com or at the emails or phone numbers listed in this update sheet.

New Advisor/Committee Members
The WCBRT is pleased to announce the appointment of Captain Steve Lassley of Team Bad Company and Tracy Ehrenberg of Cabo San Lucas Pisces Sportfishing to the WCBRT Committee and Advisory Board. With Capt. Lassley’s many years of professional tournament experience, knowledge both inside and outside the sport fishing industry and Tracy’s years of local knowledge, charters and support with various government organizations, both of these individuals bring valuable experience and expertise to WCBRT events. Steve and Tracy join fellow Committee and Advisory Board members, Ned Wallace of Tiger Spirit, Rick Twamley of Bull Rider and Tom Lansing of Extraction. We thank all of our Committee and Advisors for their valuable support and participation in the WCBRT!

Observers
The observer count is growing, with the last class of thirty-three IGFA observers completing the course that will effectively allow us to have observers on all tournament boats for the WCBRT event. Observer’s rooms and hotels are booked and paid for by the tournament. Box lunches will be supplied each day for each observer. These lunches may be pre-ordered during angler registration on Saturday, May 17th, 2008. The lunches will be ready for pickup each day at the No Worries Bar and Grill Restaurant at 5:30 A.M. Coffee and sweets will be served every morning at this location and all teams are required to pick up their designated observers each day from the No Worries Bar prior to leaving the marina to fish each day.

Observers will be randomly assigned by the WCBRT Committee to different tournament boats each day and NO observer will be guaranteed any particular boat during the WCBRT event.

Airport Transportation
For round-trip transportation to and from the airport to Cabo, the WCBRT is pleased to offer Trans Cabo as the WCBRT transportation partner. If you have not yet secured your transportation reservations, now is the time to do so. Trans Cabo will have transportation waiting for you at San Jose Del Cabo airport with Championship exclusive rates of $ 30.00 USD round trip transfer. If you take a taxi on your own, it will cost you more than $ 80.00 U.S. It is extremely important that you make prior arrangements with Trans Cabo to pick you up at the airport. Due to new Federal regulations, Trans Cabo will only be able to transport those who are pre-registered. They must have the exact number of persons and their names at time of pickup at the airport. Trans Cabo is the premier destination transportation service in the Baja. These transportation professionals will welcome you to Cabo and can meet all your personal transportation needs. For reservations please contact Trans Cabo at 1-866-403-5987 or visit their website at http://transcabo.com/tsys/indexgr.php?gr=rolex

Registration
Saturday, May 17, 2008 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, adjacent to the Tesoro Hotel, below the lighthouse at No Worries Bar and Grill Restaurant.

WCBRT Mandatory Captains Meeting & Rules for ALL WCBRT Teams / Team Members.
Saturday 5:00 PM at No Worries Bar and Grill Restaurant.

If you require tackle, fishing licenses or need a boat charter please contact the following -
Minerva’s Baja Tackle: 011 52 624 1431282 / Email: Minerva@minervas.com
Pisces Sportfishing: 011 52 624 1431288 / Email: pisces@piscessportfishing.com

Please keep our great sponsors and partners in mind when you’re making your next purchases: Minerva’s Baja Tackle, Melton’s International Tackle, King Sailfish Mounts, Pisces Sportfishing, Tesoro Hotel, No Worries Bar and Grill, Eagle Claw, Berkley, Pacific Coast Sportfishing, Roffs, Marlin World, Pelagic, QuickRig, The Billfish Foundation, IGFA, Ashwill Associates Commercial Real Estate, Finnseeker Sportfishing, Marlinnut, Los Ninos del Capitain Children’s Charity and Cabo Villas Beach Resorts.

Schedule of Events

Tournament Check-In and Final Registration:

May 17th, 2008
Team Registration 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. at No Worry’s Bar.
Observers Briefing 4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. at No Worry’s Bar.
Mandatory Captains Meeting 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. at No Worry’s Bar.
Cocktails/Snacks will be served 5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. at No Worry’s Bar.

Fishing Days:
May 18th
Coffee & Sweets/Muffins served 5:30 A.M. – 6:00 A.M. at No Worry's Bar.
Teams Pick up Observers 6:00 A.M. at No Worries Bar.
7:00 A.M. - Bimini Start 5:00 P.M. - Lines Out.
Cocktails / Food & Tecate Beer Girls 6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. at No Worry's Bar.
May 19th
Coffee & Sweets/Muffins served 5:30 A.M. – 6:00 A.M. at No Worry's Bar.
Teams Pick up Observers 6:00 A.M. at No Worry’s Bar.
7:00 A.M. - Bimini Start 5:00 P.M. - Lines Out.
Cocktails/Food & Tecate Beer Girls 6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M. at No Worry's Bar.

May 20th
Coffee & Sweets/Muffins served 5:30 A.M. – 6:00 A.M. at No Worry's Bar.
Teams Pick up Observers 6:00 A.M. at No Worries Bar.
7:00 A.M. - Bimini Start 5:00 P.M. - Lines Out.
Cocktails/Food & Tecate Beer Girls 6:30 P.M. –7:30 P.M. at No Worry's Bar.

May 21st
Observer Tournament:
Coffee & Sweets/Muffins served 5:30 A.M. – 6:00 A.M. at No Worry's Bar.
Teams Pick up Observers 6:00 A.M. at No Worry’s Bar.
7:00 A.M. – Bimini Start 3:00 P.M. – Lines Out.
Awards Banquet:
Awards Dinner Banquet 7:30 P.M. – 8:30 P.M. at No Worry's Bar.

Mandatory Digital / Video Cameras

Teams must provide their own digital or video camera’s to film and record, validate all billfish releases during the WCBRT event in addition to WCBRT Observer observations.

Observer Tournament

We wish to thank all those teams who have already offered to donate their time and boats to take the Observers out for the special Observer Tournament fishing day. Your generosities, have helped the WCBRT attract the large field of observers to participate and observe this year. Should anyone else wish to participate and take a team of observers out for a day of competition as a thank you for their volunteer support of the WCBRT, we would really appreciate a few more teams / boats to help out in order to lessen the number of observers fishing on each participating boat.

See you in Cabo!

The Committee
WCBRT BILLFISH CONSERVATION GOALS
• Raise awareness of the need for billfish conservation.
• Support responsible billfish conservation management and science programs by donating proceeds to The Billfish Foundation.
• Release all hooked fish with as little injury as feasible.
• Advance the use of conservation-friendly equipment and fishing methods.
• Promote good sportsmanship by setting positive examples for young anglers.
• Provide youth angling and educational opportunities related to billfishing.
• Associate with responsible sport fishing entities, event services & related industry businesses.
• Demonstrate that billfish conservation pays.
• Support the local economy and specifically Los Ninos del Capitain Children’s Charity.
• The WCBRT is a 100% non-profit event

Teenage angler reels in 890-pound blue marlin

2008-04-07T16:52:00.000+01:00

FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD Sean Mendonca received cheques totalling TT$415,000 for reeling in an 890 pound blue marlin in the waters off Charlotteville in Tobago on Saturday—a feat which could land the teenager in the world record books as a junior angler.

Taking part in the T&T Game Fishing Association’s 28th international fishing tournament, Mendonca, a Westmoorings student, hooked the monster fish at 9.57 am on Saturday and spent the next one hour and four minutes coaxing the fish on to his uncle Maurice Lloyd’s boat, Indigo.

When the fish was brought to shore for weighing at the Speyside fishing jetty, judges found that it was 135 inches (11 feet, three inches) long and that its girth was 72 inches (six feet), said Marylin Sheppard, who heads the tournament’s rules committee.

The fish is about twice the height and about six times the weight of the teenager.

“This boy may have broken the junior angler world record for blue marlin,” said Sheppard, adding that the verification and certification of the world record would be done by the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA), which is headquartered at Dania Beach in Florida.

Bill Rewalt, an American judge who was at Speyside for the tournament, filled out a form which he will take to the IGFA this week, said Sheppard, who assisted in weighing the fish. Rewalt will also take the lure, the hook, the leader and 30 feet of the nylon used to reel in the fish to the IGFA.

Mendonca received TT$ 100,000 for breaking the existing blue marlin record which was 644 pounds and TT$ 315,000 for catching a blue marlin over 800 pounds. He also received trophies for the largest fish of the tournament and for capturing the heaviest fish.

Sheppard said at 890 pounds the blue marlin was likely to be the largest fish ever recorded at a game fishing tournament in the Caribbean.

The tournament was previously held at Crown Point but was moved to Speyside this year, for the first time, because of rough seas off Tobago’s south-west coast, said Sheppard, who is also responsible for beach control which involves contacting the boats by radio and recording their times.

The tournament was sponsored by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, the Tobago House of Assembly, Carib and the local Game Fishing Association along with a number of other sponsors. Most of the boats in the tournament were anchored at the Blue Waters Inn in Speyside.

The Trinidad Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.tt

Cabo Fish Report

2008-04-07T16:51:00.000+01:00

FLY HOOKER SPORTFISHING
Captain George Landrum
gmlandrum@hotmail.com
www.flyhooker.com

March 31-April 6, 2008

WEATHER: The weather has continued to make a believer of me in
Cabo being the perfect place to live this time of year. Our
daytime highs have been in the low 90s and our nighttime lows
in the mid to low 60s. We had mostly sunny skies this week and
for the most part, light winds. There were a couple of days in
the middle of the week where the wind blew strongly from the
west, but it was for only a day or two.
WATER: Water temperatures on the Cortez side of the Cape have
continued to rise slowly; we had as warm as 75 degrees at the
end of the week across the 95 spot. There is still a plume of
cool 67-degree water coming across the tip of the Cape from the
Pacific side. Both sides of the Cape experienced bouncy
conditions on Friday and Saturday when the wind shifted and came
from the west, but it settled right down. Water clarity had
been an issue on the Pacific side close to shore but that has
cleared up a bit, however the farther to the north you went the
greener the water became. The blue water has remained south of
us at a distance of at least 25 miles. Even the warm water
across the 95 spot has been slightly green in color.
BAIT: Mackerel was easily available at the usual $2 per bait
and there were also Caballito at the same price.
FISHING:

BILLFISH: The good news is that the Striped Marlin bite has
continued to improve; it was better this week than last week.
That may be due to the warmer water we are experiencing, but for
whatever the reason, we are happy. Along with the improved bite
is the fact that the fish have moved closer to us, in the warmer
water across the 95 spot, which translates into shorter runs to
the Marlin. They seem to be a bit larger on average than we
have seen lately as well. I did not hear of any other species
of billfish this week, but I am sure there were some strikes on
larger ones.
YELLOWFIN TUNA: The football size Yellowfin continue to provide
action but they have been a little harder to find for many of
the boats. 25 to 30 miles to the south has continued to be the
most prolific area for these fish and the first boats to the
schools are doing well with an average catch rate of 10-12 fish
per boat. Anglers arriving a little late have not been shut
out, but it has been a slow pick for them with an average of
four or five fish per boat. There were rumors floating around
in the middle of the week of a private boat finding a school of
fish averaging 80 pounds, but I was not able to confirm any
information on that.
DORADO: The warm water continued to produce fish that averaged
12 pounds with a few in the 20-30 pound class, but there were no
large numbers from that area. Almost everyone got a fish or two
though. There was one day when a couple of boats found a patch
of kelp to the inside of the San Jaime bank and loaded up on
Dorado that averaged 15 pounds, they worked it hard with cut
bait and kept radio silence until they were done. They looked
for it again the next day but it had drifted off and could not
be found again.
WAHOO: What Hoo?
INSHORE: Firecracker Yellowtail continued to provide plenty of
action for inshore anglers this week with the fish averaging 5
pounds. Sierra were in the same areas and while the fishing was
not red-hot for them, the bite was still decent with anglers
catching as many as they wanted. Roosterfish were also mixed in
with the Yellowtail and Sierra. They were small ones at an
average of 5 pounds, but provided good action on light tackle,
and a variety in the catch. White Bonita rounded out the
inshore action with fish from 5 to 12 pounds. All of these fish
were found in water less than 100 feet deep, close to the
shoreline on the Pacific side.
NOTES: I did not manage to get out and try the thing I
mentioned last week, perhaps I will get a chance this week. If
I do, Ill fill you in on the results. The bite continues to
improve in our area and our hope is that the trend continues.
Whale sightings are down as the migration is almost over. On
Saturday we saw only two, a mother and baby Humpback headed
north on the Pacific side. Let me take a second here for some
blatant advertising. The Shrimp House is back!! Shrimp and
bulldogs! On Hidalgo Street. Right now the sign says El Patio,
but Maro is getting that changed This weeks report was written
to the sounds of U2 on their 1987 Island Records release The
Joshua Tree. Until next week, Tight Lines!

Fiji National Record Released

2008-04-07T16:47:00.000+01:00

Gamefishing Fiji 4/10/08 5:13 AM Stuart in Fiji Fiji IGFA record shark national
IGFA Rep Tam and his wife Dee Little took a break from their excellent home town Australian NT barra & inshore reef fishing to have some fun with the bluewater gamefishing around Kadavu Island.

Blue marlin were the target choice and with excellent weather, we headed out to the Kadavu seamount to tow some big lures and skipbaits.

We had a skipjack skip-bait set on the short rigger and a small tuna lure out to catch a second tuna for another marlin skipbait to be set on the long rigger.

Using 80lb chair tackle, we had an 18ft 500lb wind-on to a 9ft mono leader to 16/O circle hook, rigged just in front of the skip-bait's nose with a short dacron bridle.

In no time, the tuna rod went off, Tam began to bring in the next marlin bait and Bite Me slowed to a halt. After about 10 seconds, line started ticking off the Penn International 80STW set on the short rigger with the first skip-bait. Tam quickly passed the tuna rod to deckie Joe and climbed into the chair. After a good 15 seconds of controled free-spool, Tam eased the drag up and Bite

Me edged forwards. The rod loaded up and we all waited for the marlin to explode on the surface.....

No exploding marlin...just heavy pressure....

Now blues have done this to us before, but nine times out of ten on the Kadavu seamount, no marlin leaping across the surface equals shark, and usually not for long as we use mono leaders.
This one was different. About an hour later we bullied the shark into view and found out why.

Bizzarely, we had managed to hook a good sized Bronze Whaler, with a circle hook, on the leading edge of its left pectoral fin. It must have chowed down on the sinking skip-bait, nipped off the

tuna and the belly of line had pulled the circle hook back along past its gills and perfectly set onto the pectoral fin.

Amazing what you see out there.

Although this shark smashed the existing Fiji National Record for Whaler shark, I am happy to say that Tam elected to release the fish unharmed. Testament to the spirit and ethics of the members and Reps of the IGFA.

"Bite Me" Matava Resort Kadavu Fiji Islands www.matava.com

PERU - Billfish Conservation Efforts

2008-04-06T16:39:00.000+01:00

BREAKING NEWS...
TBF Launches Conservation Plan with Peru

On April 2, 2008, Peru's President Allan Garcia and Minister of Production Rafael Rey finalized a Presidential Order that decommercializes marlins and sailfish – no further commercial harvest or sale will be allowed – and begins a national commitment to ocean conservation and the development of a sustainable sportfishing tourism industry. The plan will allow only catch-and-release recreational fishing and an allowance for world record attempts will be crafted in the near future. TBF President Ellen Peel and Chief Scientist Russell Nelson met with the Garcia and Rey to observe the signing and make a commitment to continued TBF scientific support for Peru's visionary fisheries conservation and development project. "We are proud to stand with the great country of Peru as the world's eyes look to this extraordinary billfish conservation effort," said Peel. "We will continue to provide support to sustain and expand the impacts of this action."

The completion of the Presidential Order, which has the effect of law, came after two weeks of work and negotiations between Nelson and Peruvian fisheries and marine science staff. The action is intended to revitalize the once premier blue and black marlin sportfishery in the extremely productive area around Cabo Blanco on Peru's north coast. "Tell the angling world that we are back," said Minister Rey.

Visit the President's web site for details in Spanish: http://www.presidencia.gob.pe/

**Pictured above: Dave Ferrell (Marlin magazine), President Garcia, Ministers of Production and Tourism Rafael Rey and Mercedes Araoz, and Ellen Peel discuss Peru's exciting billfishing future.

Videos & Articles WANTED!

2008-04-02T16:37:00.000+01:00

Please get in touch with us at theoffice@marlinworld.tv if you have either video clips or articles (maximum 500 words) that you think our 23,000+ readers at Marlin World would be interested in.

Second Edition of Marlin World online video magazine is published and now online

2008-04-02T14:23:00.000+01:00

The first edition was received well and the new April / May edition of Marlin World is a follow up to the success of the February / March issue. Marlin World now has in the region of 23,000+ registrants that receive each new copy (by email) of the magazine as it is published.