Left to right: Aaron Rosenburg, Thomas Key, Tonya Love-Cheatham, Kelly Kirkpatrick, Boat Captain Jon Meade, Molly Fleming, Serena Wilson and Jason Popovich. Photo Leonard Bryant
Team Showtime! with Capt. Tonya Love-Cheatham took first at the 2022 Gold Cup Fishing Tournament followed by team Seven and Tami Ann.
Virginia Beach, VA—Success can come in many forms, but in the world of yacht sales, the most successful people are known for their competitive spirit, relentless drive, unyielding integrity, and passion for the industry. These brokers live the boating lifestyle and work to help their customers do the same. They share their knowledge and expertise with their clients and help them to make the best decisions regardless of their personal gain. Although many brokers succeed in this business, there are certain types of people who perennially rise to the top and become icons in our industry. Bluewater Yacht Sales is proud to work with quite a few of these individuals, and the company recently had the honor of recognizing them publicly at their Annual Awards Ceremony in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
West Palm Beach, Florida/Dallas, Texas—In partnership with Allen Exploration, Fly Zone Fishing has announced that it will be producing the second annual Walker’s Cay Invitational, slated for May 18-21, 2022, in Walker’s Cay, located in the northern Bahamas. [Read more…]
Viking Yacht Company, Jan. 14, 2022—Great things happen at the Viking Yacht Company every day. Last Friday was particularly special – another milestone, in fact. The Viking Plant Engineering Department pulled the mold that will soon be used to build the hull of Viking’s new flagship – the Viking 90.
NOAA Southeast Fisheries, Jan. 14, 2022—Anyone involved in a tagging program is excited when they get a report of a recapture since these are the lynchpin of a volunteer, constituent based program. So when scientists with NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center were notified just after Thanksgiving that a few tagged sailfish had been recaptured, they were thrilled.
Goombay Smash/Remix tied up at Sailfish Marina on Singer Island after a champagne celebration of the tournament victory. Leonard Bryant Photography
Silver Sailfish Derby, Thursday, Jan. 2022—Eager anglers charge sailfish season as soon as they can feel it in the air. Preparation for the Silver Sailfish Derby starts well before the week of tournament as crews aim to dial in all the details that could make or break their chance to become a part of the storied 4-line tournament history. The Derby celebrated its 85th year with a sold out 50 boat fleet in early January.
The Billfish Foundation, Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022—The Billfish Foundation (TBF) primarily focuses on billfish and other highly migratory species, including swordfish and tunas. “Sharks do not fall within our primary mission, however the current excessive shark depredation demands that TBF address the problem, otherwise billfish and many other species being killed by sharks, recreational fishing opportunities, and related businesses will continue to be harmed,” the Foundation stated. “Shark predation is out of control and the NMFS has no constructive plan to check it. In no way does TBF condone the finning of live sharks, it is a hideous practice that must be stopped.” [Read more…]
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. January 11, 2022—Costa Sunglasses, manufacturer of the first color-enhancing all-polarized glass sunglass lens, appointed industry veteran John Acosta as its Vice President of Marketing. With more than 20 years of experience in the outdoor and fishing industries, Acosta will oversee Costa’s global marketing efforts creating a consistent brand experience in every channel of its business.
Acosta brings a deep knowledge and connection to the fishing industry, as well as experience in branding, storytelling and grassroots marketing to his position. He joins the team as Costa comes off a year of record growth and looks ahead to the new year with a continued commitment to support its core community of anglers and water enthusiasts, while also growing the brand globally and in the outdoor market.
“We’re looking forward to working with John to not only continue expanding our brand globally, but to engage more directly with our core fans – the anglers, adventurers and explorers who live to be on the water,” said Justin Cupps, Senior Vice President at Costa. “Of course we’ve joked about how fitting his last name is (Acosta), but honestly, having John come on board – with his considerable talent, energy and industry reputation – is a huge win for Costa.”
Before joining Costa, Acosta served as the Vice President of Marketing & Business Development at Major League Fishing (MLF) where he was responsible for brand building and strategic partnerships to elevate the MLF brand and its platforms. Prior to MLF, Acosta served as the Director of Marketing for Bass Pro Shops for 12 years. In that role, Acosta was responsible for all broad-reach marketing initiatives — media, sports, entertainment, partnerships, sponsorships, brand marketing and content — helping to elevate the national profile of the Bass Pro Shops brand as it became an industry-leading outdoor retailer. John also spent time in various leadership positions at ad agencies in Chicago, Los Angeles, Newport Beach, Boston and Springfield.
“At first I was bummed to hear Acosta was leaving Major League Fishing. He was a big part of the team,” said Casey Ashley, professional bass fisherman and Costa pro. “I was kind of thinking ‘who stole our guy?’ Then, I heard he was going to be a part of the Costa team and I couldn’t have been happier. I’ve been a part of the Costa team for a long time and it’s a family of hard working people that are passionate about what they do. I think he will fit right in.”
“Costa is such an incredible brand. Their commitment to building the best products, topped with their widespread efforts to protect waterways, fisheries and coastal communities, makes it a dream opportunity,” said Acosta. “With interest and participation in fishing growing right now, it’s an exciting time for the industry and brand. I’m honored to jump in amongst such a talented team.”
Garmin, OLATHE, Kan./Jan. 11, 2022—Garmin recently announced the MS-RA60 marine stereo and EL Series speaker kit and the MS-RA210 premium marine stereo and XS Series speaker kit from Fusion® Entertainment, a Garmin brand.
