InTheBite

La Onda Mila Team Named 2020 Blue Marlin World Cup Champions

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The La Onda Mila team. Photo courtesy World Cup Blue Marlin Championship

BLUE MARLIN WORLDCUP CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

Current Rank Captain Boat Name Location Weight
1 Marty Bates La Onda Mila Cape Verde 964
2 Jason Buck Done Deal Gulf of Mexico 667.2
3 Gerhard Drescher Blue Rampage Portugal 545
4 Stephen Brexel Lady Rebecca Boat Harbor, Bahamas 504.8

The Done Deal team. Photo courtesy World Cup Blue Marlin Championship

BIG BLUE CHALLENGE RESULTS

Current Rank Captain Boat Name Location Weight
1 Jason Buck Done Deal Gulf of Mexico 667.2
2 Gerhard Drescher Blue Rampange Portugal 545

A New Junior World Record Bigeye Tuna Record

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Photo courtesy Katie Coeckelenbergh-Sawyer

By Katie Coeckelenbergh-Sawyer

Stanley Gillies – Angler
Pending Junior Bigeye World Record
Fish: 325pound Atlantic Bigeye Tuna
Boat: Freespool
Captain: Jason Pipe
Owner: Talbot Brogden
Mate/Wireman: Danny Wingrove

2020 started as an exciting year for Stanley Gillies. At 15, he was set to spend the spring working for his grandfather, Talbot Brogden, on the Spanish island of La Gomera. Talbot owns the East Atlantic Crew (EAC), a fleet of boats based in the Canary Islands. Brogden’s boats fish the waters up the west coast of Africa from Cape Verde to the Azores.

Although the crew has been fishing these waters for many years, the EAC has been together for three. The seasons in the east Atlantic generally run March and April for bluefin tuna and mid-May – October for blue marlin. The EAC’s best season in charter boat saw 96 bluefin tuna boat side. In the Canary Islands, the bluefin fishing is all catch and release for recreational boats. The bigeye and yellowfin, however, are fair game for harvest.

Photo courtesy Katie Coeckelenbergh-Sawyer

An avid fisherman since the age of 5, Stanley was more eager than ever to make the trip to La Gomera. After a childhood of running the docks and riding along with his grandfather, Gillies was amped to get the opportunity to learn hands-on from one of the industry’s finest eastern Atlantic crews.

In his younger years, Stanley had released a white marlin and about a million skipjacks. Last year he tallied a nice blue marlin, but he had yet to tangle with a large tuna. This was to be Stanley’s year—the year the team was hoping to put him on one of La Gomera’s famed bluefin. He was to feel the pull of nothing but muscle below the boat.

Photo courtesy Talbot Brogden

Then in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, just before the start of the season, the Spanish government put all of Spain’s territories into a strict lockdown; preventing any non-essential travelers from leaving their homes, much less going fishing. What followed was a difficult 63 days. As soon as the Spanish no-fishing laws were lifted on the 18th of May, the Freespool with the EAC was the first out of the marina and on the water.

The next day, they were bringing in a (pending) junior world record bigeye tuna.

Photo courtesy Katie Coeckelenbergh-Sawyer

A day of fishing off of La Gomera, like many places, can be fairly dependent on the presence of bait. Halfway into May the crew would normally start out fishing for marlin. Rumors of big schools of tuna still running the coast, however, led the crew to believe they could still target Stanley his first tuna. Like anywhere, the search for bait off the island can take anywhere from minutes to hours. Sometimes it’s a flop altogether.

Photo courtesy Talbot Brogden

This was the case on the morning of May 18th. After an hour and a half of looking for bait, the crew opted to pull marlin teasers in hopes of raising a fish. It wasn’t until Captain Jason Pipe spotted a few tuna feeding on the surface of the leeward side of the island that they put a hook into the water.

Pipe and company deployed a bullet lure on the shotgun. This turned out to be a good decision. Within a few minutes line was screaming off the shotgun.

“No one on the boat saw the bite, but we all heard it,” explained Talbot, “We knew it was a big fish from the sound of the line leaving the reel!”

Stanley was ready for this fish. In fact, he had been dreaming of this moment for years. Finally, a big tuna was on the end of the line and he was going to bring it to the boat. Starting the fight on standup with the Shimano Tiagra 80 set at 40 pounds of drag, it didn’t take long for him to decide this fish was big enough for the chair.

Stanley set himself up in the chair. From there, the fight was a game of give and take. Just over 40 minutes after hook up the wire man and mate Danny Wingrove got his gloves on the leader. Talbot (equal parts proud grandfather and gaff man) stuck the fish.

Photo courtesy Katie Coeckelenbergh-Sawyer

The process was smooth, an experienced crew bringing in another big fish.  From the moment the fish was out of the water, everyone on board knew that there was a potential world record on deck. The atmosphere changed instantly from excitement to electric and the team headed in with anticipation for an official weight.

Stanley’s pending World Record Bigeye weighed in at 325 pounds (147.7 kg). The monstrous tuna had a fork length of 185 cm. It shattered the previous record of 234 pounds 12 ounces (106.5 kg).

This fish adds to an impressive list of accomplishments for the EAC. It is another World Record for Captain Jason Pipe (who has had several World and European records in Marlin, Tuna and Spearfish categories) along with the incredible accomplishment of a Royal Slam for Talbot Brogden.

Do you have any comments or questions for us? We’d love to hear from you.

 

BLACKHAWK Wins 4th Annual Marina Casa de Campo Open

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With a hot start, BLACKHAWK, a 76 Viking, won the 4th Annual Marina Casa de Campo Open based on time. The team released four blue marlin the first day before adding one more release to capture the top trophy. Mama Who, a 77 Jarrett Bay, also released five blues overall, followed by Princess Lily, a 66 Viking with four marlin on its ledger.

Dawn Samuels was named the Top Lady Angler competing aboard Princess Lily. Samuels also boated a 130-pound yellowfin tuna for the top game fish prize. During the tournament, she tagged her 100th blue marlin with a Billfish Foundation nylon dart tag. TBF was on hand for the occasion as well as interacting with the teams.

Set at the world-class Marina Casa de Campo in La Romana, Dominican Republic, this fun team event focused on release fishing for blue and white marlin, along with sailfish. Tuna, dolphin and wahoo were eligible to be weighed. The tournament is presented by the Marina Casa de Campo and Fly Zone Fishing and was held March 12-14 at the Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.

“Mama Who was on fire the second day,” says Tournament Director Robert “Fly” Navarro. “They went five for seven and were a consistent threat all day long. But BLACKHAWK was able to release their final fish first to earn the win.” Most of the boats were pulling ballyhoo for baits.

“The weather was unbelievable and the fishing was really good, too,” Navarro adds. “The boats averaged between four and eight blue marlin bites during the two days. Everyone had a great time and we made sure to emphasize the positive benefits of tournament fishing to get everyone’s mind off what is going on back home [with corona virus].”

Three young brothers were recognized for their budding angling achievements. Seven-year-old Clay, 11-year-old Miller and 13-year-old Harris Crumpton all hooked and landed their first blue marlin earlier in the Caribbean season. The juniors were fishing aboard Mama Seata.

The Marina Casa de Campo Open also utilized digital technology and communications for the first time. An optional service allowed teams to join a text network to receive real-time updates and to keep track of family members who were competing. This successful option was available on www.flyzonefishing.com  The host facility, Marina Casa de Campo, made the visiting teams feel more than welcome.

“Marina Casa de Campo is a great venue for any event, not just fishing,” Navarro explains. “The staff is very accommodating and friendly. We have a strong relationship and are planning several new things for the future.”

For more information on the Marina Casa de Campo Open, contact Fly Navarro at 561-310-9214 or email: fly@flyzonefishing.com.

Sandman Takes first in 2020 Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring

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Photo courtesy JJ Fish Week

South Florida (January 16, 2020) – Brought to you by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., the 9th Annual Jimmy Johnson’s “Quest for the Ring” Championship Fishing Week (JJFISHWEEK) expanded its boundaries and took over all of South Florida, March 3-7, 2020, with fishing options available in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Key Largo spanning over 112 miles, and hosting the ultimate parties at the iconic new Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fl. Annually boasting the World’s RICHEST guaranteed purse, this tournament, led by the newest pro hall of fame inductee, Coach Jimmy Johnson, hosts the largest fleet in South Florida and is ALL about the RING, presented annually by Contender Boats, powered by Yamaha Outboards, and fueled by Papa’s Pilar.

Photo courtesy JJ Fish Week

98 teams joined together for 5 days of events and the ultimate sportfishing experience, which included a 2-day Billfish Championship, featuring a Catch & Release Division hosting 82 of the 98 teams, and a Weighted Division, with tournament days taking place Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6, from three official marinas: Ocean Reef Marina, Miami Beach Marina, and Bahia Mar Marina. 435 sailfish and 1 white marlin were released and 65 fish were weighed in.

The winners were decided by a nail-biting :26 seconds. Additionally, the tournament week included a private Hard Rock tournament and a 1-Day Celebrity Charitable Pro Am, which was supposed to occur Saturday out of Papa’s Pilar Captain’s Quarters at Bahia Mar in Fort Lauderdale, but unfortunately due to weather, was turned to a simulation competition at PLA, the new interactive game bar at Seminole Hard Rock.

The event week started Tuesday night with a Kick Off at Daer Rooftop, presented by GlassTech, Captains Meeting at The Comedy Club, presented by American Custom Yachts and Seakeeper, and Private Invite Only Champions Dinner at Abiaka, hosted by LPL Financial and Papa’s Pilar. Wednesday was a pre-fish day, which ended with dockparties at all three host marinas. Friday started the weekend events at Hard Rock with a Weekend Kick off and Celebrity Meet & Greet at Daer DAYCLUB, presented by KM Relief and Hines Securities and, Saturday closed out the week at the Hard Rock Event Center for the Ultimate Gifting Suite, hosted in part by Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, featuring over 40 sponsors gifting complimentary gifts to all registered anglers of the tournament, who walked away with $7,000+ gifts per team, and the over the top Closing Awards Bash, hosting 1,400 members of the fishing community for the final celebration.

The guaranteed payout for the Billfish Championship is set as a hybrid payout, annually guaranteed at $1Million and based on boat entry, accrues for every 10 additional paid teams above 85 in the Catch & Release Division. Addition to the Billfish Championship payout, the Hard Rock tournament includes a $500,000 prize payout, and $100,000 were gifting to charity with the Celebrity Pro-Am simulation competition tournament for a total of $1.6 Million in prizes gifted throughout the event week.

This year’s tournament top honors in the Catch & Release Division went to:  

The 2020 Champions with 12 releases winning a total of $238,000 and another RING in Coach Johnson’s RING OF HONOR: SANDMAN

The 63’ Spencer registered to Fort Lauderdale with Captain John Dudas at the helm from Miami, Fl and owner Sandra MacMillan from Minneapolis, MN receiving Top Female Angler, featuring anglers Domi Adams, Alex Castalonos, Jeffrey Liederman, Ryan Montesino, Robbie Ramirez, receiving Top Master Angler, and Robbie Watick.

2nd Place for a total of $195,000 with 12 releases: De-Bait-Able, the 62 Viking out of Palm Beach with Captain KJ Zeher at the helm and owned by Mike Walsh

3rd Place for a total of $66,500 with 11 releases: ReelEstate / Shell Yeah, the 39 SeaVee out of West Palm Beach, with Captain Dallas Twist and owner Todd Minnick

4th Place for a total of $100,000 with 11 releases: Reel Easy, the 62’ Viking out of Jupiter, Fl with Captain Jon McIntyre

5th Place for a total of $47,000 with 10 releases: Marc Sherry Fishing Team on the CaribSea, 46’ Guthrie out of Islamorada owned by Kenny Spaulding and chartered by Marc Sherry, owner of Old Homestead Steakhouse

6th Place for a total of $23,000 with 10 releases: Smile Maker , the 37 Freeman owned by Dr. Bill Sullivan and captained by James Chappell out of Islamorada

7th Place for a total of $6,000 with 10 releases: Weez In the Keys, the 58’ Merritt out of Miami Beach, Fl captained by Chris Zelinski and owned by Scott Robins

8th Place for a total of $120,000 with 9 releases: JICHI, the 61’ Paul Mann out of Coral Gables, Fl captained by Hannibal Moya and owned by Luis Isais

Additional prizes were awarded to PRICELESS, DOUBLE DIAMOND, WET DREAM, JUST DO IT, FISH TALES, SERAPHIM, BAR SOUTH, HARDWAY/DOING IT ALL, FROST BITE, LUNATICO, OUTNUMBERED, AND TAR BABY.

On the weighted division:

The Overall winner with an aggregate weight of 66.5LBs weighing in a 35lb Kingfish and a 31.5lb Kingfish,

For a total winnings of: $42,500 : TEKEZE CHARTERS

The 34 SeaVee out of Islamorada is captained by Charles Hertel, Angler Amanda Gale, Emily Gale, Ryan Hullihan, Patrick Jackson, Tommy Twyford, and owned by Harris Katz, out of Coral Springs, Fl.

2nd place weighing in an aggregate weight of 59,5 for their kingfish winning a total of $20,000: ONE MORE Sportfishing, a 43’ Everglades led by Captain Brandon Singh and owned by Patrick Lewis out of Atlanta, Ga.

Additional prizes were awarded to BELOW ME, OSH-IT, HELLREYZER, TOUCH OF GREY, and ADVANCED ROOFING/SAILSMEN.

In the Hard Rock division:

The overall winner with a total of 114 points was team: OSH-IT , a 72’ Viking led by Captain Jim Puller and owned by Marc Osheroff .

Additional prizes were awarded to BIG SMOOTH, CATCH 23, TOO MANY MARTINIS, and CHASIN’ TAIL.

The Celebrity Pro-Am was attended by some of Coach Johnson’s former players and friends and the tournament saw some celebrities throughout the billfish tournament participants, to include Jonathan Vilma, DJ Williams, Brian Griese, Russell Maryland, Alex Gonzalez, Worldwide Wes, Desmond Howard, Brett Romberg, Bennie Blades, Charles Johnson, Twan Russell, Michael Jordan, Michael Vick, and Willie Young Jr.. Thanks to KM Relief and Hines Securities, the Celebrity Pro-Am gifted $100,000 in charitable monies to Tranquil Shores Foundation, Fishing for Muscular Dystrophy, and the University of Miami.

RankTeamPoints

1Sandman :12

2Debaitable :12

3Reelestate/Shell Yeah :11

4Reel Easy11

5CaribSea :10

6Smile Maker :10

7Weez in the Keys :10

8Jichi :10

9Just Do It :9

10Reel Life :9

11Fish Tales :9

12Seraphim :9

13Wet Dream :9

14Priceless :9

15Lights Out :9

16Frost Bite :9

17Still Right :8

18Hardway / Doing It All :8

19D&D :8

20LUNÁTICO :8