That’s Fishin’ – May/June 2015
By Sarah Munro
I’m insane kind of stoked you know. The Offshore World Championship happened HERE April 11-17. Of course, that was just after the deadline for my article, so you’re going to have to check back in July to find out what happened. The past month has been VERY exciting, and the next one looks to be even more so!
We are in the thick of Tournament Season, and the fish have been co-operating very nicely. When I say very nicely I mean WORLD RECORD CATCH! Leg III of the Los Sueños Triple Crown finished up March 28, with a fight to the very end. The average catch was 2 fish per minute, and the fight for 2nd and 3rd was amazing, it went down to the last 2 minutes of fishing. The Signature Champion, Tarheel finished all three legs with 27,300 points and a big fat cheque for $100,000.00. Ok, so to put that 27,300 points into perspective, each sailfish is worth 100 points. That’s 273 fish for one boat in one tournament. That’s A LOT OF FISH, no matter which way you look at it. If you’re not familiar with tournament fishing, you might be thinking that we’re all a bunch of killers. Alas, not true. All billfish are identified by an observer on the boat, and then released again into the ocean. Sport-fishing is just that, a sport, and we respect our opponent.
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Amanda Cofer of Team Tranquilo, who won Top Lady Angler at the Triple Crown, and who is also competing in the OWC this coming week. Note that Team Tranquilo is a local boat/team, who has been kicking ass all over the Pacific winning tournaments. They placed 3rd in last years Offshore World Championship, and this year I’m sure they are aiming higher. Tight lines. May the Fish Gods bless you.
The action has truly been unbelievable this year. So unbelievable, I remember sitting with my fish friends last year, saying how the fishing hasn’t been like this in 20 years. And then this year comes around and we’re even more shocked, because last years records are being broken. It’s an amazing thing to see – you’ll get a three, four and five fish hook up all at once at the back of the boat and then the real fun begins. There’s really nothing better in life for me, the adrenalin is pumping, you’re watching one (or up to five) of the most majestic fighters in the ocean jump and twist and fight as anglers scramble on the boat not to tangle lines, to keep them tight and fight like hell because there ain’t no way the boat is able to help them now. Usually in this case, the Captain is up in the Tuna Tower, smiling with glee and appreciating the fight that is now favored to the fish. If you start with 5 hooking up, you’re either lucky or very skilled to land 3 and believe me, you go and tell the story to someone and they won’t believe you. This is the fodder that REAL fish stories are made from and it’s made right here. It’s also the stuff that builds friendships for life.
My fishing friends are really family – lucky me. So, if you’re reading this article now, it means that the OWC tournament has come and gone, but the fish haven’t. Some of the best fishermen and Captains on the planet are here. And now, you are too. So go on; get out there, find your next adventure. It’s waiting for you.
Want the best hook-up to the best boats? Once-in-a-lifetime experience? Shared trips and professional photographic evidence of your day? Call Sarah direct 8708-6152
Need somewhere to cook your catch? Our Chef Francisco will cook it up for free, you just pay for drinks!!! Share your fish story at The Hawg ‘n’ Bill, located beachfront Manuel Antonio. Feed your stomach and your soul! Live Music! Fish Stories! Reservations 2777 5350 fb: hawgnbill