Buccaneer Cup, Feb. 1, 2022—The battle between live and dead bait came down to just one fish in the 59th annual Buccaneer Cup. The 59th Annual Buccaneer Cup Sailfish Tournament was held January 19-22, 2022 out of Palm Beach, Fl. A total of 109 sailfish were released. The prize, a purse in excess of $380,000 the prestigious and beautiful Buccaneer Cup trophies, and bragging rights for placing in one of the oldest and most enduring billfish tournaments in the world. Teams fish a format giving them the choice to fish any two out of three possible days.
With a cold front pushing through just before the tournament began, teams were hopeful for steady fishing. Although slow conditions put a damper on day one by Saturday, both live and dead bait teams were in neck to neck with Lo Que Sea taking the win with one last release in the final few minutes of the tournament.
Participants and sponsors, not only contributed to one of the most historic sailfish tournaments but their contribution also supports organizations that are committed to the fishing community and the long term conservation of our nation’s marine resources. The Buccaneer Cup is produced by The Fisheries Conservation Trust, a 501(c)3 that is governed and managed by the RFA. Proceeds from the Buc Cup Tournament are used to support both the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) and The Billfish Foundation (TBF) in their efforts to ensure the future of this sport and the industry we love.
Courtney Bowden, currently in her ninth year as director of the Buc Cup, was complimented for running one of the best-organized and classiest billfish tournaments in the industry. Along with her team of volunteers and committee members including staff from Viking Yachts and Viking Service, she has made the Buc Cup one of the most exciting and talked about tournaments of the season in South Florida.
The tournament opened with the captains meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 19 held outdoors at The Viking Service Center along with delicious food trucks, bar, and beer. The meeting was sponsored by Yamaha, the Viking Yacht Company and HMY Yacht Sales. Along with MacGregor Yachts, Sportfish Outfitters, Release Boat works. Robert “Fly” Navarro emceed the event, with his signature electric energy. The meeting included raffle items provided by the long list of tournament sponsors, featuring: Engel Coolers filled with goodies, Costa del Mar gift bags, lures, AFTCO, Hi-Liner Offshore Tackle, Grand Slam Sport Fishing, Avid sportswear, Outrigger Yacht Products, Gill, and Mustad to name a few.
A fleet of 39 boats fished two of the three competition days with the majority of the fleet deciding to fish on day three. (Saturday) The tournament radio is hosted by The (beautiful) Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa and Atlantic Marine Electronics.
Tournament Director (Bowden) state that “This year each day was a wild card. And we never knew who would pull into the lead. Would it be a ‘live bait day or dead bait’ is always the question in this tournament, which makes it all the more exciting. We had a phenomenal group of competitors this year! And, although fishing was slow you certainly won’t find any other tournament having this much fun on the radio – it’s an inside joke only for our teams to enjoy! – and it makes our video validation even more fun. – If you know, you know.”
To add to the excitement, the Buccaneer Marina generously donated the use of their helicopter and pilot for the official photographer, Steve Momot of @360fishingnation to take aerial photos of the fleet throughout the week!
Teams and sponsors were invited to The Sailfish Club of Florida on Palm Beach Island, Saturday Jan. 22 to receive their awards and celebrate with a full surf and turf experience that the historical club is known for.
Awards: (all award details can be found on the Buccaneer Cup App)
1st: Lo Que Sea (dead bait)
2nd: Seraphim (live bait)
3rd: Cowpoke
The top angler trophies went to Taylor Beckford on the Lo Que Sea, who also took home 1st place overall.
Top female angler went to: Susan McCart of team Princess Lily.
Junior Angler was presented to Dakota Rosher, who is off to a good start following in his families’ footsteps. This was his first tournament win.
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