InTheBite

Early Entry for First Leg of “Operation Sailfish” ends Friday, Dec. 20th

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It’s time to gear up because early entry for the first leg of the Quest for the Crest Series, the “Operation Sailfish” tournament ends this Friday 12/20/19.  Get your registration in before Friday to save $500. Click here to log into your account and register now before it’s too late.
Operation Sailfish,  January 15-19, 2020, is a two-day battle against sailfish on the high seas off West Palm Beach, FL. What’s at stake? An $800,000 purse and the exclusive champions dog tags.
Bluewater Movements is also looking for teams to volunteer to take a Hero Fishing on Thursday, Jan. 16 for the annual “Take A Hero Fishing” day.  Show your support to the troops and thank them for their service to their country by participating in this rewarding event.
Call 954.725.4010 to pair your team with a hero.

Marine Industry Veteran Joe Schwab Joins BlueWater Chairs

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BlueWater Chairs Adding Marine Industry Veteran
 
(Fort Lauderdale, Florida, July 2019) Tom Ackel, founder and CEO of BlueWater Chairs, proudly announced that well known marine industry veteran Joe Schwab has joined BlueWater as President. 
 
Joe will be responsible for continuing and expanding BlueWater’s growth and success as one of the largest and longest operating U.S. based manufacturers of fighting chairs, rocket launchers, helm seats and custom high-end furniture for fishing, cruising and mega yachts. “Joe’s extraordinary career and emphasis on customer service excellence is a perfect fit for BlueWater” said Tom. 
 
“I have known Tom for over 25 years and have watched him build BlueWater’s reputation for well designed, high-quality, customer focused custom teak chairs and furniture. I’m excited to lead the company in its next phase of growth,” said Joe.
 
Joe previously spent 28 years with Viking Yachts in New Gretna, NJ where he held various positions and most recently Vice President of Sales. “I am eager to continue the relationships with all of my clients and look forward to meeting many new customers. I understand the needs, desires and expectations of yachting and sportfishing owners and crew when it comes to the product. Equally important, I also recognize the level of service that must be provided once the product is delivered. This insight coupled with my OEM and diverse manufacturing experience will allow me and BlueWater to equally service clients and address the day-to-day operations of the BlueWater team,” said Joe.
 
Spending his youth fishing and boating in Cape May, NJ, Joe graduated from LaSalle University in Philadelphia with a degree in Finance. After graduation, he started his career with Viking Yachts. During his time there, various roles and responsibilities provided him exposure to all aspects of sales, marketing, engineering, manufacturing and service. 
 
“I am grateful for the privilege of working at Viking with the Healey family for that many years, I truly understand the importance of delivering the finest possible product and value along with standing behind it with service that is second to none. This comes from an unwavering dedication to the product and people that starts with the owners and is carried through the management and every employee,” said Joe. “Tom and the entire team at BlueWater Chairs reflect this philosophy and I look forward to working with everyone to realize BlueWater’s future growth.” 
 
Tom and the BlueWater Chairs’ family has been building the industry’s finest wood products and marine accessories for over 30 years. Located in Fort Lauderdale on the “Marina Mile,” BlueWater is the go-to name when it comes to anything that involves helm and fighting chairs, wood tables, furniture and accessories in Florida and throughout the world. Visit them at bluewaterchairs.com or call (954) 522-4238.

Cash Purse Worth Over $800,000 in 2019 Operation Sailfish

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Two days of battle by an infantry of elite Sailfishing teams

Photo courtesy of Endless Imagery

West Palm Beach, Fla. (Dec. 27, 2018) – Recognized as both the largest and richest sailfishing series in the world, the first leg of the Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series, Operation Sailfish, will be held at the Sailfish Marina in Palm Beach from January 16-20, 2019. Participating teams will battle it out on the high seas, sailfishing both Friday and Saturday for the chance to take home a custom set of champion dog tags and a stout payday with a cash purse worth over $800,000.

Other opportunities to reel in a win include the “Release Round-Up” jackpot.  This winner-take-all category is approaching a $300,000 payout at Operation Sailfish with a buy-in of only $1,000. Win the tournament and the Release Roundup and your team could be cashing a check for over $500,000. The 2018 champion team and current titleholder, Weez in the Keys went home with a cash payout of $210,000 last year.  Who will earn the prestigious title this year?

This two-day long tournament will give anglers a run for their boats, rods, and money. With  a variety of prize categories available to enter, anglers will have many opportunities to collect some hefty checks and patriotic trophies. There are two tiers of optional entry through the daily categories that provide teams with an opportunity to win over $80,000 on a first place daily. Early and late bite categories also offer teams the chance to win some bonus cash in both the first and second half of the day.

Along with the competition, one of the most notable highlights of Operation Sailfish is the unique opportunity it provides anglers to give back to the men and women of the United States military. In partnership with its charity, Operation Homefront, each year this tournament holds a “Take a Hero Fishing Day,” which is designed to honor and support military veterans, active-duty soldiers, and wounded warriors by getting them out on the water for a fun day fishing. Held on Thursday, January 17, 2019, each participating team will be paired with a hero to enjoy a day of fishing, followed by a cocktail reception and awards ceremony, where top hero’s will be presented with trophies of their own!

Photo courtesy of Endless Imagery

The kick-off party is held on Wednesday, January 16 at the historic Sailfish Marina Resort in Palm Beach, with a color guard and national anthem ceremony. Competition days are both Friday, January 18 and Saturday, January 19, followed by a brunch and awards presentation Sunday, January 20 at Sailfish Marina Resort. Tournament registration is available online at www.operationsailfish.com.  Registration remains open until the conclusion of the kickoff party on January 16th.

Photo courtesy of Endless Imagery

For more information on Operation Sailfish, visit the tournament website at www.operationsailfish.com or call 954-725-4010. The entire Quest for the Crest Sailfish Series schedule can be found at www.questforthecrest.com