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TOURNAMENT NEWS ARCHIVE

THE 2009 PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF GUATEMALA PRESENTED BY INGUAT

Team Casa Vieja: Jairo De Leon, Juan Anon & Jim Turner

TEAM CASA VIEJA WINS 2009 PCCA OF GUATEMALA PRESENTED BY INGUAT
DAVIS CLAPP AND TEAM A-FIN-ITY ARE GRAND CHAMPIONS FOR THE 2009 PCCA SERIES

COSTA DEL MAR GRAND CHAMPION TEAM - A-FIN-ITY 8250 POINTS
2ND - USA - 8150
3RD - OL SALT - 6600

EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER - DAVIS CLAPP 4050 POINTS
2ND - MIKE VIVEIROS 3250
3RD - DAN PIMENTAL 2650

 

In the early afternoon of Day Three, the Casa Vieja team fishing on Rum Line with Capt. Chris Sheeder passed Team Decisive and Capt. Brad Philipps to claim victory in the 2009 PCCA of Guatemala. Team Ol Salt fishing aboard the Finest Kind with Capt. Ron Hamlin placed third. Complete results will be posted by Monday morning.

FINAL RESULTS
211 Sailfish / 3 Blue Marlin
ALL ON CIRCLE HOOKS!
LAST FISH: MIKE VIVEIROS 3:35PM
1ST PLACE TEAM: CASA VIEJA 4500 PTS
2ND PLACE TEAM: DECISIVE 4200 PTS
3RD PLACE TEAM: OL SALT 3300 PTS
1ST PLACE ANGLER: JIM TURNER 2300 PTS
2ND PLACE ANGLER: DELL DEMBOSKY 1700 PTS
3RD PLACE ANGLER: CRAIG JOHNSON 1500 PTS
TOP BOAT: RUM LINE 4500 PTS
2ND BOAT: DECISIVE 4200 PTS
3RD BOAT: FINEST KIND 3300 PTS

DECISIVE HOLDS ON TO LEAD AT END OF DAY TWO

DAY TWO RESULTS
70 Sailfish 1 Blue Marlin

1ST PLACE TEAM: Decisive 3200 pts
2ND PLACE TEAM: Casa Vieja 2600 pts
3RD PLACE TEAM: Ol Salt 1900 pts
TOP BOAT: Decisive 3200 pts
2ND BOAT: Rum Line 2600 pts
3RD BOAT: Finest Kind 1900 pts
TOP ANGLER: Jim Turner 1400 pts
2ND ANGLER: Dell Dembosky 1400 pts
3RD ANGLER: Craig Johnson 1200 pts
TOP DAILY ANGLER: Jim Turner 1100 pts
TOP BOAT DAY 2: Decisive 1400 pts (on time)
Day One

 

Marina Pez Vela, Guatemala — This was truly a day in the dark for the radio team. Only one transmission was heard first thing in the morning. Not until the boats returned to the dock at the end of the day did we have the results. We were pleasantly surprised with the result which included 44 sailfish and 2 blue marlin. Team Decisive, fishing on the Decisive took off at 8:52 am when Craig Johnson released a sailfish. Dell Dembosky pulled a blue marlin out of the hat at 9:31 am and the team never looked back. Team Captain Mike Viveiros is fresh off a second place finish in the IGFA Offshore Championship representing the 2008 PCCA of Guatemala. Team Ol Salt fishing on the Finest Kind with Capt. Ron Hamlin and angler Sammy Castellano also added a blue marlin to the team score to put them into second. The Casa Vieja team had a steady catch releasing 10 sails to move them into third place.

DAY ONE RESULTS
44 Sailfish/2 Blue Marlin ALL ON CIRCLE HOOKS!
FIRST FISH: Craig Johnson/Evelio Mederos 8:52am
1ST PLACE TEAM: Decisive 1800 pts
2ND PLACE TEAM: Ol Salt 1500 pts
3RD PLACE TEAM: Casa Vieja 1000 pts
1ST PLACE ANGLER: Dell Dembosky 900 pts
2ND PLACE ANGLER: Sammy Castellano 900 pts
3RD PLACE ANGLER: Craig Johnson 600 pts
TOP BOAT: Decisive 1800 pts
2ND BOAT: Finest Kind 1500 pts
3RD BOAT: Rum Line 1000 pts

The 13th Edition of The Presidential Challenge of Guatemala Presented by INGUAT is underway. The boats left Marina Pez Vela at 7am this morning with anxious anglers aboard. This is the final event in the PCCA Conservation Series and a lot is at stake. Teams and anglers are in competition for THE COSTA DEL MAR GRAND CHAMPION TEAM AWARD and THE EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER AWARD which will be given out on Sunday.

NOON FRIDAY FISH REPORT

Where did they go?...is the question being asked by our PCCA fleet this morning! Joan Vernon, official scorekeeper, reports that Craig Johnson fishing for Team Decisive aboard the 'Decisive' released a fish at 9:47am. Only one other fish has been radioed in so far today. Knowing that the fish were far offshore, we are hoping that radio transmission is just bad and that many fish will show up at the end of the day. Certified Observers are aboard each boat and have the responsibility of keeping GPS times on all releases. We will keep you posted.........

 

CARIBBEAN CUP MOVES TO ARUBA IN '10

Save The Date - October 20-21-22, 2010

Charter Boats Available

Observers Needed!

The island nation of Aruba has become one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in the world, and now it's poised to become one of the hottest fishing venues in the entire Caribbean. For 2010, the Presidential Caribbean Cup will call this island nation home, as it hosts its first truly international billfishing competition. The event is scheduled for October 20-22, 2010, which should coincide perfectly with the height of the marlin season.

Aruba enjoys a sunny climate and offers a stable government, safe, family-friendly environment, good year-round weather out of the hurricane belt and convenient air service, in addition to magnificent beaches, world-class SCUBA diving and fantastic billfishing. While the island's offshore action has mostly flown under the radar of the international angler, the 2010 Presidential Caribbean Cup is set to change that, as teams from around the world descend upon the island.

"For years, the area's marlin fishery has been somewhat unknown just because there haven't been many boats fishing specifically for billfish," according to tournament coordinator Joan Vernon. "But in the past few seasons, Capt. Bubba Carter, Capt. Butch Cox and others have made exploratory trips to Aruba and have found excellent fishing for both blue and white marlin with the occasional sailfish. We look forward to bringing the Presidential Caribbean Cup to Aruba in order to showcase just how good the fishing can be here."

The host marina for the inaugural 2010 event will be the Varadero Marina, owned by avid angler Eric Mansur. The event will be sponsored by the Aruba Tourist Authority as well as Chivas Regal and many others, with nightly cocktail parties rotating between various marinas and scenic locations throughout the island—a good time is guaranteed to be had by the participants. Mansur said, "Everybody here in Aruba and Curacao is very excited at the prospect of having a true international tournament here, and we're expecting a great turnout."

The event will be sanctioned by the World Billfish Series as part of the Caribbean Division in 2010. It will also be a qualifying event for the 2011 IGFA Offshore Championship.

For more information on this exciting new event please contact tournament coordinator Joan Vernon at joan@preschallenge.com.

 

THE PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF EL SALVADOR

A-FIN-ITY GOES WIRE TO WIRE FOR WIN

FINAL RESULTS
Tournament: 147 SAILS

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

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

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

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

 

Day Two Results

Fish released today: 36 sails
Total for Tournament: 97 sails

Costa del Mar Team Division
1st Place Team: A-FIN-ITY 2900 PTS
2nd Place Team: MARCIANO 1500 PTS
3rd Place Team: SANDY ITY 1400 PTS
Baptist Health International Angler Division
1st Place Angler: DAVIS CLAPP 1200 PTS
2nd Place Angler: DAN PIMENTAL 1000 PTS
3rd Place Angler: PACO SACA 800 PTS

Boat Division
1st Place Boat: AFINITY 2900 PTS
2nd Place Boat: MARICANO 1500 PTS
3rd Place Boat: SANDY ITA 1400 PTS
Top Boat Day Two: MOJO 1000 PTS

Another perfect day greeted our Presidential Challenge of El Salvador anglers and observers this morning. Everyone was anxious to get out to the fishing grounds and find the body of sailfish that was there yesterday. Scorekeeper Dan Kipnis called lines in the water and the first fish was called in at 7:58am Joszefph Arguedas aboard the Monique. The bite was slow in the morning with only a few fish called in. At Noon A-Fin-Ity still held a sizeable lead.
At 1:20pm the radio started humming again. Release after release was called in for thirty five minutes. By the 2pm report Sandy Ita moved up to second place. USA made their move up the ladder with Jimmy Taylor and Bill Easum trading off releases. Team OBX also began a steady climb up the leaderboard.
At 3pm Marciano called in two fish and slipped by Sandy Ity into second place. Going into the last half hour we had a good battle going on for the second and third place spots. But Marciano maintained his position.
It is still a close race which an exciting finish to the Second Edition of the Presidential Challenge of El Salvador.

DAY ONE RESULTS
61 Sailfish ALL RELEASED ON CIRCLE HOOKS

1ST PLACE TEAM: A-Fin-Ity 2500 pts
2ND PLACE TEAM: Sandy Ita 1000 pts
3RD PLACE TEAM: Marciano 900 pts

1ST PLACE ANGLER: Davis Clapp 1000 pts
2ND PLACE ANGLER: Dan Pimental 900 pts
3RD PLACE ANGLER: Paco Saca 600 pts
TOP BOAT: A-Fin-Ity 2500 pts
2ND BOAT: Sandy Ita 1000 pts
3RD BOAT: Marciano 900 pts

The Second Edition of the Presidential Challenge of El Salvador kicked off this morning when the fleet put lines in the water at 7:30 am. The morning began with a beautiful sunrise which welcomed a clear and warm day. The sailfish action was hot and heavy with a strong morning bite greeting the teams.
It was the A-Fin-Ity Team that kept official scorekeeper, Dan Kipnis, awake today. The team fishing aboard the Guatemala based A-Fin-Ity released 25 sailfish to claim the first day lead. Team captain Davis Clapp released the first fish of the tournament at 7:58am and continued catching to place first with 10 releases. The other A-Fin-Ity angler Dan Pimental is in second place in the Baptist Health International Angler division with 9 sails. Together with teammate Luis Fernando's 6 releases the A-Fin-Ity is at the top of the leaderboard of the Costa del Mar Team Division.

The local teams were not to be outdone. Paco Saca led his team aboard the Sandy Ita into second place with an accumulation of 1000 points. Paco is the third place angler with 6 releases. Marciano with anglers Jose Gonzalez D. Rodrigo Gonzalez and Ricardo Gonzalez released 9 sails to move into third place.

All anglers must use Berkley Big Game 20 lb. line provided by Berkley and Eagle Claw circle hooks on trolled baits.

The teams returned to the dock and were welcomed by Bacardi Mojito's and friendly faces.

SPANISH FLY & MAVERICK SPORT FISHING TEAM CLAIM

VICTORY IN PCCA PANAMA

The beautiful Hacienda del Mar, located in the San Jose Islands on the Pacific coast of Panama, lived up to its reputation for tropical beauty as the host for the 2009 Presidential Challenge of Panama. The 21 anglers and seven observers gathered on July 2nd to review the rules for the competition and get to know one another as Bacardi cocktails were served prior to a sumptuous poolside buffet. The seaside pool and patio was the perfect venue to welcome everyone to Panama.

Day One dawned bright and sunny after a night of tropical thunderstorms, but the seas were calm and welcoming to the fleet. Several local pangas ferried the anglers to the awaiting boats to head out to the fishing grounds, about twenty miles away. The tournament's location meant relatively short runs to deep blue waters and more fishing time during the day for the anglers in attendance.

In order to ensure a level playing field for all participants, Presidential Challenge anglers compete against one another using tournament-supplied Berkley Big Game 20-pound test line. Non-offset circle hooks are also mandatory, with the Eagle Claw 2004EL versions also being supplied by tournament sponsor Eagle Claw for the event. Finally, experienced observers are placed aboard each boat to record the action.

Shortly after the call for lines in, official scorekeeper Dan Kipnis received a call from the 42-foot Maverick, Spanish Fly, that angler J. Godwin released a fish right when lines were called in. After that is was radio silence until almost noon. John Richardson was riding on his boat, Picaflor, with the ladies team and relayed in several sailfish releases throughout the day.

By 3:30 p.m, the scores were tied between Hooker and Spanish Fly, hosting the Maverick Sportfishing team. Each boat had released four sailfish going into the final hour. Suspense was building as radio reception was still not 100 percent. Thanks to good sportsmanship and relays we were able to receive all of the entries.

Justin Richardson fishing on the Hooker took the lead in the angler division with three sailfish on Day One. J. Godwin was right behind him with two sails for second place on time over his teammate Bim Lebo. Everyone enjoyed the cocktail party hosted by Baptist Health International and Bacardi back at the dock, and strategies were made for Day Two. Hopefully the fish would join the 4th of July Party!

If there's a constant about Central America, it's the simple fact that anything can happen, and frequently does. During the night the region experienced an earthquake of unknown magnitude. In spite of being awakened in the night by the shifting planet beneath their feet, anglers were ready to head out to find the fish bright and early the next morning.

It took only fifteen minutes for Freddie Probst, fishing aboard the Amangani, to release the first sailfish of the day. The Hooker anglers, Monte and Justin Richardson, added two more sails to their score. Then it was all the Spanish Fly with Capt. Daniel Espinosa at the helm and the Maverick Sportfishing team from Los Suenos, Costa Rica in the cockpit. They found the mother lode and released eight sailfish in short order to put them into the lead for the King Sailfish Mounts Team Division. Picaflor angler Allison Richardson pulled off a double release with only minutes of fishing time remaining to put her team in the third place slot. She was now our leading Lady Angler as the activity for Day Two drew to a close with the call for lines out.

Back at the dock, the daily Bacardi Bash was set up and awaiting the anglers' arrival back at Hacienda del Mar. Once again, a great time was had by all as the tales of the day's fishing were told and retold over cocktails at poolside, with many thanks going to Baptist Health International and Martin Arias for their sponsorship of the event. Arias also raffled off a fantastic gift basket full of great fishing goodies, with angler Freddie Probst being named the lucky winner.

The Spanish Fly and Team Maverick started the final day of competition in the PCCA Panama where they left off on Day Two. At 8:34 a.m, Bobby Olden released a sailfish and the team kept on heading towards the win. The Costa Rican team went on to release 22 sailfish in the three-day tournament. The only blue marlin of the event was caught the final day by Monte Richardson on the Hooker. This guaranteed the team second place. The Picaflor secured third place early in the day with anglers Keri Richardson releasing two sails and Katherine Martin releasing one sail. PCCA newcomer Bobby Olden fishing for the Maverick team won the Baptist Health International Angler Division with nine sailfish releases. Right behind him was Monte Richardson who released one blue marlin and two sailfish to secure second place angler. Jay Godwin gave up his observer duties to join Team Maverick and won third place angler with five sailfish releases.

FINAL RESULTS
40 Sailfish/1 Blue Marlin

KING SAILFISH MOUNTS TEAM DIVISION
1ST PLACE TEAM: MAVERICK SPORTFISHING 2200 pts
2ND PLACE TEAM: HOOKER 1400 pts
3RD PLACE TEAM: PICAFLOR 500 pts

BAPTIST HEALTH INTERNATIONAL ANGLER DIVISION
1ST PLACE ANGLER: Bobby Olden 1000 pts
2ND PLACE ANGLER: Monte Richardson 700 pts
3RD PLACE ANGLER: J. Godwin 700 pts

TOP LADY ANGLER: Allison Richardson 200 pts

MASPOR MARINE BOAT DIVISION
TOP BOAT: SPANISH FLY 2200 pts
2ND BOAT: HOOKER 1400 pts
3RD BOAT: PICAFLOR 500 pts

2009 PCCA Moves on To Panama

July 3rd marks the return of the Presidential Challenge to Panama. Activity actually begins on June 30th with an informal press conference at the Balboa Yacht Club sponsored by Flamenco Marina, Bacardi and the BYC. Featured speaker is Herbert Nanne, The Billfish Foundation Conservation Director for Central America. Herbert will address the progress of the TBF Central American Billfish Plan. Afterward we will party with Bacardi!

July 1st and 2nd anglers and observers will travel out to San Jose Island and the tropical paradise called Hacienda del Mar. Competition begins July 3rd and continues through July 5th.

We are excited about our return to Panama and look forward to hosting our anglers at Hacienda del Mar. Stay tuned to our web page - we will try to post daily updates but due to the satellite communication on the island, we may not be able to get you the information as fast as usual.

TEAM USA

L-R: George Crawford, Observer, Gary Tarpley, Mike Viveiros, Jimmy Taylor

USA ADDS COSTA RICA TO '09 WINS IN EL SALVADOR AND GUATEMALA

Playa Carrillo, Costa Rica: The final day of the 2009 Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica started with lines in the water at 8am. At 8:05am the Wet Ass II captain, Rolando, called in a striped marlin release for Carol Ott fishing on The Billfish Foundation team. A few minutes later Capt. Mac on the Let It Ride called in a black marlin release for angler Jeremy Warren. This brought the fleet to attention and hopes were high for a fabulous final day of tournament fishing. But the fish had other plans. Warm, green water moved into the area and the bite all but stopped.
The slow fishing did not slow down the Gamefisher II, captained by Richard Chellemi and Team USA. They added a striped marlin and three sailfish to their score to secure victory in the 2009 Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica. Carolina Magic held their second place spot by adding one sailfish to their tally today. Gear Up also added one sail to their score to hang on to third place.
Davis Clapp went fishless today but remained on top of the leader board in the Angler Division. Mike Viveiros secured second place angler followed by Mike Topp who placed third.
Although the fishing turned off the fun never stopped. The Bacardi Bash cocktail hours at Villas Playa Samara were a huge success with anglers and crews exchanging fish stories and information.
We thank Massimo's Restaurant for their catering service and for hosting the observers for dinner. The ICT hosted the Awards Dinner at the Villas Playa Samara.

CONSERVATION

Tournament Chairman presented a check in the amount of $5000 to Ellen Peel, President of The Billfish Foundation, to be used for the TBF conservation program in Costa Rica.

FINAL RESULTS
60 Sailfish/7 Blue Marlin/4 Striped Marlin
1ST PLACE TEAM: USA 2700 PTS

Jimmy Taylor, Mike Vivieros, Gary Tarpley
2ND PLACE TEAM: CAROLINA MAGIC 1800 PTS

Mike Topp, Shawn Kooyman, Mike epping
3RD PLACE TEAM: GEAR UP 1600 PTS

Ralph Senner, Ben White, Darwin Aranda


1ST PLACE ANGLER: DAVIS CLAPP 1300 pts
2ND PLACE ANGLER: MICHAEL VIVEIROS 1200 PTS
3RD PLACE ANGLER: MIKE TOPP 1000 PTS


TOP BOAT: GAMEFISHER II 2700 PTS- Capt. Richard Chellemi
2ND BOAT: CAROLINA MAGIC 1800 PTS- Capt. Gregg Penley
3RD BOAT: GEAR UP 1600 PTS - Capt. Jon Hopkins

PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF COSTA RICA- Day One

Team USA took the Day One lead in the Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica. Anglers Jimmy Taylor, Mike Viveiros and Gary Tarpley scored 180 points including two marlin and nine sailfish to top the field of 24 anglers. Jimmy Taylor is the Day One leader with 900 points - one striped marlin and five sailfish! The are fishing aboard the GAMEFISHER II with Capt. Richard Chellemi

DAY ONE RESULTS

MARINA PEZ VELA, QUEPOS, COSTA RICA/I.C.T. TEAM DIVISION

1ST - USA - 1800 Points

2ND - HATTABOY - 800 Points

3RD - A-FIN-ITY 700 Points

KING SAILFISH MOUNTS ANGLER DIVISION

1ST - JIMMY TAYLOR 900 Points

2ND - DAVIS CLAPP 700 Points

3RD - MIKE VIVEIROS 600 Points

DAY TWO - NOON REPORT

Davis Clapp fishing for A-Fin-Ity aboard the Permit III with Capt. Chepe Santana just released a blue marline to bump him into 1st place angler. Shortly afterwary the Carolina Magic with Capt. Greg Penley and anglers Mike Topp and Mike Epping released a double header blue marlin to move them into second place behind USA.

DAY TWO FINAL STANDINGS

Write up will be posted later

KING SAILFISH ANGLER DIVISION

1st Place Angler - Davis Clapp 1300 pts

2nd Place Angler - Mike Topp 1000 pts

3rd Place Angler - Jimmy Taylor 900 pts

MARINA PEZ VELA- ICT TEAM DIVISION

1st Place Team - USA 1900 pts

2nd Place Team - Carolina Magic 1700 pts

3rd Place Team - Gear Up 1500 pts

MASPOR MARINE BOAT DIVISION

1st Place Boat - Gamefisher II - 1900 pts

2nd Place Boat - Carolina Magic 1700 pt

3rd Place Boat - Gear Up 1500 pts

PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF GUATEMALA ANNOUNCES NEW HOST HOTEL

WELCOME TO CASA VIEJA LODGE

NOVEMBER 13-14-15, 2009

The Presidential Challenge of Central America Conservation Series is pleased to announce that the 2009 PCCA-Guatemala will be headquartered at the lovely Casa Vieja Lodge. We have charter and lodging packages available for our anglers. Please see our Guatemala Tournament Page for details.

TEAM DECISIVE SWEEPS EL SALVADOR AND GUATEMALA PCCA EVENTS

Marina Pez Vela, Guatemala — The PCCA Guatemala is famous for exciting finishes. This year was no exception. The bite started off early and teams called in several doubles and triples. The IWFA ladies made a strong showing in the morning. Super Fly, A-Fin-Ity and Decisive went neck n neck most of the day. When the dust settled, cards collected, Decisive pulled off their second victory in two weeks by winning the PCCA El Salvador and now, the PCCA Guatemala. Team A-Fin-Ity pulled off a victory in the Bertram/Evermarine Grand Champion Team competition for the third year in a row! Henry Riggs-Miller staked claim to the prestigious Eagle Claw Grand Champion Angler award.

FINAL RESULTS
210 Sailfish / 1 Blue Marlin/1 Black Marlin
ALL ON CIRCLE HOOKS!
LAST FISH: MIKE VIVIEROS 3 pm
1ST PLACE TEAM: DECISIVE 3400 PTS
2ND PLACE TEAM: CASA VIEJA 3100 PTS
3RD PLACE TEAM: A-FIN-ITY 2600 PTS
1ST PLACE ANGLER: BILL EASUM 1300 PTS
2ND PLACE ANGLER: HENRY RIGGS MILLER 1200 PTS
3RD PLACE ANGLER: JIM TURNER 1200 PTS
TOP BOAT: DECISIVE 3400 PTS
2ND BOAT: BUDDY BOY 3100 PTS
3RD BOAT: A-FIN-ITY A-FIN-ITY 2600 PTS

BERTRAM/EVERMARINE GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER
2008 GRAND CHAMPION TEAM: A-FIN-ITY 15300 POINTS
2ND PLACE GRAND CHAMPION TEAM: DECISIVE 15200 POINTS
3RD PLACE GRAND CHAMPION TEAM: MAVERICK 6450 POINTS

EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER
2008 GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER: HENRY RIGGS-MILLER 5300 PTS
2ND PLACE GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER: JIMMY TAYLOR 3900 PTS
3RD PLACE GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER: MIKE VIVIEROS 3750 PTS

A-FIN-ITY WINS GRAND CHAMPION TEAM 3RD YEAR IN A ROW!

PUERTO QUETZAL, GUATEMALA:

Day Two of the Presidential Challenge of Guatemala Presented by INGUAT got off to an encouraging start when the Maverick Sport Fishing team fishing aboard Super Fly found some fish. They added four sails to their score before 10:15am.At Noon we started to get some action on the radio.A-Fin-Ity leaped ahead of everyone when they reported a flurry of fish released in the 1 o'clock hour.Team Decisive put some afternoon points on the board as well as well as Circle Hook. The IWFA team turned in a blue marlin caught by Diane Locke.After all the scores were tallied A-Fin-Ity came out on top in a three way tie.The Baptist Health Angler Division was also tied up.

So….. Here we go again!Another Presidential Challenge Photo Finish!

DAY TWO RESULTS

1ST PLACE TEAM: A-Fin-Ity 1400

2ND PLACE TEAM: Maverick Sport Fishing 1400

3RD PLACE TEAM: Casa Vieja1400

TOP BOAT: A-Fin-Ity 1400

2ND BOAT: SUPER FLY 1400

3RD BOAT: BUDDY BOY 1400

TOP ANGLER:HENRY RIGGS-MILLER600

2ND ANGLER:BIM LEBO600

3RD ANGLER: BILL EASUM 600

TOP DAILY ANGLER:BILL EASUM 600

TOP BOAT DAY 2:DECISIVE

****************************************

DAY ONE

PUERTO QUETZAL, GUATEMALA: The 12th Edition of The Presidential Challenge of Guatemala Presented by INGUAT got off to a slow start on Day One. It was reported that a 6.1 earthquake hit off the coast of Guatemala which caused the fish to vacate the waters around the epicenter. The fleet of ten boats searched for signs of life but only a few were successful. Daniel Espinosa fishing for Maverick Sport Fishing aboard the Super Fly caught the first sailfish of the day at 8:44am. Along with his teammateds Larry Drivon and Bim Lebo, they accumulated 400 points to place second on day One. Henry Riggs- Miller fishing on A-Fin-Ity aboard the A-Fin-Ity put his team on top of the leader board with a black marlin release. His teammate, Gerber Chavez, added two sailfish released two sails to give A-Fin-Ity a total of 600 points. Team Casa Vieja fishing aboard the Buddy Boy, managed to slide into third. Mike Wnek released two sails and Jim Turner released one sail to give the team 300 points.

After a long day of fishing, the anglers and crews were entertained at 7 Caldos Restaurant where Baptist Health International hosted a lovely cocktail party.

Lines are now in the water for the beginning of the second day of competition.

DAY ONE RESULTS
ALL ON CIRCLE HOOKS!
FIRST FISH:Daniel Espinosa 8:44am
1ST PLACE TEAM: A-FIN-ITY 600 PTS
2ND PLACE TEAM: MAVERICK SPORT FISHING 400 PTS
3RD PLACE TEAM: CASA VIEJA 300 PTS
1ST PLACE ANGLER: HENRY RIGGS- MILLER 300 PTS
2ND PLACE ANGLER: CONEJO 300 PTS
3RD PLACE ANGLER: MIKE WNEK 200 PTS
TOP BOAT:A-FIN-ITY 600 PTS
2ND BOAT: SUPER FLY 400 PTS
3RD BOAT: BUDDY BOY 300 PTS

TEAM DECISIVE COMES FROM BEHIND TO WIN THE FIRST

PCCA OF EL SALVADOR

The final day of The Presidential Challenge of El Salvador began early for our anglers and crews. Due to the tides and waves in the inlet, captains requested that they be allowed to depart the Bahia del Sol Marina early. At 5:30am the teams boarded the boats and left for the final day of fishing.

The morning was cloudy and cool. It looked like a change in the weather was in the making. By 9am the skies had cleared and the fish began biting. It was a slow morning but a steady one for the Maverick Sport Fishing Team. Decisive was chipping away at their lead and finally over took them shortly after Noon. It was neck n' neck for the final few hours. Team Marciano had a steady catch which put them in third place on the leader board by 1pm. As the afternoon wore on the battle heated up between Decisive and Maverick. John Price released a striped marlin to put Decisive on top and that is where they stayed to claim the victory.

The angler race was red hot all day. Bill Easum, John Price and Daniel Espinosa went back and forth with the lead all day. Danny prevailed to win the Baptist Health Angler Division.

The first Presidential Challenge of El Salvador may have been small but we had world class anglers competing. The action was steady and the teams provided a classic PCCA photo finish!

FINAL RESULTS

Today: 47 SAILS 1 BLACK MARLIN

Tournament: 119 SAILS/1 BLACK MARLIN

CONTENDER/KING SAILFISH TEAM DIVISION

1ST PLACE TEAM: DECISIVE 3300 PTS

2ND PLACE TEAM: MAVERICK SPORT FISHING 3100

3RD PLACE TEAM: MARCIANO 1800 PTS

BAPTIST HEALTH INTERNATIONAL ANGLER DIVISION

1ST PLACE ANGLER: DANIEL ESPINOSA 1400 PTS

2nd PLACE ANGLE: JOHN PRICE 1300 PTS

3RD PLACE ANGLER: BILL EASUM 1200 PTS

BOAT DIVISION

TOP BOAT: WHITE MARLIN 3300 PTS

2ND BOAT: SUPER FLY 3100 PTS

3rd BOAT: MARCIANO 1800 PTSD

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DAY TWO

Team Decisive Comes from Behind to Tie Maverick Sport Fishing

Fishing got off to a good start on Day Two of The Presidential Challenge of El Salvador. The fleet departed earlier and made it to the fishing grounds by 8am when Capt. Dan Kipnis called lines in the water. Team A-Fin-Ity found some sailfish and called in two releases within a few minutes. The action continued for the Maverick Sport Fishing Team as they called in four sail releases by ten o'clock.
The bite continued to improve as the morning wore on and the moon grew to full. Team Decisive made a major move to challenge the Mavericks. Team members Bill Easum, Jimmy Taylor and John Price kept the radio busy. But the Maverick Sportfishing Team of Bim Lebo, Larry Drivon and Daniel Espinosa kept one step ahead. Team A-Fin-Ity, led by angler Allie Mason's five fish, crept up into third place.
By the lines out call, Decisive had tied Maverick Sport Fishing for the lead. Both teams have an accumulated total of 1800 points but the Mavericks lead on time….by 6 minutes! Decisive called in a double header with two minutes left to fish!
Leading the Baptist Health International Angler Division is Larry Drivon with 700 point fishing aboard the Super Fly. Jimmy Taylor, veteran Super Fly angler, challenged his friend by also turning in 700 points. The third place spot on the leader board today went to Bim Lebo but John Price also has 600 points for a tie.
This was an exciting day of fishing with scores very close heading into the final day. A few marlin were reported today but no releases. The final day will be another Presidential Challenge thrilling finish – down to the wire AGAIN!

Day Two Results

Fish released today: 55 sails
Total for Tournament: 72 sails

Contender Boats/King Sailfish Mounts Team Division
1st Place Team: Maverick Sport Fishing 1800 pts
2nd Place Team: Decisive 1800 pts
3rd Place Team: A-Fin-Ity 1000 pts
Baptist Health International Angler Division
1st Place Angler: Larry Drivon 700 pts
2nd Place Angler:
3rd Place Angler:
Top Angler Day Two: John Price 600 pts
Boat Division
1st Place Boat: Super Fly
2nd Place Boat: White Marlin
3rd Place Boat: For Tuna
Top Boat Day Two: White Marlin 16 releases

DAY ONE

The First Presidential Challenge of El Salvador kicked off this morning when the fleet put lines in the water at 8:00 am. The morning began with a beautiful sunrise which welcomed a clear and warm day. Action was slow for our six tournament boats. Manolo Flores fishing aboard the Monique released the first billfish, a sailfish, at 9:40am.

It was the Maverick Sport Fishing Team that kept official scorekeeper, Dan Kipnis, awake today. The team fishing aboard the Super Fly released eight sailfish to claim the first day lead. Maverick angler Bim Lebo is leading the Baptist Health Angler division with three sails. Teammate Daniel Espinosa added three more sails to the Maverick score to move into second place angler. Jimmy Taylor released two sails within ten minutes to stake out third place on time.

Team Monique was in radio silence all day and showed up at the dock reporting four sailfish which put them into second place. Team Decisive fishing aboard the White Marlin, edged out Sandy-Ita on time to move into third place.

The teams returned to the dock and were welcomed by Bacardi Mojito's and friendly faces. Tomorrow is another day, the moon is coming to full and the fish are still out there waiting to bite.

DAY ONE RESULTS

17 Sailfish ALL RELEASED ON CIRCLE HOOKS

1ST PLACE TEAM: MAVERICK SPORT FISHING 800 PTS

2ND PLACE TEAM: MONIQUE 400 PTS

3RD PLACE TEAM: DECISIVE 200 PTS

1ST PLACE ANGLER: BIM LEBO 300 PTS

2ND PLACE ANGLER: DANIEL ESPINOSA 300 PTS

3RD PLACE ANGLER: JIMMY TAYLOR 200 PTS

TOP BOAT: SUPER FLY 800 PTS

2ND BOAT: MONIQUE 400 PTS

3RD BOAT: WHITE MARLIN 200 PTS

El Salvador

Here is some information on the country of El Salvador, a Republic, located between Guatemala and Honduras in Central America.
Population: Approximately 5.9 million people making it the most densely populated nation in the Americas. It is undergoing both rapid industrialization and population growth.
Capital: San Salvador
Government: A Presidential Republic, Antonio Saca is the current President.
Area: 8,124 square miles (size of New Jersey)
Currency: United States dollar
Ecomony: A member of CAFTA. Economy was built around the coffee industry. The service sector represents 60.7% of the GDP, Industrial, 29.6% and agriculture, only 7.6% of the GCP. The cutting and exporting of clothing to the U.S. ranks as one of the largest industries.

PRESIDENTIAL CARIBBEAN CUP

Sept. 15, 2008: The third and final day of the Presidential Caribbean Cup got off to a terrific start. The radio was humming with captains calling in releases from 9 to Noon. Forty four billfish were called in during the morning bite. Big Oh and anglers Grey Ingram, Carlos Mundo, Kevin Paul and Timothy Lenahan, continued their winning ways but the story of the day is the incredible comeback by A-Fin-Ity fishing aboard the Vintage with Capt. Hans Kraas. The Vintage with anglers Davis Clapp, Henry Riggs-Miller, Juanga Lopez and Dewey Sanchez released fourteen billfish by 1pm to challenge the Big Oh's lead. The Iliza team charged up the leaderboard during the morning bite and closed in on the top three boats.
The afternoon action slowed down shortly after 1pm. Third place was up for grabs between three teams – Iliza, Prime Time & Decisive were within one hundred points of each other. The second/third places went back and forth between them. Tijereta Capt. Bubba Carter called in a blue marlin release for Sparky late in the day. This moved Team Decisive and fellow anglers Jimmy Taylor, Eric Dallin and Winnie Pooh into third place. Eric Dallin frosted the cake with a white marlin at 4:50pm giving them 6400 points.
Then Vintage broke loose! By 4:15pm Vintage and Team A-Fin-Ity had released twenty billfish today to tie Big Oh for the lead. Capt. Ronnie Fields called in a white marlin at 4:40pm for Grey Ingram. That sealed the deal for Big Oh giving them a record breaking 9900 points to win the tournament. A-Fin-Ity, the 2007 PCCA Grand Champion Team, ended the day with a total of 9600 points. Congratulations to the winners for an outstanding angling achievement.

FINAL RESULTS

 

Today: 80 White Marlin / 6 Blue Marlin/1 sailfish
Tournament: 154 White Marlin/15 Blue Marlin/6 Sails

FIRST FISH & LAST FISH: Eric Dallin- Tijereta

CONTENDER TEAM DIVISION
1ST PLACE TEAM: Big Oh 9900 points
2ND PLACE TEAM: A-Fin-Ity 9600 points
3RD PLACE TEAM Decisive 6400 points
BAPTIST HEALTH INTERNATIONAL ANGLER DIVISION
1ST PLACE ANGLER: Grey Ingram 3500 pts
2nd PLACE ANGLE: Kevin Paul 3100 pts
3RD PLACE ANGLER: Henry Riggs-Miller 2700 pts
TOP ANGLER DAY ONE: Gray Ingram 1700 Big Oh
TOP ANGLER DAY TWO: Winnie Pooh 1400 pts Tijereta
TOP ANGLER DAY THREE: Davis Clapp 1800 pts

KING SAILFISH MOUNTS BOAT DIVISION
TOP BOAT: Big Oh 9900 points
2ND BOAT: Vintage 9600 points
3rd BOAT: Tijereta 6400 points

 

DAY TWO

Sept. 13, 2008: The start of the second day of the Presidential Caribbean Cup was delayed one hour to allow some of the boats time to fuel. Capt. Dan Kipnis called lines in the water at 10am. Jimmy Taylor fishing aboard the Tijereta released a white marlin at 10:47am. Although the skies were blue, the seas reasonable, the fish did not bite. The action started to get hot at 11:30am and kept a steady pace until 1:30pm when the bite slowed down. 17 whites and a blue were released in that two hour period.
The Big Oh picked up where they left off yesterday. By 3pm they had 5800 points for the tournament. Prime Time chipped away at their lead by adding a few whites and a blue today. The Sea Angel doubled up on blue marlin today to inch them up the scoreboard. This put them in contention behind A-Fin-Ity (Vintage) and Decisive (Tijereta). The Rude Awakening reports that their angler, Austin, fought two blue marlin for a total of four hours today! One was released and one broke off after a two hour fight! Congrats to him for his perseverance
As the afternoon progressed three teams were in hot pursuit of second and third place. Prime Time, A-Fin-Ity, fishing aboard Vintage and Decisive fishing aboard Tijereta were running head to head in the standings. Shortly after 5pm Vintage called in a white marlin for Henry Riggs-Miller which slid them into third place. The final five minutes decided the outcome of the second and third place positions. Team A-Fin-Ity fishing aboard the Vintage pulled it off with a last minute white marlin. Team Decisive did the same with a last minute hook up aboard Tijereta to move into third place. Prime Time ended the day in fourth place 100 points behind with a total 3500 for the tournament.
The tournament leader, Big Oh and anglers Gray Ingram, Carlos Mudo, Timmothy and Kevin Paul are having a phenomenal tournament having released twenty billfish – 2 blue marlin and 18 white marlin.

DAY TWO RESULTS

TOTAL FISH: 88
72 WHITE MARLIN – 9 BLUE MARLIN – 6 SAILFISH
TODAY: 38 Whites 5 Blues 1 Sail

CONTENDER BOATS/ KING SAILFISH MOUNTS
TEAM DIVISION
1ST PLACE TEAM: Big Oh 6400 pts
2ND PLACE TEAM: A-Fin-Ity 3600 pts
3RD PLACE TEAM: Decisive 3600 pts
BAPTIST HEALTH INTERNATIONAL ANGLER DIVISION
1ST PLACE ANGLER: Gray Ingram 2600 pts
2nd PLACE ANGLER: Winnie Pooh 2000 pts
3RD PLACE ANGLER: Kevin Paul 1700 pts
TOP DAILY ANGLER DAY 2: Winnie Pooh (Tijereta) 1400 pts
KING SAILFISH MOUNTS BOAT DIVISION
TOP BOAT: Big Oh 6400 pts
2ND BOAT: Vintage 3600 pts
3RD BOAT: Tijerta 3600 pts
TOP BOAT DAY TWO: Big Oh 3000 pts

DAY ONE

Sept. 12, 2008: LA GUAIRA, VENEZUELA— The Presidential Caribbean Cup kicked off Thursday night with 36 anglers fishing aboard 9 boats. The competitors gathered at Marina Portofino to review the rules with Chief Judge, Capt. Dan Kipnis. Baptist Health International hosted a Paella Dinner accompanied by festive music and dancers.
Day One of the tournament began as a typical Venezuelan morning with blue skies and a few clouds. Excitement generated up and down the dock as crews prepared for battle. Getting fuel was the biggest challenge for most of the boats so the fishing hours were adjusted to have lines in the water at 10:30am.
The morning action kicked off at 10:44am when Eric Dallin fishing aboard the Tijereta released a sailfish. An hour went by before another fish was called in. Henry Riggs- Miller broke the radio silence when he released a white marlin for team A-Fin-Ity aboard Vintage. The Big Oh made their move at 12:55pm when Carlos Mudos released a white marlin. Shortly after, Gray Ingram released a blue marlin to jump Big Oh to the top of the fleet. Team Decisive, fishing aboard the Tijereta, released a double header white marlin which moved them into contention.
The Big Oh team continued to raise their score as the afternoon wore on. A-Fin-Ity was not to be left in the dust. Their anglers released a sail and three whites to move into the standings. It wasn't long before the Alina team fishing with Eric Mansur on the Iliza started to make their move. Rafael Rojas, our two time individual angler winner, put two whites on the scoreboard. His teammate, Jose Guanipa added a sail and a white marlin to boost them in the rankings.
At 4:16pm the Big Oh called in another blue marlin. This time it was angler Kevin Paul that wound it in. This secured them the first place for Day One.
Prime Time made a late day move to tie for second place with A-Fin-Ity. The Prime Time anglers released 4 white marlin in two hours, added a double white marlin and a single late in the day and secured the second place!

All anglers were required to use Berkley Big Game Line supplied by Berkley as well as Eagle Claw non offset circle hooks.

DAY ONE RESULTS
43 billfish released
5 Sails/34 Whites/ 4 Blues
ALL ON CIRCLE HOOKS!
FIRST FISH: Eric Dallin, 10:44 Tijereta – Sailfish

CONTENDER TEAM DIVISION
1ST PLACE TEAM: BIG OH 3400 pts
2ND PLACE TEAM: PRIME TIME 2400 pts
3RD PLACE TEAM: A-FIN-ITY 2100 pts

BAPTIST HEALTH ANGLER DIVISION
1ST PLACE ANGLER: Gray Ingram 1700 pts
2ND PLACE ANGLER: Ramon Gonzalez 900 pts
3RD PLACE ANGLER: Henry Riggs-Miller 900 pts

KING SAILFISH MOUNTS BOAT DIVISION
TOP BOAT: BIG OH 3400 pts
2ND BOAT: PRIME TIME 2400 pts
3RD BOAT: VINTAGE 2100 pts

PRESIDENTIAL FLY CHALLENGE

August 7, 2008: Back by popular demand is the PRESIDENTIAL FLY CHALLENGE. This exciting fly fishing competition is scheduled for May 1-2-3, 2009, at Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala. The host hotel is Casa Vieja Lodge. We are offering packages which include the following:

  • 4 nights lodging at Casa Vieja Lodge based on double occupancy.
  • 3 full days of fishing on the boat of your choice from the Casa Vieja fleet - as of today the following boats are available from this fleet: Intensity, Nany, Spindrift, Caneso.
  • Beer, soda & lunch aboard the boats
  • Breakfast and dinner at Casa Vieja Lodge
  • Kick off party with live music & open bar
  • Daily open bar & hor d'oeurves after fishing
  • Awards dinner
  • Entry into tournametn

We are very happy to offer you the opportunity to fly fish with some of the world's best crews. Please contact our office for further details and availability. joan@sportingtraditions.com

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THE PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF COSTA RICA

Sea Angel Pulls off Last Minute Win

102 Sailfish / 5 Blue Marlin / 4 Striped Marlin

11 Teams / 33 Anglers

CONTENDER BOATS TEAM DIVISION

1st Place Team: Sea Angel 1900 pts/Greg Angel, Bob Osborne, Greg Voell

2nd Place Team: Decisive (Gamefisher II) 1900 pts / Bill Easum, Jimmy Taylor, JW Bones

3rd Place Team: Let It Ride 1800 pts/ Artie Kontos, James Kontos, Alex Nole

BAPTIST HEALTH INTERNATIONAL ANGLER DIVISION

1st Place Angler: Cleynor Ruiz (Gallo Pinto) 1200 pts

2nd Place Angler: Alex Nole (Let It Ride) 900 pts

3rd Place Angler: Bob Osborne (Sea Angel) 900 pts

KING SAILFISH MOUNTS BOAT DIVISION

1st Place Boat: Sea Angel 1900 pts

2nd Place Boat: Gamefisher II 1900 pts

3rd Place Boat: Let It Ride 1800 pts

*******************************************************

2007 TOURNAMENT NEWS

RIVIERA YACHTS PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF COSTA RICA

A-FIN-ITY PICKS UP WHERE THEY LEFT OFF

MANIOR OPORTO DOWNS WINS TOP ANGLER AWARD IN COSTA RICA

Playa Carrillo is world famous for its wide sandy beach bordered by tall palm trees. This peaceful setting greeted the twelve boats that traveled to the Carrillo anchorage to fish in the Riviera Yachts Presidential Challenge.Not only is this area famous for the beach but also for the world class billfishing in the pristine waters off the Guanecaste coastline.Marlin and sailfish inhabit the deep waters near Carrillo and attract sport fishing enthusiast to the area all year.This resource would be put to a test over the three days of the tournament.

Anglers traveled by boat and plane to reach Villas Playa Samara, our host hotel for the event.This charming beachfront hotel offers small villas nestled among the tropical foliage. Monkeys, squirrels and colorful birds inhabit the area surrounding the villas. A large swimming pool and swim-up bar was the meeting place for the contestants and guests.Everyone gathered at the Villas to hear the official rules and partake in the first of many Bacardi Bash parties.Strolling mariachis entertained the group during the welcome party buffet.

The first morning of competition the anglers were sent off in calm seas and very warm weather.The fleet led by fourRiviera fishing yachts left the Carrillo Anchorage promptly at 7am for the two hour run northwest to the fishing grounds.At 8:59am Ben White fishing aboard the Riviera flagship Gallo Pinto released a striped marlin. This started the action for this Riviera team whose anglers recorded a grand slam before 11am.Team Priority with the 2006 Eagle Claw Grand Champion Angler Jim Vaughn aboard recorded the second grand slam for the fleet later in the day.

The 2006 Lowrance Grand Champion Team, A-Fin-Ity, jumped to the Day One lead by releasing four striped marlin fishing aboard Permit III.A-Fin-Ity angler Henry Riggs-Miller was the leading angler on Day One by releasing two striped marlin.His teammate, Davis Clapp, and Manior Oporto Downs fishing aboard Spanish Fly also recorded two marlin releases. Team Maverick Sport Fishing anglers Richard Lebo and Larry Drivon joined with Manior to put enough points on the board to tie Gallo Pinto.

The amazing thing about the fishing on the first day was the number of striped marlin bites called in by the tournament boats.Costa Rica is not known for an active striped marlin fishery but our anglers proved that wrong.At the end of the day eleven striped marlin, two blue marlin and nine sailfish were radioed into official scorekeeper, Dan Kipnis.This is very unusual for the area but provided much excitement for the anglers.At 500 points per marlin the scores escalated quickly as each marlin was released.

The bite slowed on Day Two of the Riviera Yachts Presidential Challenge.Manior Oporto Downs released a sail at 8:58am.The action continued to be slow so the boats spread out in search of billfish but were unable to find the Mother Lode.The marlin bite continued with three more blues and three stripes added to our count.

Maverick Sport Fishing Team fishing on the Spanish Fly moved into first place by releasing a blue marlin and two sailfish.Dan Pimental of team A-Fin-Ity made his move and added a sailfish to his team score to maintain second place in the Contender Boats/ICT Team Division.Meanwhile, Team Gallo Pinto and angler Ben White kept the momentum up by adding another striped marlin to punch Ben to the top of the angler leader board with 1200 points in the Baptist Health International Angler Division. Right behind him was Manior Oporto Downs and Henry Riggs-Miller.Only one sailfish separated the top three places.The scene was set for a final day shootout between these highly skilled anglers.

The second day of fishing was long and hot.The fleet returned to the anchorage and were ferried to the beach by our fleet of pangas.It didn't take long for the anglers to congregate around the pool to enjoy the Baptist Health International Cocktail Party hosted by their representative, Ivis Guerra.Bacardi flowed and yarns were spun to cap a long, fruitful day.

The final day of the Riviera Yachts Presidential Challenge shaped up to be an exciting race to the wire.Fishing continued to be slow so every shot at a fish was crucial to the success of the teams. Anxiety was high as the anglers loaded into the pangas for the ride out to their boats.Blue marlin were the hot species which provided a chance for teams to climb up the leader board in a hurry.Five blues were released on the final day but the striped marlin appeared to have moved out of the area.

To further the challenge among the competition, all anglers are required to use Berkley Big Game twenty pound line which is provided by Berkley.In addition, as in all Presidential Challenge events, baits must be rigged with Eagle Claw non-offset circle hooks.Circle hooks are mandatory when fishing for billfish in Costa Rica.

Dan Pimental lead his team, A-Fin-Ity and teammates Davis Clapp and Henry Riggs-Miller, to the victory in the Contender Boats/ICT Team Division by releasing a blue marlin and a sailfish. Ben White and his Gallo Pinto team anglers Arturo Durman and Kleynor Ruiz,held on to finish in the second spot just two hundred points behind the champions.The Gallo Pinto Team shared boat time with another of the Riviera fleet, Mistress, to accumulate their team points. They managed to top Maverick Sport Fishing aboard the Spanish Fly on time.

The Baptist Health International Angler Division was won by Manior Oporto Downs.Manior turned in 1300 points to edge Ben White for top angler honors.Henry Riggs-Miller held his own and staked claim to the third place angler award. This was a very close race which went right down to the wire.

Captain Chepe Santana from Flamingo, Costa Rica, once again skippered his 31' Permit III to the win in the King Sailfish Mounts Boat Division. His team, A-Fin-Ity, turned in a total of 2700 points. This was the fourth time Santana has staked claim to the top boat spot in this tournament.Spanish Fly moved up to finish in second place with 2500 points with his Maverick Sport Fishing anglers.The third place award was presented to the crew of Gallo Pinto who had 1500 points.

Mr. Freddie Lizano represented the I.C.T. (Costa Rican Tourism Bureau) who hosted the Awards Banquet.The dinner was held outside around the pool where anglers watched a slide show under the stars presented by Saltwater Videos & Eric Dallen.Dr. Russell Nelson and Dan Kipnis conducted a live auction to benefit The Billfish Foundation.Together with the proceeds from the Riviera Yachts Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica, the auction generated over $20,000 for the TBF Costa Rica Conservation Fund.It was a perfect ending to a fish and funfilled weekend in Costa Rica.

FINAL RESULTS

CONTENDER BOATS –ICT TEAM DIVISION

1ST PLACE TEAM:A-FIN-ITY2700 PTS

2ND PLACE TEAM:GALLO PINTO2500 PTS

3RD PLACE TEAM:MAVERICK SPORT FISHING 2500 PTS

BAPTIST HEALTH ANGLER DIVISION

1ST PLACE ANGLER:MANIOR OPORTO DOWNS 1300 PTS

2ND PLACE ANGLER:BEN WHITE1200 PTS

3RD PLACE ANGLER :HENRY RIGGS-MILLER 1000 PTS

KING SAILFISH MOUNTS BOAT DIVISION

TOP BOAT:PERMIT III2700 PTS

2ND BOAT:SPANISH FLY2500 PTS

3RD BOAT:GALLO PINTO 1500 PTS

NEW TOURNAMENT FORMAT ANNOUNCED FOR 2007 SEASON

PLEASE TAB DOWN TO END OF COLUMN FOR EVENT SCHEDULES AND OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR TOURNAMENT DESTINATIONS.

PHOTO: Villas Playa Samara, our host hotel for the Riviera Yachts Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica

THE PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF GUATEMALA

PRESENTED BY INGUAT

NOVEMBER 16-17-18, 2007

TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCES NEW FORMAT

April 9, 2007:As time changes so is the Presidential Challenge of Guatemala.Over the past two years we have seen a great many private boats entering into our event.Each year more and more boat owners are traveling to Guatemala to enjoy the world class sailfish action.To keep up with the times and make our events fair to all anglers we are changing the series format beginning with the 2007 tournament in Guatemala.

The Presidential Tournaments will now follow the same format used in the Presidential Caribbean Cup event.Teams of three anglers will pay a 'per team' entry fee and fish aboard their own boat or one chartered by the team.Details are below:

  • Teams are made up of 3 anglers.
  • Teams must own or charter their boat.
  • The Tournament has reserved the available charter boats in the area.Please contact the tournament office to make your selection.
  • Boat and hotel packages are available through Sporting Traditions.
  • Guatemala Entry Fee Schedule:$2,600 per team of 3 anglers which includes airport greeting and transfer to your hotel (round trip airport transfers included), two dinners, cocktail parties, gifts, prizes & awards.
  • This event is sanctioned by the World Billfish Series and the IGFA Offshore Championship.

To reserve your team a space and to reserve the boat of your choice please contact Joan Vernon, Sporting Traditions, 305.361.9258 or email joan@sportingtraditions.com.

APRIL 9, 2007: The Riviera Yachts Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica is sold out! We have 13 teams registered to date. Please note our new email address: joan@sportingtraditions.com.

February 7, 2007: The Riviera Yachts Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica is the first event of the 2007 PCCA Season. Anglers will gather in Carrillo, Costa Rica, for the kick off scheduled for April 20th at the Villas Playa Samara. At this writing we have 8 teams registered to compete. The deadline for the early entry discount is March 1st. Hotel reservations must be made prior to that date in order to insure a room. Please contact our office as soon as possible to register.

January 8, 2007: The final day of The Presidential 10th Anniversary Challenge got off to a slow start. The first hour produced only a few releases. The hot boat in the morning was Nany with the USA II team of father /son Billy and Macky Pesch and Lou Lamar. By Noon they had released eight fish. A battle for the Lowrance Team Championship was shaping up between the Edgewater team and USA I. By the Noon report these teams were in a dead heat with fifty two releases apiece.

The Eagle Claw Angler Division was also tied up between Juanga Lopez and Paul Pfaff. They each scored twenty releases. Right on their tails were Bill Easum and Scott Parsons who each had nineteen releases. Paul edged out Juanga for the top spot. Bill Easum added five fish to his total to place third.

As the afternoon progressed the bite improved. The excitement grew in proportion to the bites. USA I and Edgewater fought it out all afternoon with anglers alternating releases to keep the score in a tie. The Captain Hook found the mother lode and the A-Fin-Ity anglers, Davis Clapp, Juanga Lopez and Tomas Irizarry took advantage of the good fortune. By 2pm they were one release behind the two leaders.

This was one of the most exciting finishes in the ten year history of the Presidential Challenge. Team USA 1 took off at 2pm. The mother/son team of Diane Locke and Scott Parsons released four fish in half an hour to stake claim to the tournament lead until the final minutes. Edgewater made a last minute charge which saw the two teams locked up fish per fish. Edgewater kept the top spot and laid claim to the 10th Anniversary Championship. Team A-Fin-Ity had a great day and clinched third place team. In the meantime, the anglers aboard the Nany, although not in contention, continued their streak and ended up releasing 24 sails for top boat of the day.

The Awards Banquet was held at Hotel Martita. Anglers were entertained by music from a typical Marimba group while sipping their Bacardi drinks. Daniel Mooney, Director of Inguat, welcomed everyone and congratulated the winners.

This brought to conclusion ten years of incredible competition between friends from around the world. Guatemala once again proved that this is one of the best fishing destinations in existence today. Everyone is looking forward to the Eleventh PCCA season which begins April 20th at Playa Carrillo, Costa Rica.

FINAL RESULTS

281 Sailfish

LOWRANCE TEAM DIVISION

1ST PLACE TEAM: Edgewater 6400

2ND PLACE TEAM: USA I 6300

3RD PLACE TEAM: A-Fin-Ity 6000

EAGLE CLAW ANGLER DIVISION

1ST PLACE ANGLER: Paul Pfaff 2700

2ND PLACE ANGLER: Juanga Lopez 2400

3RD PLACE ANGLER: Bill Easum 2200

TOP BOAT: CAPTAIN HOOK 6700

2ND BOAT: INTNESTIY 6300

3RD BOAT: NANY 5600

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala - January 5, 2007:

Team USA fishing aboard the Captain Hook jumped to the lead early with 16 releases by Noon. Anglers Diane Locke, Bill Easum and Scott Parsons had a red hot few hours of quality Guatemala fishing. Team A-Fin-Ity with anglers Davis Clapp, Tomas Irizarry and Juanga Lopez were tied at Noon with Team USA II and anglers Macky & Billy Pesch and Lou Lamar. These teams also had 16 releases shortly after Noon. The rest of the fleet was not idle. By Noon the five boats reported 69 releases! At the end of the day USA prevailed. A-Fin-Ity is right behind them. Team Edgewater with anglers Paul Pfaff, Ben Martz and Jack Reveland are challenging the leaders. The teams change boats tomorrow which should bring another outstanding day of sailfishing in Guatemala.

DAY ONE RESULTS

123 Sailfish

LOWRANCE TEAM DIVISION

1ST PLACE TEAM: USA 3000 POINTS

2ND PLACE TEAM: A-FIN-ITY 2700 POINTS

3RD PLACE TEAM: EDGEWATER 2700 POINTS

EAGLE CLAW ANGLER DIVISION

1ST PLACE ANGLER: JUANGA LOPEZ 1200 PTS

2ND PLACE ANGLER: SCOTT PARSONS 1200 PTS

3RD PLACE ANGLER: BILL EASUM 1100 PTS

TOP BOAT: CAPT. HOOK 3000 PTS

2ND BOAT: INTENSITY 2700 PTS

3RD BOAT: RELEASE 2700 PTS

 

January 4, 2007, Iztapa, Guatemala:

The Presidential 10th Anniversary Challenge Presented by INGUAT is underway with five past champion teams participating in this invitational event. Reserve a limo ride from SFO in advance to get to San Francisco downtown, The fifteen anglers were welcomed last night at a gala reception and dinner hosted by INGUAT, the official tourism agency for Guatemala. Fishing will conclude January 6, 2007.

This morning dawned clear and calm with the famous Guatemalan volcanos looming on the horizon. Anglers boarded the boats and headed out to sea promptly at 7am. Lines were called in the water at 8:30am and fishing got off to a rapid start.

In order to qualify for this event teams must have won a championship in the Presidential Challenge of Central America Conservation Series. Over the past ten years tournaments have been held in Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama and Venezuela. These events have raised over $100,000 for conservation projects over their short history. Some highlights of these contributions include money given to The Billfish Foundation for billfish conservation work in Central America, The IGFA for the E.K. Harry Library and the Certified Observer Program and Circle hook research. The PCCA was also instrumental in the founding and funding of The Adopt A Billfish Satellite Tagging Program. These tournaments also funded and helped to organize two sport fishing economic conferences, one in Panama and the other in Guatemala. Many contributions have been given to local charities including schools, hospitals and social agencies in the venues where the tournaments are held. The PCCA was the first tournament in the world to require the use of circle hooks which led the way to a world wide 'circle hook revolution'.

It is due to the dedication of our sponsors and anglers that these accomplishments were made possible. We are celebrating our ten year anniversary in Guatemala which features the best sailfishing in the world.

The Presidential 10th Anniversary Challenge is sponsored by: INGUAT, Costa del Mar, Lowrance, Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp, Honda, Crook & Crook Fishing Supply, Marina Pez Vela, 7 Caldos Restaurant, Berkley, Boone, Aftco.

DECEMBER 21, 2006: The entire staff of The Presidential Challenge wishes you a very Happy Holiday Season. May the new year bring you peace and prosperity. We hope to see you in April at the RIVIERA YACHTS PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF COSTA RICA.

NOVEMBER 20, 2006: THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY SEASON OF THE PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE CONCLUDED YESTERDAY. MORE NEWS AND PHOTOS WILL BE POSTED SOON. BELOW ARE THE RESULTS:

FINAL RESULTS

THE PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF GUATEMALA PRESENTED BY INGUAT

508 Sailfish 6 Blue Marlin

45 Anglers / 15 Boats

Released ALL ON CIRCLE HOOKS

CONTENDER BOATS TEAM DIVISION

1ST PLACE TEAM: Priority 4400

2ND PLACE TEAM: Capt. Hook 4000

3rd PLACE TEAM: A-Fin-Ity 4000

BAPTIST HEALTH ANGLER DIVISION

1ST PLACE ANGLER: JIM VAUGHN 1900

2ND PLACE ANGLER: JAMES CAMBRIDGE 1900

3RD PLACE ANGLER: JIM TURNER 1800

High Point Angler Day 3: JIM TURNER 1000

1ST PLACE BOAT: Priority 4400

2nd BOAT TODAY: Nany 4300

3rdBOAT : Capt. Hook 4000

 

The 10th Edition of The Presidential Challenge of Guatemala Presented by INGUAT is underway. The anglers were up bright and early, ready to head for Marina Pez Vela and the first day of fishing. Excitement was high as teams prepared to do battle for the LOWRANCE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM & EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER awards.

The first day action began shortly after lines were called in the water. Fernando Aguilar and Craig Johnson both called in sailfish at 8:39 am to kick off the tournament action. Mark Miller began his quest at the same time and released his fish right after with Fernando's. The action was steady all day long. Many doubles and triples were called in during the fishing hours

Defending Team Champs Lisa and Clint Everett joined by teammate Scotty Bowers jumped to the lead by releasing 19 sails today. Lisa and Clint were married in July and changed their team name to GOT GAME! Newcomer, Mark Miller, fishing with Team PICAPLEITOS had a fantastic day releasing 8 sails to lead the Angler Division on time over Scotty Bowers. James Cambridge, Davis Clapp and Jim Vaughn are

challenging with 7 releases. . Fishing in Guatemala is exciting and suspenseful since the bite is far offshore in the azure waters of the Eastern Pacific. Radio contact is difficult due to the distance the fleet runs offshore. At the end of the day Team PRIORITY scored 18 releases to challenge GOT GAME. Right behind them was A-FIN-ITY and PICAPLEITOS with 17 releases each.

We want to thank INGUAT for hosting the gala Welcome Dinner for the anglers. The setting was at the lovely new cruise terminal adjacent to Marina Pez Vela. Tournament Judge, Bill Boyce, reviewed the rules for anglers, observers and crews. Following the official welcome by INGUAT Representative, Ana Smith, we were served a sit down dinner with plenty of Bacardi on the side!

We are pleased to welcome Matty Tambor, Scott Shane and Greg Graham from the well known television show 'THE BITE' to our tournament. They are fishing as a team while filming the action for their show.

DAY ONE RESULTS

15 TEAMS/45 ANGLERS

Anglers from U.S.A., Puerto Rico, Venezuela,Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia

196 Sailfish/1 Blue Marlin

Released ALL ON CIRCLE HOOKS

FIRST FISH: Fernando Aguilar/Craig Johnson 8:39am

1ST PLACE TEAM: Got Game 1900 pts

2ND PLACE TEAM: Priority 1800 pts

3rd PLACE TEAM: A-Fin-Ity 1700 pts

1ST PLACE ANGLER: Mark Miller 800 pts

2ND PLACE ANGLER: Scotty Bowers 800 pts

3RD PLACE ANGLER: James Cambridge 700 pts

High Point Angler Day1: Mark Miller 800 pts

TOP BOAT: Nany 1900 pts

2nd BOAT: Priority 1800 pts

3rdBOAT: A-Fin-Ity 1700 pts

 

November 17, 2006: The 10th Edition of The Presidential Challenge of Guatemala Presented by INGUAT is underway. The anglers were up bright and early, ready to head for Marina Pez Vela and the first day of fishing. Excitement was high as teams prepared to do battle for the LOWRANCE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM & EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER awards.

October 15, 2006: The third and final day of the Presidential Caribbean Cup began with a flurry of activity. Mike Price fishing for Team Vintage didn't waste time in releasing a sailfish nine minutes after lines were put in the water. Alina kept up their momentum by releasing three sailfish in the first hour. Prime Time made their move at 10:53am with a white marlin release. By Noon the Alina and Prime Time teams were tied. A call at 12:10pm announced another release by Prime Time moving them into the lead. The excitement increased at 12:30pm when Alina called in two sailfish to reclaim the lead!

As the afternoon progressed, the fishing got slower. Bites were few and far between. South Paw made a run for the top releasing two blues, a white and two sails to move up into third place. This team of Bob DeGabrielle, Davis Clapp and Henry Riggs-Miller scored a slam each day of the tournament. Prime Time took the lead at 2:42 when Elson Myers released a sailfish to break the tie with Alina. South Paw hung on to claim the third place spot. It was an exciting finish to a fun filled tournament.

In the Baptist Health International Angler Division Rafael Rojas, fishing aboard Alina, took the lead on the first day and held it throughout the entire tournament. Elson Myers scored the only personal slam of the tournament and continued on to place second. Vintage angler, Mike Price, collected five whites and a blue to hold on to third place. Today, teams released three blue marlin, sixteen white marlin and thirty sailfish, all on Eagle Claw circle hooks and 20-pound test Berkley line.

The evening's festivities will kick off with a poolside party at Marina Portofino beginning as soon as the teams return to port. The awards dinner is scheduled to begin under the tent later in the evening.

FINAL RESULTS

Sailfish: 99 White Marlin: 74 Blue Marlin: 27

Total billfish released: 201

FIRST FISH: Mike Price, Vintage 9:09am

LAST FISH: Ron Lowe, Waterman 4:46pm

1ST PLACE TEAM: Prime Time 3400 pts

2ND PLACE TEAM: Alina 3300 pts

3RD PLACE TEAM: South Paw 3200 pts

1ST PLACE ANGLER: Rafael Rojas 2000 pts

2ND PLACE ANGLER: Elson Myers 1400 pts

3RD PLACE ANGLER: Mike Price 1300 pts

TOP BOAT: Prime Time

2ND BOAT: Alina

3rd BOAT: South Paw

 

CONSERVATION

On behalf of the anglers & sponsors of The Presidential Caribbean Cup Presented by Riviera Yachts the tournament presented The Billfish Foundation with $6,500.00 to help with their conservation efforts in the Caribbean Area. Dr. David Die & The University of Miami Rosensteil School was presented with $1000 to assist Dr. Die in an economic study of sport fishing in Venezuela

SATURDAY NOON UPDATE: The third and final day of the Presidential Caribbean Cup began with a flurry of activity. Mike Price fishing for Team Vintage didn't waste time in releasing a sail fish nine minutes after lines were put in the water. Alina kept up their momentum by releasing three sailfish in the first hour. Prime Time made their move at 10:53am with a white marlin release. By Noon the Alina and Prime Time teams were tied. A call at 12:10pm announced another white marlin release by Prime Time moving them into the lead. The excitement increased at 12:30pm when Alina called in two saifish and put them into a first place tie with Prime Time...AGAIN! These two teams are in a true battle to the finish! We will try to post the team winner later this afternoon if we can still get our Internet connection! If not, complete results will be posted first thing tomorrow morning (EDT).

FRIDAY, OCT. 14, 2006:LA GUAIRA, VENEZUELA— Friday the Thirteenth brought good luck to the anglers fishing the Presidential Caribbean Cup. Day Two of the tournament got off to a red hot start with the Riviera Team fishing aboard the Grand Hendi scoring a slam at 10:49am. Shortly thereafter the Prime Time team put a slam on the leaderboard. This was the second slam of the tournament for Prime Time! By Noon the fleet had released 31 fish which included 12 sails, 13 whites and 6 blues. That is some kind of impressive fishing! All these fish are being caught using twenty pound Berkley Big Game line and Eagle Claw non-offset circle hooks. The afternoon brought more of the same action. Radio man & scorekeeper, Dan Kipnis, was kept very busy recording the releases. Plastika called in a sailfish at 1:47pm to complete a slam. An hour later Alina scored a sail release to complete their slam. By 3:30pm the fleet had released 63 blues, whites and sails. The bite never slowed down as captains called in releases one after another. As the day progressed there were ten boats eligible for slams! Mike Price was making a bid to catch Rafael Rojas for the top angler spot. Mike, fishing aboard the Vintage, had accumulated 900 points by 4pm. As the clocked ticked towards 5pm and lines out, Capt. Bubba Carter on South Paw called in a whitey release by angler Davis Clapp which gave the A-Fin-Ity team a slam for the day. An additional two slams were then recorded by Sound Machine and Release before Dan called lines out. The evening's festivities will kick off with a poolside party at Mango Marina beginning as soon as the teams return to port. The anglers will have a lot of celebrating to do tonight! Many thanks to Luis Angel Rincon for his hospitality.

DAY TWO RESULTS

Sailfish- 40 White Marlin- 31 Blue Marlin- 16

8 Slams

FIRST FISH: Roger Galindo 9:12am White Marlin

1ST PLACE TEAM: Prime Time 2800 pts

2ND PLACE TEAM: Alina 2800 pts

3RD PLACE TEAM: A-Fin-Ity 2100 pts

1ST PLACE ANGLER: Rafael Rojas 1800 pts

2ND PLACE ANGLER: Elson Myers 1200 pts

3RD PLACE ANGLER: Mike Price 1100 pts

TOP BOAT: Prime Time 2800 pts

2ND BOAT: Alina 2800 pts

3RD BOAT: South Paw 1800 pts

TOP BOAT OF THE DAY: Prime Time 1700 pts

 

Friday, October 13, 2006 - LA GUAIRA, VENEZUELA—The Prime Time team kicked off the first day of the Presidential Caribbean Cup in grand style with a grand slam release of both blue and white marlin and sailfish. Angler Elson Myers scored the personal slam by releasing a sail in the morning followed by a white marlin and clinching the milestone with a blue marlin release at 3:21pm. Joining the 'Slam Club' today was the Puerto Rican team fishing aboard the Albacora. Felix Flores released a whitey at 9:54am. Tito Muntaner released two sails and a blue at 3:24pm to complete the boat slam. Team A-Fin-Ity fishing aboard the South Paw scored a slam at 4:02pm. Henry Riggs-Miller released a white marlin at 9:24am to begin the quest for the three species prize. Bob DeGabrielle released a blue marlin at 12:48pm. The slam was completed with Alberto Sanchez & Davis Clapp's sailfish releases later in the afternoon. Most teams reported fair fishing in the morning, but several others were able to convert the slow bite into good numbers of releases. Rafael Rojas released the first fish, a sail, at 9:20am. The Aruba team, Alina, was the hot hook this morning with four whites and three sails reported by 2pm. The local boat, Guarimba, was in the hunt with two whites and five sails with anglers representing the Dominican Republic. The bite heated up after 3pm when the fleet started the radio humming. Scorekeeper Dan Kipnis reported 13 billfish called in within 40 minutes. The evening festivities kick off shortly after the boats return to Marina Portofino and scorecards are verified. Ivis Guerra Baptist Health International will entertain anglers, observers and crews at a Caribbean Bash poolside at the Marina. Two more days of fishing await the 72 anglers, competing aboard 20 vessels this year. Tournament-approved Eagle Claw circle hooks and Berkley 20-pound test line ensure a competitive field in the grand slam capital of billfishing off the north coast of Venezuela.

DAY ONE RESULTS

ALL ON CIRCLE HOOKS!

Sailfish - 30 White Marlin- 27 Blue Marlin- 8

FIRST FISH: Rafael Rojas, 9:20am sailfish

1ST PLACE TEAM: Alina, 1300 pts

2ND PLACE TEAM: Prime Time 1100pts

3RD PLACE TEAM: A-Fin-Ity 1100 pts

1ST PLACE ANGLER: Rafael Rojas 800 pts

2ND PLACE ANGLER: Elson Myers 600 pts

3RD PLACE ANGLER: Jose Bonilla 500 pts

TOP BOAT: Alina 1300 pts

2ND BOAT: Prime Time 1100 pts

3RD BOAT: South Paw 1100 pts

 

2007 PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE CONSERVATION SERIES DATES: Mark your calendars and make your plans to attend the 2007 PCCA series! THE RIVIERA PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF COSTA RICA: APRIL 21-22-23 We have a new home for this event. Our host hotel is Villas Playa Samara, a lovely beach front complex near the village of Samara. It is about two miles from Guanamar. THE PRESIDENTIAL CARIBBEAN CUP PRESENTED BY RIVIERA: OCT. 12-13-14 THE PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF GUATEMALA PRESENTED BY INGUAT: NOV. 16-17-18

SEPTEMBER 26, 2006: The Presidential Carbbean Cup Presented by Riviera/Venezuela is scheduled for October 12-13-14th out of Marina Portofino. This event is sold out with 21 teams signed up to compete! The action has been red hot on the La Guaira Bank. We are looking forward to another exciting Presidential Tournament. The Billfish Foundation will hold a silent auction to benefit billfish research in the Caribbean.

THE PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF CENTRAL AMERICA - GUATEMALA, PRESENTED BY INGUAT: The PCCA 10th Anniversary season will end with the Guatemala leg scheduled for November 17-18-19. We still have a few team spaces available for this exciting tournament. The fishing is alway red hot and sets the stage for a thrilling end to the season. Our Lowrance Grand Champion Team and Eagle Claw Grand Champion Angler will be crowned on Nov. 19th. INGUAT will host our welcome dinner at Puerto Quetzal. The popular TV show, The Bite, will have a team competing and will film the tournament for their program.

PCCA COSTA RICA: THE 2007 DATES FOR THE PCCA/COSTA RICA ARE APRIL 21-22-23RD. WE HAVE CHANGED OUR HOTEL AND WILL NOW HEADQUARTER THE TOURNAMENT AT VILLAS PLAYA SAMARA. This charming resort is a group of individual villas offering one, two and three bedroom accommodations. It is a short ride from the Guanamar Anchorage. We believe our anglers will enjoy their stay at this charming beach front resort. Make plans to attend our Billfish Foundation Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica in 2007. The waters off of Playa Carrillo offer the most prolific marlin fishing along the Central American coast.

JULY 26, 2006: This year has been a banner year for Venezuelan marlin. The spring bite brought some record numbers of blues to release from the local and visiting fleet. This fall promises to bring exciting action to the anglers venturing to La Guaira. The PRESIDENTIAL CARIBBEAN CUP Presented by RIVIERA YACHTS is schedule to kick off October 11th at Marina Portofino. Tournament fishing is October 12-14th. This is the final tournament for anglers competing in the World Billfish Series Caribbean Division. Teams will compete for the coveted invitation to the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship. At this writing space is limited for the event. The early entry deadline is July 31st. After that date the entry fees go up $200.00. Contact our office today for further information.

The final event of our TENTH ANNIVERSARY YEAR is the PCCA GUATEMALA scheduled for November 17-19th out of Marina Pez Vela. Our official host, INGUAT, has promised an exciting kick off for all participants on November 16 at the Port facility. On hand to compete and record this exciting billfishing event will be the crew from THE BITE TV show. This popular television show airs 76 times a month on various cable channels. The ENTRY DEADLINE is September 1st. DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS ONE! Join us for some of the most exciting sailfish action in the world today.

April 26, 2006 - Playa Carillo, Costa Rica: The Tenth Anniversary year of the Presidential Challenge Conservation Series is underway with the conclusion of The Billfish Foundation Presidential Challenge of Central America. Playa Carillo was the venue for the kick off for this prestigious series. Twenty-seven anglers representing eight U.S. states, and nine IGFA Certified Observers congregated at the Hotel Guanamar on April 20th for the official welcome celebration. Following the official rules meeting, participants were entertained by local marimba music during the buffet dinner at the hotel.

The first morning of the tournament anglers and observers congregated on the beach awaiting the panga transfer to the charter boats. Three private boats joined our fleet this year. The weather was perfect and the seas were calm. Lines were called in the water at 8 a.m. and by 8:09 a.m. Jim Vaughn fishing aboard the Pasha released the first sailfish. We do not have an official radio in Costa Rica so the tournament committee was kept in suspense until the anglers returned to the hotel late in the afternoon. When the scores were tallied they reflected a hot afternoon bite. Nancy Frazer from Port Aransas, Texas, fishing aboard the Gamefisher II with Capt. Richard Chellemi jumped to the lead by releasing five sailfish. Her husband Joe and teammate Byron Doyle each released two sails to put the Bottom Dollar team in the lead with 900 points. Right behind them was team A-Fin-Ity. Davis Clapp and Henry Riggs-Miller released four sails. Teammate Von Zimmerman released a sail and a striped marlin to bring the team total to 800 points.

Hotel Guanamar is located on a hilltop overlooking a secluded bay. The sun sets over the wide, palm tree lined beach. This was the setting for the Baptist Health International cocktail party held after the anglers returned from fishing. Hostess Ivis Guerra, representing Baptist Health, greeted everyone with margaritas and wonderful snacks.

The Pacific waters off of Carillo are sometimes known as 'Marlin Alley'. This name seemed to apply on Day Two of the PCCA. Two boats turned in Grand Slams at the end of the day. Bill Easum, also from Port Aransas, Texas, fishing for U.S.A aboard the Gamefisher II, released a blue marlin at 9:07am to start the action for the day. His teammate, Alan McPherson from Stuart, Florida, released a striped marlin later in the morning. James Cambridge, another Texan, rounded out the slam at noon with a sail release. They ended the day with 900 points which moved them up into contention. Jim Vaughn from Lake Wales, Florida, was red hot with the marlin. He released a striped marlin and blue marlin to put his Team Priority into the running. Fellow angler Hans Kaspersetz added the sail to complete the slam.

The anglers were entertained back at the hotel at the Bacardi Bash. Many exciting fish tales were told and expectations for the final day were in high gear.

The marlin bite continued on Day Three of the tournament. Six blue marlin were hooked although not all were landed within the thirty-minute time limit. Team U.S.A. continued their winning streak by releasing seven sails and a blue marlin caught by James Cambridge. This secured the win for the team and the lead in the 2006 Lowrance Grand Champion Team Division. They will also receive an invitation to fish in the 2007 Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship. Team Priority added seven releases to their score to claim second place. Davis Clapp released a sail and a blue combined with his teammate's three sails to take third place.

Jim Vaughn, the 2005 Eagle Claw Grand Champion Angler, continued his winning ways by accumulating 1200 points to win the top angler award. Jim will be invited to fish in the World Billfish Series Grand Championship scheduled for early December at Los Suenos, Costa Rica. Mick Childs hailing from Hawaii and fishing for team Florical turned in 800 points to claim second place angler. Right behind him was James Cambridge with 700 points which was good enough for third place.

The awards celebration was held in the evening and sponsored by the I.C.T., the official tourism agency for Costa Rica. On hand to present the trophies was Freddie Lizano representing the I.C.T. as well as representatives from Bacardi. Following the official awards presentation, the group was entertained by Costa Rican dancers dressed in costumes typical of the Guanecaste Province. It was a delightful and colorful conclusion to a fun packed week in Costa Rica.

CONSERVATION

On behalf of the tournament, The Billfish Foundation was presented a check for $5000 which will be used to continue their conservation effort in Costa Rica. This event will also assist in funding the Adopt-A-Billfish Phase II satellite tagging in the Sea of Cortez scheduled for later in the year.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

CONTENDER TEAM DIVISION

1st Place Team: USA – 1900 points – Bill Easum, James Cambridge, Alan McPherson

2nd Place Team: Priority – 1700 points – Jim Vaughn, Hans Kaspersetz, Jim McCord

3rd Place Team: A-Fin-Ity – 1500 points – Davis Clapp, Von Zimmerman, Henry Riggs-Miller

BAPTIST HEALTH INTERNATIONAL ANGLER DIVISION

1ST Place Angler: Jim Vaughn 1200 points

2nd Place Angler: Mick Childs 800 points

3rd Place Angler: James Cambridge 700 points

BOAT DIVISION

1ST Place Boat: Gamefisher II 2600 points, Capt. Richard Chellemi

2nd Place Boat: Permit III 1700 points, Capt. Chepe Santana

3rd Place Boat: Wet Ass II 1700 points, Capt. Sonny Kocis

April 25, 2006: Team USA led by team captain Bill Easum took top honors in the Contender Boats Team Division of the Billfish Foundation Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica. Teammates James Cambridge and Alan McPherson added points to the team total of 1900. This total included a boat slam aboard the Gamefisher II with Capt. Richard Chellemi. They were awarded hand carved wood trophies sponsored by the I.C.T. Jim Vaughn, fishing for Team Priority, released a striped marlin and blue marlin on day two giving the boat Permit III with Capt. Chepe Santana a grand slam. Jim went on to win the Baptist Health South Angler Division. Complete results will be posted soon.

April 16, 2006: The Billfish Foundation Presidential Challenge of Central America will kick off in a few days. Hotel Guanamar, Playa Carillo, Costa Rica, is the venue for the first event of the 10th Anniversary Season of this tournament series. Twenty seven anglers are traveling to this fishing paradise to compete in the first of the 2006 tournaments. Stay tuned - we will try to update the web site as often as possible!

MARCH 10, 2006: The Billfish Foundation Presidential Challenge of Central America - Costa Rica - will kick off the Tenth Anniversary Celebration April 21-22-23rd at Playa Carillo, Costa Rica. We still have space for a few more teams. Contact our office for more information.

JANUARY 30, 2006: The Billfish Foundation Presidential Challenge of Central America begins the Tenth Anniversary season of the Presidential Challenge series in Playa Carillo, Costa Rica. When you sign up to fish The Presidential Challenge Series (PCCA) you are supporting our efforts as well as those of The Billfish Foundation(TBF) to further conservation of billfish in Costa Rican waters. We love the exhilarating fishing opportunities we have come to expect off the shores of Costa Rica. Our anglers come from many of the United States, Puerto Rico and Central America to take advantage of one of Costa Rica's most valuable resources – the billfish. The PCCA and TBF recognize that sportfishing tourism is our strongest tool with which to get the attention of decision makers in Costa Rica. Good conservation pays. Coastal communities prosper from fishermen who purchase hotel rooms, frequent restaurants and charter boats. Other service providers and businesses related to sportfishing all contribute to the economic health of these communities. This year the tournament is again scheduled for the beautiful Hotel Guanamar. Anglers will compete for three days aboard private boats and boats chartered locally. Everyone is welcome to fish with us. You need a team of three anglers to make an entry. We will place a certified International Game Fish Association observer aboard each boat along with the angling team. This tournament is sanctioned by The Rolex-IGFA Offshore Championship and The World Billfish Series. It is the first of our three tournament series to compete for the LOWRANCE GRAND CHAMPION TEAM and the EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER awards. PLEASE NOTE OUR EARLY ENTRY DEADLINE (Feb. 15) IS APPROACHING. IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR YOUR RESERVATION.

DECEMBER 23, 2005: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you who support our Presidential Challenge Conservation Series throughout the year. We are proud to have such dedicated sponsors and anglers support our events and conservation projects. We hope that you will join us in 2006 for our Tenth Anniversary Year.

PCCA GUATEMALA:

360 Sail/ 1 Blue Marlin

The majestic volcanos of Guatemala tower over the sugar cane fields that melt into the Pacific Ocean. Along that coast is Puerto Quetzal, the primary port for the country. Marina Pez Vela is located within the breakwater area of this port. It is here that INGUAT, the official tourism department for Guatemala, welcomed the anglers, observers and crews participating in the 9th Presidential Challenge of Central America. Tourism Director, Daniel Mooney, extended the official welcome on behalf of President Oscar Berger. The PCCA group dined on local boquitas washed down with Bacardi Rum as they were entertained by the INGUAT Marimba group.

The anglers were up bright and early ready to head for the boats and the first day of fishing. Excitement was high as teams prepared to do battle for the LOWRANCE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM & EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER awards. Lines went in the water at 8:00am. Soon after, Margie Adams, fishing for Team Picapleitos, released the first fish of the tournament. The action was red hot with the fleet releasing twenty seven sails in the first hour of competition. By Noon the number was up to eighty two releases! Picapleitos held a slim lead over Rip, Roaring & Ready and the Palm Harbor Hookers. Jim Turner, Fernando Aguilar and Scotty Bowers were all tied up for individual angler. Each of them had five sails released by Noon. To keep the challenge even, all teams must use Berkley Big Game twenty pound test line and Eagle Claw circle hooks.

The afternoon bite brought forth an entire new set of leaders. A-Fin-ity, with anglers Neil Bechtel, Davis Clapp and Bryan O'Dell fishing aboard the Capt. Hook, came on strong. The last two hours saw a multi-lead change between five teams! At the end of the day everyone was surprised when the Reel Escape with the North Carolina team, Lonesome Gull, came in from 30 miles offshore with 2100 points! Capt. Kiwi was out of radio range and ended up putting his anglers on the mother lode!

The Hotel Martita, located in the heart of quaint downtown San Jose, was the venue for our social activities the first night. Baptist Health International and their representative, Ivis Guerra, hosted a poolside cocktail party complete with food, music and plenty of Bacardi. The Bacardi Bash included strolling mariachi's and platters full of boquitas. Ivis arranged for a masseuse to set up near the pool to massage the backs of our tired anglers. After releasing 164 sailfish, the guys and gals really looked forward to a fifteen minute massage.

The next morning everyone was anxious to get back to the fishing grounds and resume the action. Most boats headed thirty miles offshore where the red hot bite went off the day before. Nick Ferraro released the first fish at 8:16am fishing aboard the Bora Bora. The first hour was slow and the boats began to move around in search of the large schools of sails.

As the day progressed, the boats moved further off shore. Fishing remained slow with only a few boats in the fleet getting lucky. Gwen Hahn sent out a wave of hope when the captain of the Picapleitos called in a blue marlin hook up for her shortly after 2pm. The radio sang again at 2:30pm when Capt. Ron Hamlin on the Capt. Hook called in a blue marlin release for his angler, Davis Clapp.

Once again the daily results went down to the wire as half of the fleet remained out of radio range during the afternoon fishing hours. When the scores were tallied A-Fin-Ity fishing aboard the Capt. Hook took the lead. Lonesome Gull fished today aboard the Nany with Capt. Nicho and held on to second place. The team representing Puerto Rico fishing aboard the Reel Escape with Capt. Kiwi moved into third.

Angel "Tito' Muntaner from Puerto Rico had an exciting day releasing seven sails. Neil Bechtel kept up his winning pace aboard the Capt. Hook and trailed Tito on time. Scotty Bowers managed to release five sails to keep in the hunt for top angler honors.

The fishing may have slowed down but the party mode was still in high gear. Everyone was happily entertained at a Tequila Party hosted by Marina Pez Vela at the Marina Restaurant after fishing concluded. From there the participants headed back to the Hotel Martita and the poolside Bacardi Bash. A full night of partying put everyone in shape for the final day fish-off.

Guatemala sailfishing is the most exciting in the world. Anything can happen on any given day. At the start of the final day of PCCA fishing many teams and anglers were well within striking distance of the win. The bite started at 8:06 am with Jairo De Leon releasing a sail aboard the Full Circle. The action was hot with ten fish released in the first hour. A-Fin-Ity held on to the lead over the team from Puerto Rico. Fishing aboard the Bora Bora, Angel 'Tito' Muntanar put his team into second place by Noon while claiming the first place spot in the angler division. This soon changed as teammates Carlos Barnes and Evelio Mederos started to add releases. They over took A-Fin-Ity fishing on the Capt. Hook to claim the top team honors. Tito had an incredible tournament releasing 19 sails to win top angler. Rip, Roaring and Ready let it 'rip' and moved up to third place team. They had the A-Fin-Ity team sweating during the last half hour when the RRR's released four sails to tie the score. Time of release decided the second and third place teams.

The highly coveted Lowrance Grand Champion Team was won by Lonesome Gull from Nags Head, NC. Teams must compete in two out of three PCCA/PCC events to qualify. The Lonesome Gull team with anglers Lisa Armstrong, Clint Everett and William Blakemore fished all three 2005 events to accumulate 7200 points. The Eagle Claw Grand Champion Angler Title was hotly contested this year. Jim Vaughn edged out Clint Everett with 2600 points on time. It was an exciting conclusion to our great season.

The festivities continued into the evening at the Hotel Martia. Following the Bacardi Bash, the awards were presented to the winners. It was a fun filled end to a very successful PCCA season. In addition to raising $20,000 for The Billfish Foundation the PCCA will now be able to continue work with Adopt-A-Billfish Phase Two.

LOWRANCE GRAND CHAMPION TEAM

1st PLACE: Lonesome Gull 7200, Lisa Armstrong,Clint Everett, William Blakemore

2nd Place: Priority 6700 Jim McCord, Hans Kaspersetz, Jim Vaughmn

3RD Place: A-Fin-Ity 6400 Davis Clapp, Neil Bechtel, Bryan O'Dell

EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER

1ST Place: Jim Vaughn 2600

2nd Place: Clint Everett 2600

3rd Place: Davis Clapp 2500

GUATEMALA LEG RESULTS

CONTENDER TEAM DIVISION

1ST PLACE TEAM: Puerto Rico 4100

2ND PLACE TEAM: A-Fin-Ity 3800

3rd PLACE TEAM: Rip, Roaring & Ready 3800

ACCURATE REELS/ CAPE FEAR RODS ANGLER DIVISION

1ST PLACE ANGLER: Angel Muntanar 1900

2ND PLACE ANGLER: Scotty Bowers 1800

3RD PLACE ANGLER: Neil Bechtal 1600

 

NOVEMBER 21, 2005: Marina Pez Vela hosted the now famous 'Tequila Party' last night at the Marina Restaurant. Anglers and crews shared fishing stories while enjoying the fine food and well spiked margaritas. Meanwhile, back at Hotel Martita, the Bacardi Bash was in full swing. The anglers did not let the partying get in the way of their world class angling. They were all up and on the bus for Marina Pez Vela by 6am.

Guatemala sailfishing is the most exciting in the world. Anything can happen on any given day. At the start of the final day of PCCA fishing the teams and anglers were well within striking distance of the win. The bite started at 8:06 am with Jairo De Leon releasing a sail aboard the Full Circle. The action was hot with ten fish released in the first hour. A-Fin-Ity held on to the lead over the team from Puerto Rico. Fishing aboard the Bora Bora, Angel 'Tito' Muntanar put his team into second place by Noon while claiming the first place spot in the angler division. This soon changed as teammates Carlos Barnes and Evelio Mederos started to add releases. They over took A-Fin-Ity fishing on the Capt. Hook to claim the top team honors. Tito had an incredible tournament releasing 19 sails to win top angler. Rip, Roaring and Ready let it 'rip' today and moved up to third place team. They had the A-Fin-Ity team sweating during the last half hour when the RRR's released four sails to tie the score.

The highly coveted Lowrance Grand Champion Team was won by Lonesome Gull from Nags Head, NC. Teams must compete in two out of three PCCA/PCC events to qualify. The Lonesome Gull team fished all three 2005 events to accumulate 7200 points. The Eagle Claw Grand Champion Angler Title was hotly contested this year. Jim Vaughn edged out Clint Everett with 2600 points on time. It was an exciting conclusion to our great season.

The festivities continue tonight at the Hotel Martina. Following the Bacardi Bash, the awards will be presented to the entire winner. It was a fun filled end to a very successful PCCA season. We raised $15,000 for The Billfish Foundation and will be able to move forward with Phase Two of Adopt-A-Billfish.

WE THANK ALL OF OUR SPONSORS FOR MAKING THESE EVENTS POSSIBLE.

FINAL RESULTS

360 Sail/ 1 Blue Marlin

Released ALL ON CIRCLE HOOKS

FIRST FISH: Jairo De Leon 8:06am

1ST PLACE TEAM: Puerto Rico 4100

2ND PLACE TEAM: A-Fin-Ity 3800

3rd PLACE TEAM: Rip, Roaring & Ready 3800

1ST PLACE ANGLER: Angel Muntanar 1900

2ND PLACE ANGLER: Scotty Bowers 1800

3RD PLACE ANGLER: Neil Bechtal 1600

High Point Angler Day 3: Jim McCord 600

TOP DAILY BOAT: Bora Bora 1400

TOP BOAT: Reel Escape 4700

2nd BOAT: Bora Bora 3800

3rdBOAT: Capt. Hook 3800

LOWRANCE GRAND CHAMPION TEAM

1st PLACE: Lonesome Gull 7200

2nd Place: Priority 6700

3RD Place: A-Fin-Ity 6400

EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER

1ST Place: Jim Vaughn 2600

2nd Place: Clint Everett 2600

3rd Place: Davis Clapp 2500

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOVEMBER 20:2005:

The Hotel Martita, located in the heart of quaint downtown San Jose, was the venue for our social activities last night. Baptist Health International and their representative, Ivis Guerra, hosted a poolside cocktail party complete with food, music and plenty of Bacardi. The Bacardi Bash included strolling mariachi's and plenty of boquitas. Ivis arranged for a masseuse to set up near the pool to massage the backs of our tired anglers. After releasing 164 sailfish, the guys and gals really looked forward to a fifteen minute massage. Thank you Ivis!

This morning everyone was anxious to get back to the fishing grounds and resume the action. Most boats headed thirty miles offshore where the red hot bite went off yesterday. Nick Ferraro released the first fish at 8:16am fishing aboard the Bora Bora. The first hour was slow and the boats began to move around in search of the large schools of sails.

As the day progressed, the boats moved further off shore. Fishing remained slow with only a few boats in the fleet getting lucky. Gwen Hahn sent out a wave of hope when the captain of the Picapleitos called in a blue marlin release for her shortly after 2pm. The radio sang again at 2:30pm when Capt. Ron Hamlin on the Capt. Hook called in a blue marlin release for his angler, Davis Clapp.

Once again the daily results went down to the wire as half of the fleet remained out of radio range during the afternoon fishing hours. When the scores were tallied A-Fin-Ity fishing aboard the Capt. Hook took the lead. Lonesome Gull fished today aboard the Nany with Capt. Nicho and held on to second place. The team representing Puerto Rico fishing aboard the Reel Escape with Capt. Kiwi moved into third.

Angel, "Tito' Muntaner from Puerto Rico had an exciting day releasing seven sails. Neil Bechtel kept up his winning pace aboard the Capt. Hook and trails Tito on time. Scotty Bowers managed to release five sails to keep in the hunt.

The fishing may have slowed down but the party mode was still in high gear. Everyone was happily entertained at a Tequila Party hosted by Marina Pez Vela at the Marina Restaurant after fishing concluded. From there the participants headed back to the Hotel Martita and the poolside Bacardi Bash. A full night of partying put everyone in shape for the final day fish-off.

DAY TWO RESULTS

91 Sails/1 Blue Marlin

ALL RELEASED ON CIRCLE HOOKS

FIRST FISH: Nick Ferraro 8:16am

CONENDER TEAM DIVISION

1ST PLACE TEAM: A-Fin-Ity 2900

2ND PLACE TEAM: Lonesome Gull 2900

3rd PLACE TEAM: Puerto Rico 2700

ACCURATE/CAPE FEAR ANGLER DIVISION

1ST PLACE ANGLER: Angel Muntaner 1400

2ND PLACE ANGLER: Neil Bechtel 1400

3RD PLACE ANGLER: Scott Bowers 1300

High Point Angler Day2: Hans Kaspersetz 500 pts

TOP DAILY BOAT: Reel Escape 1400

TOP BOAT: Reel Escape 3500

2nd BOAT: Capt. Hook 2900

3rdBOAT: Man O War 2500

NOVEMBER 20, 2005 – IZTAPA, GUATEMALA. The majestic volcanos of Guatemala tower over the sugar cane fields that melt into the Pacific Ocean. Along that coast is Puerto Quetzal, the primary port for the country. Marina Pez Vela is located within the breakwater area of this port. It is here that INGUAT, the official tourism department for Guatemala, welcomed the anglers, observers and crews participating in the 9th Presidential Challenge of Central America. Tourism Director, Daniel Mooney, extended the official welcome on behalf of President Oscar Berger. The PCCA group dined on local boquitas washed down with Bacardi Rum as they were entertained by the INGUAT Marimba group.

The anglers were up bright and early today, ready to head for the boats and the first day of fishing. Excitement was high as teams prepared to do battle for the LOWRANCE GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM & EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER awards. Lines went in the water at 8:00am. Soon after, Margie Adams, fishing for Team Picapleitos, released the first fish of the day. The action was red hot with the fleet releasing twenty seven sails in the first hour of fishing. By Noon the number was up to eighty two releases! Picapleitos held a slim lead over Rip, Roaring & Ready and the Palm Harbor Hookers. Jim Turner, Fernando Aguilar and Scotty Bowers were all tied up for individual angler. Each of them had five sails released by Noon. To keep the challenge even, all teams must use Berkley Big Game twenty pound test line and Eagle Claw circle hooks.

The afternoon bite brought forth an entire new set of leaders. A-Fin-ity, with anglers Neil Bechtel, Davis Clapp and Bryan O'Dell fishing aboard the Capt. Hook, came on strong. The last two hours saw a multi-lead change between five teams! At the end of the day everyone was surprised when the Reel Escape with the North Carolina team, Lonesome Gull, came in from 30 miles offshore with 2100 points! Capt. Kiwi was out of radio range and ended up putting his anglers on the mother lode!

Tomorrow is another day and in Guatemala, anything can happen!

DAY ONE RESULTS

165 Sailfish

ALL RELEASED ON CIRCLE HOOKS

FIRST FISH: Margie Adams 8:07am

CONTENDER TEAM DIVISION

1ST PLACE TEAM: Lonesome Gull 2100pts

2ND PLACE TEAM: Picapleitos 1900 pts

3rd PLACE TEAM: A-Fin-Ity 1900 pts

1ST PLACE ANGLER: Clint Everett 1000 pts.

2ND PLACE ANGLER: Neil Bechtel 900 pts

3RD PLACE ANGLER: Scotty Bowers 800 pts.

High Point Angler Day1: Clint Everett

TOP BOAT: Reel Escape 2100

2nd BOAT: Picapleitos 1900 pts

3rdBOAT: Capt Hook 1900 pts

THE PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE IS SPONSORED BY:

BAPTIST HEALTH INTERNATIONAL * INGUAT

LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS * CONTENDER BOATS * BERKLEY LINE * EAGLE CLAW * COSTA DEL MAR * BACARDI * ACCURATE REELS * BOONE * AFTCO * GAME FACE GEAR * CAPE FEAR RODS * PEPSI * PAIZ * Y & R BRANDS * MARINA PEZ VELA * HOTEL MARTITA

NOVEMBER 13, 2005: Anglers and crews are anxiously awaiting the start of the 2005 Presidential Challenge of Central America next weekend. Capt. Ron Hamlin who runs the charter boat, CAPT. HOOK, out of Marina Pez Vela, Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, reports that his clients released 43 for 69 sails the other day. They released a whopping total of 134 in 4 days of sailfishing! We have 36 anglers signed up to fish the final event of the PCCA begining on Saturday, Nov. 19th. The three days of fishing will determine the Lowrance Grand Champion Team and the Eagle Claw Grand Champion Angler for the year. The Lonesome Gull team with anglers Lisa Armstrong, Clint Everett and William Blakemore hold a slim lead in the Lowrance Grand Championship. Jim Vaughn is on top of the pack for the Eagle Claw Grand Championship. If the bite is on next weekend, anything can happen! Stay tuned to this web page for daily updates.

LOWRANCE GRAND CHAMPION TEAM STANDINGS 11/13/05

LONESOME GULL - 3400

PRIORITY - 3100

USA - 2600

PICAPLEITOS - 2200

RIP,ROARING & READY- 1600

FLORICAL - 1500

EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER STANGINGS 11/13/05

JIM VAUGHN - 1500

IKE BLAKEMORE - 1300

STEVE COTHRON - 1300

CLINT EVERETT - 1100

DAVIS CLAPP - 1100

OCTOBER 11, 2005:

LA GUIARA, VENEZUELA— The third and final day of the Presidential Caribbean Cup saw a change in the weather and a slight increase in the fishing, as many teams were able to get in on a hot bite occurring on the western end of the famed La Guiara Bank.

Capt. Ron Hamlin's combination of skill and luck held out today as the Riviera team was able to eke out another 400 points to solidify their win. Ron stated, "It's been 30 years since I've won a tournament here, and I may not live long enough to win another one so this is great!" Hamlin was brought in from his home waters off Guatemala to run the Team Riviera entry, Caracola, for the tournament. The team of Harald Brichta, Damion Hernandez, Leopoldo Perez and Eddie Bairez showed plenty of skill when faced with their opportunities, capitalizing on their bites and converting them into releases. Tournament coordinator Joan Vernon was very pleased to see her presenting sponsor win the event. "Sometimes things just work out, and this was one of those times," she said. The win qualifies Team Riviera for the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship schedule for May, 2006, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Team A-Fin-Ity, fishing aboard the Dream Catcher, was able to make a big move today with a pair of blue marlin releases with a sailfish chaser to find second place and 1200 points. Captain Kenny Ross was able to put the team of Davis Clapp, Jay Coyle, Gilfredo Lopez and Matt Hecht into contention, although they fell just short of a grand slam and the additional bonus points that would have spelled victory for these tournament veterans. "No one likes to lose by such a close margin," said team captain Davis Clapp, "but I'm really happy for Captain Ron and the Riviera guys."

Team Knot Teasin', the leader through the first two days, only added 200 points today to plummet to third. The team of Scotty Bowers, Jeff Stingle, Mike Pounds and Rafael Roja led the event throughout, only to fall short of victory. "We had a great boat and a great team," Bowers said. "We just couldn't put it all together on the last day." Bowers wound up as the top overall angler, however, and will receive an invitation to fish in the WBS Grand Championships to be held in Los Suenos, Costa Rica December 6-11, 2005. Teams were required to use tournament-approved Eagle Claw circle hooks and Berkley 20-pound test line throughout the event, while IGFA certified observers ensured that the playing field remained consistent.

CONSERVATION NEWS

The Presidential Caribbean Cup is pleased to announce that the event has contributed $5000 to The Billfish Foundation to be used for further billfish research in the Caribbean area. Thanks to some of our anglers, we were able to donate $300.00 to the Episcopal Diocese of La Guiara to be used to feed the children in their Caracas orphanage. Tournament Director, Joan Vernon, presented the money to the local priest to be used for this specific cause.

FINAL RESULTS

1ST PLACE TEAM: Riviera, 1200 points

2ND PLACE TEAM: A-Fin-Ity, 1200 points

3RD PLACE TEAM: Knot Teasin', 1100 points

1ST PLACE ANGLER: Scott Bowers, 700 points

2ND PLACE ANGLER: Davis Clapp, 700 points

3RD PLACE ANGLER: Matt Hecht, 500 points

TOP BOAT: Caracolas

2ND BOAT: Dream Catcher

3rd BOAT: Joropo

The Presidential Challenge Series is sponsored by the following conservation minded companies: BAPTIST HEALTH INTERNATIONAL, BERKLEY LINE, COSTA DEL MAR, CONTENDER BOATS, EAGLE CLAW, LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, BACARDI, PEPSI, ACCURATE REELS, CAPE FEAR RODS, AFTCO, BOONE, GAME FACE GEAR.

Our gratitude is extended to SPORTING TRADITIONS, Miami, Florida, and Marina Portofino. La Guiara, Venezuela. We welcome Riviera Yachts-Venezuela as our 2005 presenting sponsor of the Presidential Caribbean Cup. Riviera will have several boats from their flagship fleet compete in our PCC event beginning October 7th. Please visit their webpage, www.riviera.com, for more in formation about their history and quality products.

AUGUST 8, 2005: We were saddened to hear that the world famous Fins 'N Feathers Inn has closed its doors. This world class fishing lodge was home to anglers for the past nine years, offering them luxury accommodations and top notch charter boats. We wish owner, Tim Choate, well in his ventures in Brazil and Galapagos. The Presidential Challenge will go on as scheduled November 19-20-21st. The host marina is Marina Pez Vela. Our host hotel is Hotel Martita. This quaint hotel is in the heart of Puerto San Jose and offers very nice rooms and excellent food. We have reserved the entire hotel for our anglers and staff. Entry fees are due by September 30th to ensure the early entry discount. At this writing we are full with ten teams entered. We are now taking a waiting list. Private boats are welcome but must arrange dockage directly with Marina Pez Vela. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

AUGUST 8, 2005: CARIBBEAN CUP ENTRIES are arriving daily. We expect twenty boats to participate in this exciting event scheduled for October 7-8-9th at Marina Portofino. Tab down for schedule of events.

May 6, 2005 - Playa Carillo, Costa Rica: The 2005 Presidential Challenge Conservation Series is underway with the conclusion of The Billfish Foundation Presidential Challenge of Central America. Playa Carillo was the venue for the kick off of the ninth season of this prestigious series. Twenty seven anglers representing eight U.S. states, Costa Rica, Venezuela and Guatemala, and nine IGFA Certified Observers congregated at the Hotel Guanamar on May 1st for the official kick off celebration. Hotel Guanamar is located on a bluff overlooking a charming, secluded bay. Two miles of palm tree lined beach surround the bay and anchorage area. Following the official rules meeting, participants were entertained by local marimba music during the welcome buffet dinner at the hotel.

DAY ONE

Dawn arrived early on May 2nd, the first day of fishing. Everyone congregated for breakfast before heading to the beach for departure. The teams were greeted by our friendly panga drivers on the black sand beach and transported to the awaiting boats anchored in the bay. Anglers and observers were anxious to head out for the one hour run to the fishing grounds. Lines were called in the water at 8:30am. The first fish of the 2005 PCCA Season was released by Clint Everett at 8:37am aboard the Permit III. Action was slow until mid-day when a flurry of activity kept our anglers busy. When the first day scores were tallied, Team USA led the fleet with 12 releases. The top angler of the day was Todd Weatherly who turned in 500 points fishing with his team Sea J Charters. Todd's points included a blue marlin release along with two sailfish releases. Our participants released 55 sailfish and one blue marlin on Day One.

This year we were pleased to have with us representative of our sponsor, Baptist Health International, Ivis Guerra and Rebecca Madrigal. They were co-hosts of our evening Bacardi Bash party immediately following fishing. Anglers and observers congregated around the pool at Hotel Guanamar and celebrated the success of the day. Stories were shared and experiences related to their fellow competitors. Everyone was treated to an incredible Costa Rican sunset from the hotel deck overlooking the bay.

DAY TWO

The next morning the fleet departed earlier and put lines in the water at 8am. The morning action was very slow and anglers were beginning to wonder where to find the billfish. Around Noon the action went from slow to high gear. The bite was on. The current was swirling and birds were diving on large schools of bait. The boat Permit III with Capt. Chepe Santana was among the first to fish the activity. He called Gamefisher II and Wet Ass II over to share in the action. Several miles to the north, Kingfisher II had also found the mother load. Our anglers had a non-stop afternoon of prime Costa Rican billfishing. At the end of the day the scores reflected the action. Ninety seven billfish were released including one striped marlin caught by Andy Jacobi of team Florical. Team Lonesome Gull with anglers Lisa Armstrong, Clint Everett and Ike Blakemore added fifteen releases to their score fishing aboard the Kingfisher II. This was enough for them to take the lead in the Contender Boats/ ICT Team Division. Sea J Charters and anglers Todd Weatherly, Hans Kaspersetz and Jim McCord held their claim to second place with thirteen releases. The Guatemalan team and defending Lowrance Grand Champions, Team Picapleitos, with anglers Joan Vernon, Henry Riggs-Miller and Russell Nelson put fifteen sails on the board and moved up to third place. The tight race was in the Accurate Reels/Cape Fear Angler Division. Only one fish separated Ike Blakemore, Jim Vaughn and Todd Weatherly for top honors. Ike was the top daily angler with his nine sail releases. After their return to Hotel Guanamar the participants and observers gathered around the pool for the nightly Bacardi Bash. Stories were flowing about the red-hot action that day.

CONSERVATION NIGHT

The evening activities on Tuesday consisted of Conservation Night. We were honored to have Costa Rican artist, Ferlander Arguedas, present his 'Epic' collection. This was the first public showing of his series of paintings which illustrate the destruction of marine habitat around the Cocos Islands. The Epic Collection will be turned into an educational booklet to teach Costa Rican children the history of this precious marine environment. For further information on this project please look at the following web page: www.epicisland.org. Dr. Russell Nelson representing The Billfish Foundation and Capt. Richard Chellemi addressed the group to describe the work that the Costa Ricans are doing on behalf of billfish conservation. WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE TBF/PCCA RAISED $4,000 FOR THE BILLFISH FOUNDATION'S COSTA RICA CONSERVATION FUND, $1,000 FOR THE NEWLY FORMED SPORT FISHING ASSOCIATION AND $500 FOR THE EPIC PROJECT TO HELP FUND THE EDUCATIONAL BOOKLETS.

DAY THREE

Day Three dawned with anglers excited to hit the high seas in search of billfish. Hopes were high for another busy day. Unfortunately the action had slowed. Heavy rains the previous night caused a change in wind direction and general sea conditions. The fleet went in search of the large flocks of birds that were working schools of bait the previous day. None were to be found. P.J. Tierney was the top angler for the day with three sails released for his team, A Fin Ity. Lonesome Gull held their lead by releasing another two sails. They will receive an invitation to represent this event in the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship in 2006. USA with anglers Bill Easum, Steve Cothron and Dale Siddall released five sails and moved up to third place. Sea J Charters held steady with three releases and remained in second place. Ike Blakemore edged Steve Cothron and Jim Vaughn on time to win the top angler award. Ike will receive an invitation to compete in The World Billfish Series Championship event later this year. All three of these participants turned in a total of 1100 points and are tied in the race for the Eagle Claw Grand Champion Angler honors. It was an exciting conclusion of an action-packed three days of fishing.

The evening program was held at Hotel Guanamar where we were welcomed by our host, Freddie Lizano, representing the I.C.T. (Costa Rican Tourism Board). Following the official awards presentation, the group was entertained by Costa Rican dancers dressed in costumes typical of the Guanecaste Province. It was a delightful and colorful conclusion to a fun packed week in Costa Rica.

2005 TBF/PCCA OFFICIAL RESULTS

TEAM RESULTS

1st - LONESOME GULL 2800 POINTS

2nd - SEA J CHARTERS 2500 POINTS

3rd - U.S.A. 2400 POINTS

PICAPLEITOS 2200 POINTS

I.W.F.A. 2200 POINTS

GIT ER DONE 1900 POINTS

FLORICAL 1500 POINTS

RIP, ROARING & READY 1400 POINTS

A FIN ITY 1400 POINTS

ANGLER RESULTS

IKE BLAKEMORE 1100 POINTS

STEVE COTHRAN 1100 POINTS

JIM VAUGHN 1100 POINTS

1000 POINTS

TODD WEATHERLY

CLINT EVERETT

GAIL KAY

900 POINTS

JOAN VERNON

HENRY RIGGS-MILLER

800 POINTS

DALE SIDDALL

HANS KASPERSETZ

700 POINTS

LISA ARMSTRONG

NORA SCHOFIELD

JIM MC CORD

600 POINTS

GARY VAUGHN

ANDY JACOBI

500 POINTS

BILL EASUM

BETSY BULLARD

MICK CHILDS

BRYAN O'DELL

P.J. TIERNEY

JAMES CAMBRIDGE

DAN PIMENTAL

400 POINTS

PETER SCHROEDER

DAVIS CLAPP

RUSSELL NELSON

200 POINTS

ALAN BEVILLE

APRIL 17, 2005: We have ten teams signed up to fish the TBF/PCCA in Costa Rica! Anglers are making final preparation for this exciting kick off event for the 2005 Presidential Challenge Conservation Series. Fish reports coming from the Carillo area are good indicating lots of sailfish and a few marlin. Anglers arrive at Hotel Guanamar beginning on April 30th along with our IGFA observers. The official Rules Meeting will be held on May 1st at the Hotel. Fishing begins May 2nd and concludes May 3rd. The I.C.T. will once again host our gala Awards Dinner. We are please to welcome our newest sponsor, BAPTIST HEALTH INTERNATIONAL. Ivis Guerra will be on hand to inform our anglers and crews of the excellent medical care provided at Baptist Hospital in Miami, Florida. This medical facility is widely acclaimed for providing excellent health care to the citizens from the Caribbean & Central and South American countries. We have lots of enjoyable activities planned for our participants this year. Stay tuned to this web page for updates.

MARCH 3, 2005: Early entry is now closed for the TBF/PCCA of Costa Rica. We still have a few team spots available. Proceeds from this event will go to local Costa Rican conservation. Call our office today for information. Reservations are also being taken for the Presidential Caribbean Cup in Venezuela. We have a limited number of charter boats available. GUATEMALA - Fins n Feathers Inn is almost booked. Please contact us soon for reservations. We will use the Hotel Martita as a back up hotel this year.

JANUARY 18, 2005: We are pleased to announce that The Billfish Foundation Presidential Challenge will be produced this year at Hotel Guanamar, Playa Corillo, Costa Rica. "The tournament is dedicated to support TBF's conservation work in that nation," says TBF President, Ellen Peel. She states "By fishing the TBF-Presidential Challenge, you will be investing in a great fishing trip-you will be demonstrating your commitment to conservation-and you will be contributing to improved billfishing opportunities for this and future generations." Please sign up today and take advantage of our early entry discounts. Click on our Events icon on our home page to get information on this prestigious tournament.

LISTED BELOW ARE THE RESULTS FROM THE 2004 PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE OF CENTRAL AMERICA GUATEMALA

FINAL RESULTS

507 Sails/ 2 Blue Marlin/ 1 Stripe Marlin

Released ALL ON CIRCLE HOOKS

1ST PLACE TEAM: Picapleitos 4100 pts

2ND PLACE TEAM: Palm Harbor Hookers 4100 pts

3rd PLACE TEAM: Domincan Republic 3700 pts.

1ST PLACE ANGLER: Jim Turner 2400

2ND PLACE ANGLER: Paul Pfaff 1900

3RD PLACE ANGLER: Carlos Pellas 1700

TOP BOAT: Sirena 4400

2nd BOAT: Piragua 4400

3rdBOAT: Pelagian 4100

LOWRANCE GRAND CHAMPION TEAM

1st PLACE: Picapleitos 7100 pts

2nd Place: Sea J Charters 5000 pts

3RD Place: Rip Roaring & Ready 5000 pts

EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER

1ST Place: Margie Adams 3100 pts

2nd Place: Paul Pfaff 2600 pts

3rd Place: Scott Rickert 2400 pts

November 15, 2004: The PCCA anglers released a whopping 163 sailfish on Day Two of the tournament. The Rum Runner team of Carlos Pellas, Henrik Preuss and Luis Samayoa turned in thirteen releases to claim the lead with twenty three total fish. Carlos released ten sails to move into the top angler spot! The Florida Keys team, Edgewater with anglers Paul Pfaff, Jack Reveland and Ben Martz released twelve sails and move up to second place with a total of twenty two releases. Paul is tied with Carlos Pellas for top angler. Right behind them is the Sea J Charters team with twenty one sail releases. Anglers Hans Kaspersetz, Joe Mayer and Jim McCord released ten sails yesterday! With only one or two fish separating the leaders, today promises to be an exciting conclusion to a great tournament. The fleet is heading farther offshore today in search of the large numbers of fish typical to this fishery.

Last night the anglers and observers were treated to a Tequila Party hosted by Marina Pez Vela. Tonight, following our Bacardi Bash, we will have the awards presentation at Fins 'N Feathers Inn. Results of the tournament will be posted on this website early tomorrow morning.

DAY TWO RESULTS

163 Sails

Released ALL ON CIRCLE HOOKS

FIRST FISH: SCOTT RICKERT 8:36AM

1ST PLACE TEAM: RUM RUNNER 2300 PTS

2ND PLACE TEAM: EDGEWATER 2200 PTS

3rd PLACE TEAM: SEA J CHARTERS 2100 PTS

1ST PLACE ANGLER: CARLOS PELLAS 1200 PTS

2ND PLACE ANGLER: PAUL PFAFF 1200 PTS

3RD PLACE ANGLER: CARLOS BARNES 1100 PTS

High Point Angler Day2: CARLOS PELLAS

TOP DAILY BOAT: PIRAGUA 1500 PTS

TOP BOAT: PIRAGUA

2nd BOAT: SIRENA

3rdBOAT: RUM RUNNER

November 14, 2004: The Eighth PCCA-Guatemala began Saturday at 8:06 am with Gwen Hahn releasing the first sailfish. The fish were close to the Port in the morning so anglers were able to get lines in the water promptly at 8:00am. The bite was steady all morning. Anglers released 53 sails by Noon. By the end of the afternoon 112 sails were released plus 1 blue marlin.

Team Picapleitos continued their winning ways by releasing 13 sailfish. Jim McCord released the day's only blue marlin to help put his team in second place. Past Guatemala Champs, Edgewater, closed in with 10 releases to claim third.

Fernando Aguilar edged out Luis Samayoa and Jack Reveland in the Eagle Claw Angler Division. Steve Cothron and Jim Turner are tied on points, behind on time.

DAY ONE RESULTS

112 Sailfish/1 Blue Marlin ALL ON CIRCLE HOOKS!

FIRST FISH: Gwen Hahn 8:06am

CONTENDER BOATS TEAM DIVISION

1ST PLACE TEAM: PICAPLEITOS 1300 PTS

2ND PLACE TEAM: SEA J CHARTERS 1100 PTS

3RD PLACE TEAM: EDGEWATER 1000 PTS

EAGLE CLAW ANGLER DIVISION

1ST PLACE ANGLER: FERNANDO AGUILAR 600 PTS

2ND PLACE ANGLER: LUIS SAMAYOA 500 PTS

2ND PLACE ANGLER: JACK REVELAND 500 PTS

TOP BOAT: PICAPLEITOS

2ND BOAT: SIRENA

3RD BOAT: TRANQUILITY

NOVEMBER 13, 2004: The Presidential Challenge - Guatemala is underway! The fleet departed Marina Pez Vela shortly after 7am. Anglers began fishing at 8am this morning. Our first fish was released at 8:15am by Carlos Barnes fishing for the Dominican Republic aboard the Bora Bora. Team Picapleitos with anglers Fernando Aguilar, Margie Adams and Gwen Hahn have jumped to the morning lead with 5 sail releases.

The anglers & observers kicked off this event last night at a gala welcome party sponsored by INGUAT at Fins N Feathers Inn, Izatapa, Guatemala. We have 51 anglers fishing on 17 boats along with IGFA Certified Observers participating in this event. As of 10am we have released 29 sailfish.

Fishing concludes Nov. 15th. Monday evening at the awards dinner the Lowrance Grand Champion Team and Eagle Claw Grand Champion Angler for the 2004 PCCA Series will be crowned.

OCTOBER 11, 2004: Marina Portofino, Venezuela. What a finish!!!! The final standings in the 2004 Presidential Caribbean Cup presented by Bertram Yachts were not decided until the final five minutes of the tournament! The team aboard the Hog Wild clinched the Lowrance Grand Championship early in the day with Wayne Carmignani's eight billfish releases. Linda Carmigani added to that total in the final minutes. Team Plasticka with anglers Bruno Di Benedetto, Roger Galindo and Henry Ollavares had a great day and ended up with 1900 points and second place. Margie Adams fishing on the My Three Sons & Team Picapleitos led her team of Gwen Hahn, Bill Easum and Franklin Milan to claim the third place spot with 1800 points.

The angler division went to the wire. Scott Bowers turned in 1000 points on the first day. He went fishless the rest of the tournament but his points held up for first place. Linda Carmignani hooked up at 3:55pm followed immediately by a hookup called in for Margie Adams. Linda released her fish first giving her 1000 points and second place in the Eagle Claw Angler Division. Margie released her white marlin shortly after and took third with her 1000 points!

The anglers enjoyed their stay in Venezuela and were impressed with the quality of marlin fishing in this tropical destination. The weather was perfect all three days. Trophies were awarded at a spectacular banquet held at Marina Portofino. Entertainment was provided by a local musical group and dancers in typical carnival costume. Team have already begun to sign up for the 2005 event which will be held next October.

FINAL RESULTS

17 Boats ~ 59 Anglers

SAILFISH - 28

WHITE MARLIN – 75 BLUE MARLIN - 4

TOTAL RELEASES- 107

FIRST FISH: Bruno di Benedetto 9:26am Plastika

LOWRANCE TEAM DIVISION

TOP TEAM: HOG WILD 3200 POINTS

2ND TEAM: PLASTIKA 1900 POINTS

3RD TEAM: MY THREE SONS Team Picapleitos 1800 points <

EAGLE CLAW ANGLER DIVISION TOP ANGLER: SCOTT BOWERS 1000 POINTS 2ND ANGLER: MARGIE ADAMS 1000 POINTS 3RD ANGLER: LINDA CARMIGNANI 1000 POINTS

October 10, 2004: Marina Portofino, Venezuela. Our anglers are experiencing some incredible weather with calm seas, most unusual for this time of year. The bite picked up yesterday with 36 billfish released. The Hog Wild team of Linda and Wayne Carmignani, Kevin Paul and Gary Cotton took the lead with 1600 points. Linda is in the hunt for angler awards with 600 points. Day One leaders, Team Joropo, moved into second place with 1400 points. Scott Bowers remains our first place angler with 1000 points. Enrique Ricard from the Dominican Republic and fishing aboard the Trashy Lady was the high point angler Day Two with 600 points.

Last night everyone was entertained at the Santa Teresa Rum Bash by a local musical group playing typical Venezuelan tunes. Our scorekeeper, Dan Kipnis, and judge, Russell Nelson, joined in with their harmonicas and created quite a jam session! A good time was had by all…….

The fleet departed this morning at 7:30am heading out for the final day of competition. Anticipation was high for a busy day of catching! The Awards Party will be held this evening at Marina Portofino. Anglers depart tomorrow for their home countries.

OFFICIAL STANDINGS

36 Billfish released= white marlin-25 /sailfish-11

Total Billfish releases= 65

FIRST FISH DAY TWO: Bill Easum 9:27am

LOWRANCE TEAM DIVISION

First Place: Hog Wild 1600 points

Second Place: Joropo 1400 points

Third Place: Apache 1200 points

EAGLE CLAW ANGLER DIVISION

High Point Daily Angler: Enrique Ricard 600 points (3 white marlin)

First Place Angler: Scott Bowers 1000 points

Second Place Angler: Rich Samuel 600 points

Third Place Angler: Enrique Ricard 600 points

OCTOBER 8, 2004: Marina Portofino, Venezuela. The first day of the 2004 Presidential Caribbean Cup is history! The 62 anglers fishing aboard 17 boats released 29 billfish yesterday - 17 white marlin, 10 sailfish and 2 blue marlin. The bite was slow most of the day but picked up around 4pm. Team Joropo with anglers Scott Bowers, Jeff Stengel and Travis Cook took over first place by releasing 5 white marlin. The second place boat, Hog Wild with anglers Linda Carmignani, Wayne Carmignani and Kevin Paul. They released 3 whites and a sail. Third place on Day One went to the Stock and Blonds. Ken Miller and Rom Whitaker combined to release a blue and 2 whites. Everyone celebrated a great day of Venezuelan fishing at the Bertram Bash held at Portofino. We were entertained by a local (native) drum band complete with lovely dancers. The anglers are back at it today in perfect weather.

DAY ONE STANDINGS

ALL FISH CAUGHT ON BERKLEY BIG GAME LINE AND EAGLE CLAW CIRCLE HOOKS

LOWRANCE TEAM DIVISION

Firsit Place: Joropo - 1000 pts

Seconed Place: Hog Wild - 900 pts

Third Place: Stocks & Blonds 700 pts

EAGLE CLAW ANGLER DIVISION

First Place: Scott Bowers 1000 pts

Second Place: Ron Miller 500 pts

Third Place: Linda Carmignani 400 pts

Fourth Place: Luis Fernandez 400 pts (Team Apache)

OCTOBER 3, 2004: We are pleased to announce that BERTRAM YACHTS has come aboard as our Presenting Sponsor of the first annual Presidential Caribbean Cup. We welcome Bertram and look forward to having their representatives at our event. Anglers and boats will begin to congregate at Marina Portofino in Venezuela starting tomorrow. Teams are arriving early to practice fishing for the elusive white marlin. Tournament fishing begins on Friday and continues Saturday and Sunday. We hope to be able to post daily results on this web page so.....STAY TUNED FOR THE ACTION!

SEPTEMBER 12,2004: The Presidential Caribbean Cup is officially sold out! We hear the fishing in Venezuela is getting better by the day. Most of the American boats arrived from St. Thomas prior to the arrival of 'Ivan the Terrible' - the hurricane from "Hell". From all reports, fishing should be terrific for our tournament.

GUATEMALA 2004: WE STILL HAVE A FEW TEAM SPACES AVAILABLE FOR THE PCCA GUATEMALA NOVEMBER 13-14-15, 2004. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY FOR A RESERVATION. At this writing we have 12 teams signed up. We can hold the boats a few more weeks then we will have to close out the entries.

JULY 18, 2004: PRESIDENTIAL CARIBBEAN CUP - October 8-9-10, Venezuela UPDATE - At this writing we have 16 teams entered in the PCC out of the 20 possible available spots. There are a few charter boats remaining and room for a few more private boats. Please call SPORTING TRADITIONS - Joan Vernon 305-361-9258 to reserve your team a spot in this exciting tournament. The headquarters is Marina Portofino. There are some rooms still available at Portofino. The event is brought to you by BERTRAM YACHTS, LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS, EAGLE CLAW, COSTA DEL MAR, ACCURATE REELS, POLAR BEER.

JULY 18, 2004: 2005 PRESIDENTIAL CHALLENGE DATES

PCCA COSTA RICA: MAY 2-3-4Carillo, Costa Rica/Hotel Guanamar

PRESIDENTIAL CARIBBEAN CUP: October 2-3-4, Marina Portofino, Venezuela.

PCCA GUATEMALA: November 19-20-21 - Fins 'N Feathers Inn/Marina Pez Vela, Guatemala

June 30, 2004 – Ocotal Beach Resort, Costa Rica

They did it again! At the start of Day Three of the PCCA Costa Rica two teams were tied with 1100 points and two teams had 1000 points. Exciting finishes seem to be the norm in this country and this year was no exception. When lines were called out by tournament organizer, Joan Vernon, the top three teams were locked in a dead heat with 1200 points each! When the dust settled and times were called in, Team USA led by Bill Easum and teammates Dale Siddall and Todd Weatherly came out on top. They edged the Guatemalan team Picapleitos with Margie Adams, Joan Vernon and Henry Riggs-Miller by 29 minutes! The third place honors went to Rip, Roaring & Ready with anglers Scott Rickert, James Cambridge and Peter Schroeder. Scott was the top angler edging out Margie Adams and Bill Easum. Scott released a grand slam on the second day. This is the first grand slam in PCCA history! The top boat was Permit III with Capt. Chepe Santana Anglers celebrated at a festive awards dinner sponsored by the I.C.T. (Costa Rican tourism board) complete with our Bacardi Bar and marimba music!

All anglers used Berkley 20 pound Line and Eagle Claw circle hooks. Trolling only was allowed. All teams fished together on the same boat with an IGFA observer.

CONTENDER BOATS/ICT TEAM DIVISION

1ST PLACE TEAM: USA 1200 PTS

2ND PLACE TEAM: PICAPLEITOS 1200 PTS

3rd PLACE TEAM: RIP ROARING & READY 1200PTS

ACCURATE REELS/CAPE FEAR RODS ANGLER DIVISION

1ST PLACE ANGLER: SCOTT RICKERT 900 PTS

2ND PLACE ANGLER: MARGIE ADAMS 700 PTS

3RD PLACE ANGLER: BILL EASUM 600 PTS

High Point Angler Day 3: RON STORM 200 PTS

TOP BOAT: PERMIT III 1500

2nd BOAT: GAMEFISHER 1300

3rdBOAT: FLAMINGO III 1200

JUNE 28, 2004, OCOTAL, COSTA RICA: Angler Scott Rickert of team Rip Roaring & Ready scored a grand slam today- Scott released a striped marlin, blue marlin and sailfish to put his team in the running for the 2004 PCCA Costa Rica Team Division.

Day Two Results

CONTENDER TEAM DIVISION

1ST PLACE TEAM: SEA J CHARTERS 1100 POINTS

2ND PLACE TEAM: USA 1100 POINTS

3RD PLACE TEAM: PICAPLEITOS 1000 POINTS

ACCURATE/CAPE FEAR ANGLER DIVISION

1ST PLACE ANGLER: SCOTT RICKERT 700 POINTS

2ND PLACE ANGLER: BILL EASUM 600 POINTS

3RD PLACE ANGLER: MARGIE ADAMS 600 POINTS

JUNE 27, 2004, OCOTAL, COSTA RICA:

Day one of the PCCA Costa Rica '04 is in the history books. Margie Adams started off the action with a sailfish release at 8:21am. Her teammate, Joan Vernon was right behind her (actually the first 'hook up'!) at 8:23am. The bite was on and several anglers released fish early in the day. Action was spotty all day but the fleet of 15 anglers released 19 sails for a good beginning of this tournament. At the end of the day it was Team USA(Bill Easum, Dale Siddall, Todd Weatherly) who shined! Lead by Bill Easum, this team released 6 sails to claim the first day lead. Chewing at their heels is Picapleitos(Margie Adams, Joan Vernon, Henry Riggs-Miller) with 5 releases. Sea J Charters (Hans Kaspersetz, Joe Mayer, Jamie Harless) is right behind them with 4 releases. Bill Easum is the top angler for day one with his 3 releases. Hans Kaspersetz released 2 sails and claimed second on time over Scott Rickert. We want to thank our IGFA Observers for coming down to help us out. We are honored to have IGFA C.O.P. coordinator, Lynda Wilson, here to supervise us all!!!

DAY ONE RESULTS

19 RELEASES ALL ON CIRCLE HOOKS

1ST PLACE TEAM: USA 600 PTS

2ND PLACE TEAM: PICAPLEITOS 500 PTS

3RD PLACE TEAM: SEA J CHARTERS 400 PTS

1ST PLACE ANGLER: BILL EASUM 300 PTS

2ND PLACE ANGLER: HANS KASPERSETZ 200 PTS

3RD PLACE ANGLER: SCOTT RICKERT 200 PTS

TOP BOAT: PERMIT III

ANGLERS NEEDED!!!!! WE STILL NEED ANGLERS TO FILL OUT TEAMS FOR THE PCCA COSTA RICA. CALL OUR OFFICE TODAY TO SIGN UP. THE EARLY ENTRY FEE WILL BE HONORED!!!!!!

JUNE 6, 2004: The Presidential Challenge was well represented in the recent Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship held last month in Cabo San Lucas. Joan Vernon, Bill Easum & Dale Siddall teamed up with Bob Fox from California on one team. PCCA Panama winners, Team Priority, were there - Jim McCord, Hans Kaspersetz teamed with Paul Pfaff and Ben Martz. Rip-Roaring & Ready team represented PCCA Costa Rica. James Cambridge, Mick Childs and Peter Schroeder finished in a blaze of glory. After being skunked for three days, they released five marlin the final day! All PCCA events are qualifying tournaments for the Rolex.

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA- APRIL 23, 2004: The opening event of the 2004 Presidential Challenge of Central America is in the history books! Cebaco Bay Fishing Club anchorage was the headquarters for this event. Team Aguja, led by angler Ariel Medina, took home the top honors. Fishing was very poor due to cold water and a red tide that hit the eastern pacific waters from Costa Rica to Ecuador during our fishing days. Billfish were not in the area and the over all fishing was extremely slow. This tournamneat was targeting marlin in the prolific waters off the coast of western Panama. The first day Bill Easum released a sailfish up near Coiba Island. A few other boats saw sails and had some hookups but no releases. The morning of the second day, Aguja and Shilow ventured to the famed Aguja Reef located fourteen miles to the east of Cebaco Bay. The water was clear, bait was busting and birds were working. The crews on these two boats were encouraged and thought that the normal conditions had returned. Aguja angler Ariel Medina hooked up and released a 350 pound blue marlin on 50 pound line to take the lead in the tournament. The anglers aboard Aguja had a total of five marlin bites that morning. Meanwhile, aboard the Shilow, Tom Knight hooked and released a sailfish. The Shilow also had a striped marlin hooked up but lost it during the fight. By Noon the water had clouded up again and the fishing shut down. Meanwhile, the other boats headed to Coiba and the Hannibal Reef. That was suffering from the miserable conditions and no billfish were reported. Todd Weatherly released a sailfish the morning of the final day. No other billfish were spotted.

FINAL RESULTS

CONTENDER BOATS TEAM DIVISION

1ST PLACE - TEAM AGUJA, Ariel Medina, Don Rogers, Bill Boyce

2ND PLACE - TEAM USA, Bill Easum, Dale Siddall, Dan Heil

3RD PLACE - TEAM SHILOW, Butch Braswell, Tom Knight, Elliott Braswell

ACCURATE REELS/CAPE FEAR RODS ANGLER DIVISION

1ST PLACE - Ariel Medina

2ND PLACE - Bill Easum

3RD PLACE - Tom Knight

4TH PLACE - Todd Weatherly

Competition for the LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS GRAND CHAMPION TEAM and the EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER continues in June at Ocotal Beach Resort, Costa Rica.

APRIL 17, 2004: The 2004 Presidential Challenge Conservation Series is about to kick off. The Panama event is unique in that it is being held on an island off the Pacific Coast of this country. The twenty four anglers and the IGFA observers will live aboard boats for the week! The Cebaco Bay Club is located 180 miles west of Panama City and 350 miles east of the Herradura, Costa Rica. The tournament competitors have the option of fishing the waters near Coiba Island or the Aguja Reef. Both areas are prime black and blue marlin producers.

Anglers will be competing points for the LOWRANCE ELECTRONICS GRAND CHAMPION TEAM and the EAGLE CLAW GRAND CHAMPION ANGLER. The winning team will earn a trip to the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship in 2005. Anglers will gain points for the World Billfish Series grand championship.

The fishing days are Monday-Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Due to remote venue, we will be out of communication until next Friday. A press release will be circulated with final tournament results at that time.

This event will benefit the ADOPT-A-BILLFISH SATELLITE TAGGING PROGRAM.

Sponsored by: Lowrance, Eagle Claw, Contender Boats, Costa del Mar, Bacardi, Berkley Line, Aftco, Boone Lures, Game Face Gear, Cape Fear Rods and Accurate Reels.

JANUARY 27, 2004: The recent Adopt-A-Billfish trip to Ixtapa, Mexico, was held just prior to the Tournament Anglers Association Ixtapa Sailfish Tournament. Saturday night the IGFA Representatives were entertained at a cocktail party hosted by the Presidential Challenge of Central America and Costa Del Mar Sunglasses. This gave them the opportunity to meet and talk to our tagging crew. We are pleased to announce that the TAA group contributed $1000.00 to the Adopt-A-Billfish project.

JANUARY 11, 2004: The PCCA Panama is sold out for non-boat owning team. The M/V Coral Star will be the home to twelve of our visiting anglers during the week of the tournament. We have plenty of room for private boats but must have entry by March 15th.

PRESIDENTIAL CARIBBEAN CUP - OCTOBER 8-9-10, 2004. This is a World Billfish Series sanctioned event as well as a Rolex/IGFA Qualifying tournament. Don't miss this one! Scheduled during the height of the white marlin season in Venezuela, this tournament promises to be the highlight of the year. YOU MUST CHARTER YOU OWN BOAT FOR THIS EVENT! Call us today to reserve a boat - (305)361-9258.

DECEMBER 1, 2003: HERE WE GO AGAIN!!! We have finally found a home for the PCCA Costa Rica that will make everyone happy!

For the convenience and comfort of our anglers, we have moved our PCCA Costa Rica to the lovely Ocotal Beach Resort. This beautiful resort is located in Playa del Coco, just a 40 minute drive up the coast from Flamingo. We hope you will join us for another first class event in this lovely country.

PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE:June 27-28-29, 2004. This is being done so that those of you flying on Delta or Continental can fly direct into Liberia. • Ocotal is a four star beachfront resort. It lies along this country's beautiful Pacific coastline offering panoramic breathtaking views of the sea. • International flights arrive at the Liberia airport, just a 25 minute drive from Ocotal. Continental and Delta airlines fly direct from the States to Liberia. • Our charter boats from Flamingo will join the local fleet to provide exciting sport fishing either off shore or at the Bat Islands where billfish congregate during the month of June. • All rooms have amazing views, a/c, cable TV, telephone, coffee maker and safe box. The resort has 3 swimming pools and Jacuzzi, 3 restaurants and 2 bars. • There is a wide variety of activities should you chose to bring your family.

 

THE PRESIDENTIAL CARIBBEAN CUP-VENEZUELA

OCTOBER 6, 2005: Anglers arrive in Venezuela.Rules meeting at Marina Porofino

OCTOBER 7: First day of fishing. Caribbean Cocktail Party after fishing at Portofino

OCTOBER 8: Second day of fishing. Cocktail party and music at Portofino after fishing

OCTOBER 9: Final day of fishing. Gala Awards party at Portofino.

OCTOBER 10: Departure

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

JOAN VERNON / SPORTING TRADITIONS

2795 SW 27th Avenue

Miami, FL 33133

Local: (305) 361-9258 OR (305) 279-3252

Toll Free: (800) 882-4665

Fax: (305) 361-9258

SEE OUR WEB PAGE: www.sportingtraditions.com HOTEL INFORMATION: If you travel to Panama, Costa Rica or Guatemala, we recommend the following hotels: PANAMA - Westin Caesar Park: (507) 270-0477 or see their web page at www.caesarpark.com COSTA RICA - Aurola Holiday Inn San Jose (506)233-7233 and the Flamingo Beach Hotel (506)654-4010. For charter and transportation information please call our office (305) 361-9258.

TRAVEL INFORMATION:

JOAN VERNON / SPORTING TRADITIONS

205 EAST ENID DRIVE

 

KEY BISCAYNE, FL 33149

Local: (305) 361-9258 Fax: (305) 361-9923