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Tesoro Resort Cabo San Lucas


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Finnseeker

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King Sailfish Mounts


Roff's Ocean Fishing Forecasting Service


No Worry's Restaurant & Car Cabo San Lucas

Pacific Coast Sportfishing Magazine

Marlin Nut


Pelagic Gear


Quick Rig

Eagle Claw

Cabo Villas Resort

Tesoro Resort Cabo San Lucas


Marlin World Magazine

Finnseeker

Billfish Foundation


IGFA


King Sailfish Mounts


Roff's Ocean Fishing Forecasting Service


No Worry's Restaurant & Car Cabo San Lucas

Pacific Coast Sportfishing Magazine

Marlin Nut


Pelagic Gear


Quick Rig

Eagle Claw

Cabo Villas Resort

Tesoro Resort Cabo San Lucas


Marlin World Magazine


Finnseeker

Billfish Foundation


IGFA


King Sailfish Mounts


Roff's Ocean Fishing Forecasting Service


No Worry's Restaurant & Car Cabo San Lucas

Pacific Coast Sportfishing Magazine

Marlin Nut
PRESS AND MEDIA
JANUARY 2008
3rd Annual World Championship Billfish Release Tournament
Cabo San Lucas Mexico, 17th May – 21st May 2008

For Fishermen By Fishermen

This World-Class event gives back to Charity while raising the bar and challenging all big-game fishing tournaments.


In the spirit of Competition, Sportsmanship and Conservation, the world's top anglers have united to present one of the Worlds richest and most prestigious billfish tournaments ever held. The World Championship Billfish Release Tournament (WCBRT) is set for May 17th through May 21st 2008.

Considered by blue water anglers as the Striped Marlin Capital of the World, the Tournament Committee provided a tournament "For fishermen by fishermen" . The prestigious three day all circle hook, all catch-and-release tournament produced the highest number of released striped marlin ever released in a money tournament worldwide, all on circle hooks plus the highest cash payout ever for a striped marlin money tournament worldwide.

The World Championship Billfish Tournament is an IGFA qualifying event that followed closely on the successful IGFA tournament a week before. The WCBRT has again proven and lead the way for other billfish tournaments by putting on a circle hook only, 100%, "No Muerto" release money tournament in Mexico.

Any tournament that can call itself the World Championship Billfish Release Tournament has to be able to back up all what it makes out to be after all “ WORLD” implies to the best of the best as in “ World Series”, “World Champion”.

Many have questioned tournament directors Chris Badsey and Dave Brackmann for naming the tournament as a “ World Championship Event” that is held in May each year following the IGFA World Championships and December. The WCBRT transcends fishing by bringing attention to all circle hook all release money tournaments in Mexico for great causes, the Billfish Foundation and the Los Ninos Del Capitan, Cabo San Lucas children's charity.

Already in the 3rd year of the tournament and realizing new heights each year the WCBRT Tournament has broken every single record for an all release, circle hook only, money tournament in Mexico. Actual first place trophy and prize money is now USD $ 1 250 000.00 offered with the Million Dollar Tagged Striped Marlin been the richest striped marlin money tournament in the world as the first record.

The second record was set in the tournaments first year of the 2006 WCBRT which produced an amazing record 213 billfish released even fishing under the full moon, with a daily average of 71 marlin, an average of 3 marlin released per boat per day. This was more fish release than the prestigious IGFA World Championships 4 day event a week before with 69 teams entered.



The third record was set in the 2007 WCBRT which produced an amazing record setting 335 billfish released or almost 5 marlin released per boat per day even fishing under a full moon condition! There were 119 documented lost fish in addition to the official released fish bringing the 3 day total to 454 striped marlin hooked up. With a hook to land ratio of 74% on circle hooks and 100% release the 2007 WCBRT format proved highly successful. This was more fish release than the prestigious IGFA World Championships 4 day event a week before with 63 teams entered.



The fourth record and World Records were set in December 2007 event of the WCBRT. The 2007 December 7th & 8th Mini WCBRT produced an amazing record setting 1157 billfish released for 2 days for an average of 115.7 marlin released per boat per day ! Team Reelaxe recently set a World record by releasing 190 striped marlin on day two of the tournament setting a NEW WORLD RECORD. Another tournament world record was set for the most released marlin in a single day in any tournament by a single team and the most released striped marlin combined for the tournament 1157. Team Reelaxe released a total of 330 striped marlin in the two day tournament setting another tournament record for a single team in two days.



Many of the big names around the World of Big Game fishing recognize the importance and the impact the WCBRT has on fishing tournaments around the world and doing their best to put their names on the leader board and ascend from obscurity. The point is that this tournament is full of great fishing teams from around the world, some are well known and some not so known.



One of the exciting aspects of this 3 day tournament is that Cabo is the Striped Marlin Capital of the world and teams do not have to run far to catch and release billfish. Right after the Bimin start marlin are been caught and released immediately making it very competitive with IGFA certified observers onboard and WCBRT observers overseeing the catch and releases that are also documented by the tournament supplied camera’s. In 2008 the WCBRT will accept team video’s as an added back up to recording releases.



What people like about the WCBRT is that it really gets your juices flowing as every team is catching fish and the money goes to good causes. World class teams that enter from around the world can charter any boat, be competitive with their skilled team and walk away winners. Unlike most other tournaments No money or percentage is deducted or kept by the tournament directors of the WCBRT.

Another first, the WCBRT has dedicated a fishing day after the tournament for all the observers to have their own tournament/fish off amongst the observers that will be crowned the observer WCBRT Champion and will be awarded at trophy and prize at the banquet. With the help of several teams donating their boats and teams for the day, this will allow the observers to participate in an observer tournament as a thank you for their participation.

The May 2008 event can offer accommodations at the Tesoro hotel for under USD $ 80.00 a night all inclusive per room and right in the Marina overlooking all the teams in front of all the action. For further information contact a committee member and see rules and entry forms at www.wcbrt.com.





Team "Reelaxe" Wins and Sets New World Record
Cabo San Lucas Mexico, 9th Dec 2007 - Mini WCBRT Results and New World Records Set
Cabo considered the Striped Marlin Capital of the World by knowledgable blue water anglers, was certainly not disapointing as world records were shattered in numerous catagories! This tournament was designed by fisherman to be a tournament "For fishermen by fishermen". The Mini WCBRT Dec 7th & 8th was introduced after the prestigious WCBRT three day all circle hook May event, being a 100% catch-and-release tournament.

The Mini WCBRT was designed to take advantage of Cabo's most productive time for stripped marlin. And it was a huge success! The team average for the two day tournament was a mind blowing 231.4 fish per boat. With the high individual angler catching 59 marlin in one day. More than most serious marlin fisherman will catch in a life time. All the marlin were released!

The WCBRT tournament produced more released striped marlin ever in the history of a money tournament worldwide all on circle hooks. The World Championship Billfish Tournament is an IGFA qualifying event. The WCBRT has again proven and leads the way for other billfish tournaments by putting on a circle hook only, 100%, "No Muerto" ( No Kill) release money tournament in Mexico.
.
The 2007 December 7th & 8th Mini WCBRT produced an amazing record setting 1157 billfish released for 2 days for an average of 115.7 marlin released per boat per day ! Team Reelaxe recently set a World record of 179 marlin released in a single day November 3rd, 2007 shattering this record in the tournament by releasing 190 striped marlin on day two of the tournament setting a NEW WORLD RECORD. Another tournament world record was set for the most released marlin in a single day in any tournament by a single team and the most released striped marlin combined for the tournament 1157 for 5 teams.

The New World record 190 striped marlin was captured on the Reelaxe's 8 boat cameras, underwater cameras and by video of the tournament camera crew filming onboard Reelaxe on day two. Team Reelaxe was - Chris Badsey, Dave Brackmann, Steve Brackmann, Alex Rogers, Jose Espanoza , Mark Clayton, Saul Contrearus, Dennis Poulton. Top angler was Reelaxe angler Jose Esponoza with a personal best and tournament record of 59 released stripped marlin in a single day.

Team Reelaxe released a total of 330 striped marlin in the two day tournament setting another tournament record for a single team in two days. With IGFA qualified observers and WCBRT observers aboard tournament boats, the catches were photographed and documented and filmed with video camera's including the tournament hired independent video camera crew documenting all released fish at the boat in accordance with the IGFA and WCBRT rules. Observers were randomly assigned to boats on day one and then the top 3 teams on day 2 carried an observer on board their boats.

2007 MINI WCBRT RESULTS -Video Clip 1   Video Clip 2
DAY ONE RESULTS:
Reelaxe
140 releases
Get Over it
139 releases
Tenacious
91 releases
Bull Rider
79 releases
Cabo Villa
49 releases
DAY TWO RESULTS:
Reelaxe
190 releases
Get Over It
189 releases
Tenacious
103 releases
Cabo Villa
89 releases
Bull Rider
88 releases
FINAL RESULTS
1st Place: Team Reelaxe
330 releases
2nd Place: Team Get Over It
328 releases
3rd Place: Team Tenacious
194 releases

2008 MINI WCBRT Dates - December 5th, 6th, 7th, 2008

Cabo San Lucas Mexico, 9th March, 2008 - The Mini WCBRT Tournament dates for Cabo San Lucas are set for Registration December 5th, 2008 with Fishing dates the 6th & 7th December 2008. This event is been televised and part of the WCBRT 10 Television fishing series that starts  with the may 17th, 2008 event.



June 4th 2007

"A Release today is a Fish Tomorrow "
Cabo San Lucas Mexico, June 4th, 2007 - Twenty three teams from around the world competed in the 2nd USD $ 1 Million Dollar Challenge World Championship Billfish Release Tournament on May 28th- 30th, 2007 off the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja peninsula at Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S. .  The 2007 Tournament's Platinum Sponsors were Turners Outdoorsman and Capella Pedregal.

Considered by blue water anglers as the Striped Marlin Capital of the World, the Tournament Committee provided a tournament "For fishermen by fishermen" . The prestigious three day all circle hook, all catch-and-release tournament produced the highest number of released striped marlin ever released in a money tournament worldwide, all on circle hooks plus the highest cash payout ever for a striped marlin money tournament worldwide.

The World Championship Billfish Tournament is an IGFA qualifying event that followed closely on the successful IGFA tournament a week before. The WCBRT has again proven and lead the way for other billfish tournaments by putting on a circle hook only, 100%, "No Muerto" release money tournament in Mexico.

The 2007 WCBRT produced an amazing record setting 335 billfish released or almost 5 marlin released per boat per day even fishing under a full moon condition!  There were 119 documented lost fish in addition to the official released fish bringing the 3 day total to 454 striped marlin hooked up.  With a hook to land ratio of 74% on circle hooks and 100% release the 2007 WCBRT format proved highly successful.

During the event, teams fished for billfish with each species earning the same value at release. Team NO BAD DAYS caught a swordfish during the event and several other teams lost swordfish.  With IGFA qualified observers and WCBRT observers aboard tournament boats,  the catches were photographed and documented with the tournament supplied camera’s and then released alive at the boat in accordance with the IGFA and WCBRT rules.  Observers were randomly assigned to boats on day one and then the top 70% of the teams on day 2 and day 3 carried an observer on board their boats.  WCBRT received observers from as far away as Australia who had heard about the event and wanted to be a part of the tournament.

The teams releasing the most billfish over the three days were  Team CHIQELIN and Team BAD COMPANY tied with 33 released marlin each and the tie breaker was determined by time, putting Team Chiqelin in 1st Place and lead by Team Captain Lance Keller and Mike " The Beak " Hurt. Team Chiqelin released a total of 33 marlin during the event earning a first place cash prize and daily jackpots of USD $ 160,762.00. Team Chiqelin also received 3 daily release category awards of USD $ 500 each for the release category. Team Chiqelin graciously donated the USD $ 1,500.00 to The Billfish Foundation Norma 029 Fund at the awards banquet. All State, municipal, federal taxes and checks were paid and presented first at the awards banquet and then all teams were presented and paid immediately following the event .

The WCBRT's cash payout is the highest cash payout for any striped marlin money tournament in the world. Bad Company's top angler Peter Groesbeck also took top honors for top angler of the tournament with an impressive 21 released fish.

Second place team with 33 released marlin was Team Bad Company with Team Captain Steve Lassley earning them USD $ 11, 400.00. At the awards banquet, Team Bad Company graciously donated their total winnings of USD $ 11,400.00 to The Billfish Foundation Norma 029 Fund. 

Third place team with 30 released striped marlin was Cabo San Lucas local team, Team GET OVER IT  earning them a USD $ 77,730.00 which included the second day's daily jackpots for the most released fish.

At the awards banquet the WCBRT set an unprecedented statement on the economic value of billfish sportfishing and tournaments by presenting the City of Cabo San Lucas checks for Federal and State taxes in the amount of USD $ 15, 210.00, USD $ 20,280.00 and USD $ 2,535.00. The balance of the funds raised and deducted went to The Billfish Foundation and Los Ninos Del Capitan, Cabo San Lucas children's charity.

Teams were treated to a sit down dinner hosted by the Baja Cantina at the beautiful Cabo Villa's Beach Resort with a fireworks display to close the event on the beach over looking the beautiful Cabo Harbor and the Famous Arch.  The banquet was MC’d by famed Chris Fischer of Fisher Productions .

The Billfish Foundation was supported and represented by Dr. Russell Nelson who spoke at the banquet about the Shark Norma 029 and it's tremendous threat to sportfishing in Mexico.

The USD $ 1 Million Dollar tagged fish is still at liberty and the WCBRT is offering a free entry into next years WCBRT event to any angler that recovers the tags and releases the marlin.

The 2008 WCBRT will once again follow on the heels of the IGFA  tournament.  Stay up to date on the 2008 WCBRT through www.wcbrt.com

Come see the Vikings!

Cabo San Lucas - Press Release 17th May , 2007
Monday May 28th
7:30pm.
Capella Pedregal (www.capellapedregal.com) this year's title sponsor for the 2007 World Championship Billfish Release Tournament (WCBRT), cordially invites you to preview the line of Viking yachts which make up its Capella Pedregal Yacht Club.   

The preview is Monday  May 28th from 7-8.30pm at our slips on M. A steward will be at the gangway in front of Baja Cantina to let you in and direct you to the fun.

During the preview, we will be serving sushi, sashimi and Mojitos and showing off our signature line of Viking yachts. Come enjoy the luxury sportfishing lifestyle the wayit was meant to be lived.  

If you plan to join us at the preview, please email us at rteruggi@capellacabo.com or call us at 1877 844 4742 to RSVP. 

Availability will be limited to a comfortable number of passengers per vessel.

Capella Pedregal provides each of its owners of a fractional interest in a Residence or a single ownership of a Casona with the opportunity to be a member in the Capella Pedregal Yacht Club (CPYC).  CPYC is made up of a fleet of 60 foot Viking sport cruising and sport fishing yachts for the exclusive use of CPYC members and their friends for fishing, fun or exploration of the oceans surrounding Cabo.

CPYC is one of many unique amenities offered to Capella Pedregal Owners including a 10,000 sq ft spa, beach club, business center and a fitness center plusthe worldrenowned Capella service standard.

Capella Pedregal is a beachfront development set on 24 ocean front and mountain side acres comprised of a 66 room hotel, 31 expansive fractional ownership residences and 20 single owner Casonas www.capellapedregal.com. For information about Capella please visit our website www.capellacabo.com, email us at info@capellacabo.com  or call 1877 844 4742 from the US toll free.


Press Release - Cabo San Lucas Mexico - 17th May 2007
Mexico's New Shark and Ray Fishing Regulations Threaten Billfish & Other Ocean Resources

Despite strong opposition from The Billfish Foundation (TBF) and scores of partners in Mexico, Mexican officials approved Regulation NOM -029 (Shark Norma).  This regulation, promoted as a way to stop the over-exploitation of sharks and rays, was rejected by Mexico's last two Presidents, but strongly supported by commercial fishing interests in Ensenada, Sinaloa, Sonora, Mexican Fisheries (CONAPESCA) and some Mexican and United States Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

The people of Baja California Sur, TBF and other NGOs believe that NOM-029 is a deeply flawed regulation, which will have devastating overfishing consequences for billfish, sharks and rays even though a finning prohibition is included for sharks and rays.  Healthy and abundant ocean resources are very important to the eco-tourism based economy in the Cabo and adjacent region, thus heightening the conservation ethic among many individuals and businesses working with TBF.  At the same time commercial longline fishing interests have long lobbied for the regulations liberalized permitting requirements, opening the flood gates to thousands of vessels.  Hidden potential threats to further reduce marine resources in and around Baja California Sur are throughout the approved regulation.

TBF, along with other groups, will fight to rescind these bad rules.  TBF President Ellen Peel stated: “ We are working with our friends in Mexico to look for legal ammunition against the Norma-29, we are looking towards federal legislation to overrule this threat to ocean resources and we are continuing to network with conservation-minded Mexican friends ands supporters to overturn this foolish set of regulations. Good conservation pays, irresponsible management is short sighted and causes everyone to lose.  If you fish in waters off Cabo and the Sea of Cortez or you support responsible management in those waters, let your voice be heard.  Send your comments to

Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, Presidente de Mexico, felipe.calderon@presidencia.gob.mx
Cesar Nava, Secretario Particular, cesar.nava.vazquez@presidencia.gob.mx
Alberto Cardenas, Secretario Sagarpa, alberto.cardenas@sagarpa.gob.mx
Ramon Corral, Comisionado Nacional de Acuacultura y Pesca, rcorrala@conapesca.sagarpa.gob.mx
Saniago Creel Miranda, Coordinador del GPPAN, santiago.creel@pan.senado.gob.mx
Manlio Fabio Vbeltrones, Coordinador del PRI, beltrones@senado.gob.mx
Arturo Escobar, Senador PVEM, aescobar@senado.gob.mx
Luis Coppola Joffroy, Senador PAN, luis.coppola@pan.senado.gob.mx
Jorge Alfonso Ituurbide Gurerra, Tecnico Secretaria Partiular Presidencia, aiturbide@presidencia.gob.mx

Click here for the full story and contact information.



MESSAGE FROM MINERVA SAENZ OF MINERVA'S BAJA TACKLE

Dear Southern Baja Californians:

As you know we are being threatened with the greatest ecological threat ever!  The Shark Norma 029!  This regulation which is now in effect will allow Commercial Longline Vessels to fish as close as 15 miles off our coast!  These commercial fishing vessels will have shark permits, however we know that their target is actually our valuable Sportfish which are striped marlin, sailfish and Dorado.  Do everything you can to make a stand against this!  Beginning in Los Cabos we are campaigning against this regulation.  As a "Sudcaliforniano", we are all wearing and displaying black ribbons as a sign of mourning and painting our car windows and business windows with signs against the Norma.  We will be holding a protest march against the Norma 029 and GREENPEACE who is supporting this shark Norma on Saturday, May 19th in San Jose del Cabo at 6:00 p.m.   Everyone is to meet at the Fire Station in San Jose where we will march in Solidarity alongside our neighbors against the threat of the Shark Norma.  We ask that everyone please participate.  You are needed!
 
Estimado Sudcalifornianos!
 

Como ustedes ya saben estamos siendo amenazados por la mas Grande amenaza ecológica hasta ahora! La norma del tiburón 029! Esta norma que ya esta en vigencia permitirá a Los barcos de pesca comercial pescar desde 15 millas de nuestras costas. Estos barcos comerciales tendrán permisos de tiburón, sin embargo sabemos que su principal objetivo será nuestra valiosa pesca deportiva la cual es el marlin rayado, pez vela y Dorado. Hagan lo que este en su alcance para hacer frente a esto! Iniciando en Los Cabos estamos haciendo una campaña en contra de esta norma. Como “Sudcalifornianos” estamos portando un moño Negro como señal de luto a la pesca deportiva y pintando Las ventanas de nuestros automóviles y negocios con letreros en contra de la norma. Nosotros organizaremos una marcha en contra de la norma 029 y GREENPEACE la cual esta apoyando dicha norma el sábado, 19 de Mayo en San José del Cabo a Las 6:00 p.m. Todos nos reuniremos en la estación de bomberos de San José del Cabo donde marcharemos unidos en contra de la norma del tiburón. Les pedimos que por favor participen. Los necesitamos!

 

Sabado 19 de Mayo a las 6:00 p.m. En la Estacion de Bomberos!   

 
Sincerely,

Minerva



 


TITLE SPONSOR -
Capella Pedregal Sponsors World Championship Billfish Release Tournament in Cabo San Lucas


CABO SAN LUCAS – April 26th, 2007 – Capella Pedregal, the premier resort and residential community under development in Cabo, has announced their participation as the exclusive real estate and Platinum Level sponsor in the 2007 World Championship Billfish Release Tournament (WCBRT). The all-release circle hook tournament will take place in Cabo San Lucas May 27-31, 2007.

The WCBRT promotes competition, sportsmanship and the advancement of billÄsh conservation in a manner that will insure healthy billÄsh populations and exciting Äshing experiences today and in the future. Backed by The Billfish Foundation Organization, hosted at the beautiful Cabo Villas Beach Resorts the WCBRT requires mandatory use of circle hooks on live and dead baits, and a single J-hook or Circle hook on a lure. The tournament attracts anglers from worldwide ports of distinction and the 2007 WCBRT is a qualifying event for the IGFA Off-Shore Championship and will include a Junior World Championship Division.

Upon its Spring 2008 opening, Capella Pedregal will consist of 31 fractional Capella Residences, 20 full-ownership Capella Casonas and an exclusive 66-room resort managed by the top-tier Capella Hotels and Resorts brand. Owners at Capella Pedregal enjoy incomparable amenities including the use of the community’s fleet of luxury Viking sport fishers.

Capella Pedregal is located at Camino De La Plaza #145, Cabo San Lucas, BSC, Mexico. It is 25 minutes from Los Cabos International Airport, which is serviced by direct flights from numerous major cities in North America. For more information on membership, ownership opportunities and resort offerings at Capella Pedregal, please call (877) 655-7798 or visit www.capellacabo.com.

Capella Hotels and Resorts serves today’s top-tier travelers and residential property owners and is setting a new standard in the hospitality industry. Capella promises the unique benefits of the finest boutique hotels, including superb architecture and interior design, privacy, individualized service and attention to detail – combined with the amenities and activities of the world’s great luxury hotels and resorts. Capella, led by founder Horst Schulze, is a brand focused on customer choice, and offers choices that no other hotel company in the world can match. Capella is opening world-class properties in cities and resort destinations around the world, including: Breidenbacher Hof, a Capella Hotel (Düsseldorf, Germany); Capella Castlemartyr (Cork, Ireland); Capella Pedregal (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico); Capella Singapore (Sentosa Island, Singapore); Capella Telluride (Telluride, Colorado); Capella Dunboy Castle (Castletownbere, Ireland); and Schloss Velden, a Capella Hotel (Velden, Austria).

Learn more at www.capellahotels.com.

Press Release- Inaugural World Championship Champion Billfish Tournament
May 14- 18 2006

"A Release today is a Fish Tomorrow "

Cabo San Lucas Mexico, May 24th, 2006 - Twenty Four Teams from 10 countries on five continents competed in the Inaugural USD $ 1 Million Dollar Challenge World Championship Billfish Release Tournament on May 14- 18 2006 off the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja peninsula at Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S. .

Considered by blue water anglers as the Striped Marlin Capital of the World, the Tournament Committee provided a tournamen t "For fishermen by fishermen" with only 4 months to prepare. The prestigious three day all Circle hook, all catch-and-release tournament produced the highest number of released striped marlin ever released in a tournament worldwide, all on circle hooks plus the highest cash payout ever for a striped marlin tournament worldwide.

Leading up to the tournament many said putting on a circle hook only, 100%, "No Muerto" release tournament in Mexico could not be done. The Committee set the bar high with the inaugural event, proving the ultimate challenge that an all money tournament, all release and all circle hook premier tournament event would be successful.

The 2006 WCBRT produced an amazing 213 billfish released even fishing under the full moon, with a daily average of 71 marlin, an average of 3 marlin released per boat per day. Being a world championship event, teams were represented from Brazil, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, United Kingdom, United States, Mexico, El Salvador.

During the event, teams fished for three species of marlin (blue, black and striped) with each species earning the same value at release. The catches were all photographed with the tournament supplied camera’s and then released alive at the boat in accordance with the IGFA and WCBRT rules. Observers were randomly assigned to boats on day one and then the top 60% of the teams on day 2 and day 3 carried an observer on board their boats.

The team releasing the most billfish over the three days was Team Bad Company lead by Team Captain Anthony Heish. Team Bad Company released a total of 30 marlin during the event earning Bad Company a first place cash prize of USD $ 196,052.50 after taxes ! All teams were paid immediately following the event and presented with Okuma sponsored Reels.

The WCBRT's first place cash payout on its first year was the highest single cash payout for any striped marlin tournament in the world. Bad Company’s top angler Peter Groesbeck also took top honors for top angler of the tournament with an impressive 13 released fish and a cheque for USD $ 1700.00

Second place team with 16 released marlin was Team Bottom Line with Team Captain Mike Menas earning them USD $ 16 422.00 after taxes.

Third place team with 15 released striped marlin was Cabo San Lucas local team, Team Baja Boys earning them a USD $ 10 948.00 after taxes.

The WCBRT set an unprecedented statement by presenting the City of Cabo San Lucas its Cheque's for Federal and State taxes for USD $ 18 819.50 and USD $ 21 508.00 at the awards banquet. The balance of the funds raised and deducted went to the Billfish Foundation and the Local Childrens Charity.

Teams were treated to a spectacular steak and Lobster sit down diner to close the event on the beach with candle and pit fire lit banquet over looking the beautiful Cabo Harbor and the Famous Arch and MC’d by Famed Photographer Bill Boyce who was onboard many teams boats taking photographs each day .

The Billfish Foundation President Ellen Peel supported the WCBRT event and provided the beautiful circle hook trophies.

The USD $ 1 Million Dollar tagged fish is still at liberty and the WCBRT is offering a free entry into next years WCBRT event to any angler that recovers the tags and releases the marlin.

The 2007 WCBRT will once again follow on the heels of the IGFA Rolex tournament

WCBRT 2007 Tournament Dates:
27th May 2007  - Registration 11.am -4.00pm  4.00pm -5.00pm Captains Meeting - Cabo Villas Hotel
28th May 2007 - Day 1 Fishing
29th May 2007 - Day 2 Fishing
30th May 2007 - Day 3 Fishing
31st May 2007 - Awards banquet - Cabo Villas Hotel 7.00pm-9.00pm
Picture Gallery, leader board


IN THE ZONE:
Saltwater Tips From "Bad Company" at the World Billfish Release Tournament
in Cabo San Lucas

06.04.2006 — When striped marlin move into the deep water off of Cabo San Lucas, they start feeding on squid and become both leader shy and lethargic. This situation proved to be a challenging one at the first annual World Billfish Release Tournament. The Berkley team, consisting of captain Steve Lassley, Jim Kingsmill, and Pete Groesbeck, used a variety of Berkley, Sevenstrand, and Spiderwire products to solve this tricky problem and ended up taking first place in all three daily jackpots - high team, high angler, and overall winner of this prestigious offshore billfishing event.

Tip from captain Steve Lassley: "From a captain's perspective, we spool up with hi-visibility Spiderwire Stealth as backing and top shot with 40 lb. Berkley Big Game Hi Test in electric green. I use Spiderwire Stealth as my backing line because of its super high strength and small diameter. Because of this, I can get more high quality line on the spool. The combination with Berkley Big Game Hi Test gives us a low stretch, high abrasion system for excellent hook-up ratios when fishing live bait with circle hooks - which are mandatory in this tournament. Besides that, the hi-visibility color on both lines allows me to follow a marlin during the hook up."

Tip from angler Jim Kingsmill: "Although most of our marlin were caught by site casting to marlin we found in the gyros, we had several marlin come up on trolled Sevenstrand EAL lures that we 'bait-switched' on live bait for additional hook-ups. The EAL lures have given us wins both here in Cabo and at Catalina - they're a proven winner in the trolling spread aboard "Bad Company."




Bad Company
First Place Team Bad Company with winning cheque.
Left - Right: Ellen Peel-President Billfish Foundation, Dave Brackmann, Scott Taylor, Chris Badsey,
Jim Kingsmill, Steve Lassley, Peter Groesbek, Bill Boyce, Steve Brackmann, Martin Herrera, Ron Ashimine

 

 

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