That’s Fishin’ – May-June 2016
By Sarah Munro
It’s that time of year where the buzz and the bite are equally hot. For instance, the recently completed third leg of the Los Suenos Signature Triple Crown brought in 832 more fish than last year. During the 9 days of competition, this tournament brought in 6570 fish, and released them all. Coming up before this article goes to print, is the Offshore World Championship, held here at Marina Pez Vela April 16-23. Tight lines to all competitors!
A total of 65 teams will be competing for the bragging rights title of Offshore World Champions. The competition is stiff, with professional anglers and diehard ‘hobby fishermen’ looking to take the crown over four days of fishing. There are teams from all corners of the world, Angola, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Spain, South Africa, Croatia, Germany, Brazil just to name a few. Several countries have several teams, and if you’ve been to any of the previous OWC tournaments held here at Marina Pez Vela, you know that the Brazilians always come hard, as well as the teams from Trinidad, Mississippi, as well as local fan favorite, Team Tranquilo.
Team Tranquilo did awesome at the Los Suenos Triple Crown. Amanda Cofer, fearless lady angler, was in the top 5% off ALL ANGLERS and of course took Top Lady Angler for the second year in a row. If you don’t get the gravity of that let me give you some perspective. Teams pay through the nose for entries and Calcutta’s (betting pools) at this tournament. They also get big paydays, with daily wins around the $140,000 mark. As well, for each leg, the first three placing boats are paid out, with first place taking $72,500 each leg. There can only be one winner and Agitator managed to dominate the tournament, firmly holding first place while Team Pelese made a last leg jump into securing second place. How interesting to note that out of 6570 fish, Agitator won by just 4 fish. Incredible fishing.
The Signature Triple Crown is a favorite tournament of many. From anglers to boat owners, official observers, and bystanders—everyone loves it. After Leg 3 was completed earlier this month, within days, people were posting online about January, 2017 and how they couldn’t wait for it. To fishermen, January means Los Suenos and the kickoff of the Signature Series. What a great time. A huge shout out to Ashley Bretcher who is indisputably indispensible to the Los Suenos organization—she is an amazing woman. It is through Ashley that this tournament has become what it is and it’s obvious by the way everyone reacts to her, and by the quality product she puts out. It’s an unbelievable feat.
Incredible fishing is what Quepos, Costa Rica is all about. It’s the fisherman’s holy grail for sailfish. There is nowhere else in the world that you can go and catch and release 30 sailfish in one day. Competitive boats/anglers can regularly bring in over 40 and I’ve heard of crazy numbers like 77. Tournament numbers don’t lie; each fish is carefully recorded, either by an observer on the boat or through video verification of the hook-up and the release.
So, the bite. What’s biting? Lots. There are all different kinds of game being caught right now. Big wahoo, marlin, sailfish, roosterfish, snapper, tuna. There’s some nice game there and some nice eating too. Marina Pez Vela has strict rules about catch and release for billfish, but you sure can bring in your own tuna and eat it. Tasty tasty.
The competition will be fierce at Marina Pez Vela for the Offshore World Championship, and I can’t wait for it to happen. Make sure you check out my fan page, Sarah Munro on Facebook for all the photos, interviews and perspective from this year’s Offshore World Championship. You’ll find awesome stuff!
I’ve also got a special hook up for you this month on the Top Notch, a 45’ Viking Yacht. Maximum 8. Go for regular price $1900, and go home with a movie and professional photos—starring….. YOU!
Call Sarah 8729 4000 or email [email protected]. Tight Lines and may the Fish Gods bless you.