The Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament concluded another successful and exciting fishing tournament and fundraiser for marine conservation! The 2009 tournament produced a winning weekend for everyone! Held at the Miami Beach Marina on South Beach in Florida, 351 anglers on 69 boats fished for over $217,000 in cash, plus valuable prizes and trophies. Thanks to its anglers and sponsors, this non-profit organization donated almost $30,000 to area marine conservation organizations and education including groups such as The Billfish Foundation, Florida Keys Marine Laboratory, Costal Conservation Association (CCA) and University of Miami's Rosenstiel School and Experimental Hatchery.
The weekend offered anglers beautiful weather and steady fishing each day, with a record breaking 645 sailfish released in 2 1/2 days.
On Friday, April 3rd, the first day of fishing competition, as the fleet headed out the air was filled with the excitement of possibly winning big money and prizes. Some anglers were after Funfish and the chance to get $5,000 for the top Dolphin or $5,000 top Kingfish, while others were after the glory of being the Top Team in the Texas de Brazil Team Division! With beautiful South Florida weather, the fleet got into the fish right away and by the end of the first hour, 52 sailfish had already been released. The day's fishing stayed strong and the competition was close, but at day's end it was Fish Pig who led with 1,600 points and eight releases. Qualifier, came in second on time, as it didn't hook its eighth sailfish until only 10 minutes before lines out, ultimately leaving them also with 1,600 points. Capt. Bouncer Smith's new tournament team on Bouncer's Dusky 33 was third with 1,400 points and seven releases and Owl's Nest was a close fourth, also with 1,400 points. The fleet released 159 sailfish by the close day.
Along with the excitement of the weigh-ins, huge crowds gathered on the baywalks and enjoyed the free daily dock parties. To make the festivities even more enjoyable, Bacardi Girls served up plenty of smiles to thirsty fisherman and spectators. Artist and craftsmen lined the baywalk, along with exhibitors selling and raffling off an abundance of freebies, while local conservation organizations promoted their cause.
Day two brought new resolve and fierce competition among the anglers as they set out. With the bite on, everyone still had a chance to be a part of the running, and the lead would change several times during the day. Several boats were battling for the lead when Owl's Nest took control. Jeff Altman, of New York City, and his crew caught and released six sailfish in 35 minutes just before lines out to take the lead with a two-day total of 3,600 points with 18 sailfish releases. Tagline was second on time with 3,000 point for their 15 sailfish, followed by Thomas Flyer with and Jichi both with 3,000 points and 15 releases. Midnight Blue and Rock Star were right behind the leaders with 14 releases each.
With excitement in the air, the last day kicked off and it was a battle for the top boat to the very end. After a number of close calls and innumerous lead changes, Jichi broke through the pack in a big way. The boat, owned by Luis Isaias of Coral Gables and skippered by Capt. Ricky Lindner, caught and released 12 sailfish for a three-day total of 27 releases and 5,400 points. Jichi took home $106,711! This was a result of $20,000 for winning the boat division, and winnings from various added value categories including $8,386 for placing two days in the Dynamite Daily, $6,375 for the Pot of Gold, $10,200 from the Grand Anglers Club and $46,750 for the winner-take-all $5k Hook Up. They also won $15,000 for Miami Beach Marina Libertad Challenge sponsored by Contender Boats. This came from releasing the most total sailfish - 43 - in the three leg event, which included the Capt. Bob Lewis Billfish Challenge, the Florida Billfish Masters and the Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournaments. Owl's Nest, which led going into the final day with 18 fish, released six to finish second with 4,800 points for their 24 releases. The team took home $19,945. Tagline won $7,750 in third with 23 releases, followed by Rock Star who took home $15,934 with 4,400 points and 22 releases and Wound Up was able to capture fifth place with 4,200 points for their 21 releases.
The prestigious title of Master Angler went to Jeffrey Fiorentino on Uptight with 3,200 points for his 16 sailfish releases over the weekend. His family aboard Uptight also captured Top Billfish Family with 3,200 points. Top Amateur Boat went to Team Capt. Harry's with 1,600 points; Top Lady Angler went to Nichole Portuondo from Team Mar/Pipe Dream with 1,400 points; Top Junior Billfish Angler was Pete Kane aboard Bouncer Dusky 33 with 1,800 points; and finally Top Pee Wee Angler was awarded for a second year in a row to Ryan Southard aboard Which Way with 1,000 points.
The Funfish Division was not without its excitement as well. Lucky Dog lived up to its name and was able to capture the Top Funfish Boat with a combined 163.4 lbs. This included the heaviest Dolphin at 34.8 lbs., and second heaviest Dolphin at 33.9 lbs. brought to the weigh station. Lucky Dog took home a whopping $9,575! Top Kingfish and $5,000 went to Norm Welter aboard the Country Cookin' for his 32.1 lb. Kingfish. Mackey Pesch, a junior onboard the Capt. Harry won $1,000 for bringing in the heaviest Wahoo weighing 27.3 lbs. and $1,000 went to Ryan Alexander aboard Night Prowler. Finally, Top Funfish Family went to the Shramko Family aboard Skin Deep with 122.6 lbs. Although they didn't have any of the heaviest fish, they still took home $2,295 for second place in the Kettle of Fish for the combined weight of all the Funfish brought to the weigh station. When it was all said and done, almost $25,000 was awarded in Funfish prize money!
In all, $29,100 was raised and donated to area marine conservation organizations, fulfilling the Yamaha Contender Miami Billfish Tournament's mission to promote awareness and support marine enhancement, education and conservation.
Overall Results:
Top Boats:
1. Jichi, 5,400 points with 27 sailfish releases
2. Owl's Nest, 4,800 points with 24 sailfish releases
3. Tagline, 4,600 points with 23 sailfish releases
4. Rock Star, 4,400 points with 22 sailfish releases
5. Wound Up, 4,200 points with 21 sailfish releases
Master Angler:
Jeffrey Fiorentino, Uptight, with 3,200 points and 16 sailfish releases
Top Female Angler:
Nicole Portuondo, Team Mar Azul/Pipe Dream, with 1,400 points and 7 sailfish releases
Top Junior Angler:
Peter Kane, Bouncer's Dusky 33, 1,800 points with 9 sailfish releases
Top Amateur Boat:
Sun Tech, 2,200 points and 11 sailfish releases
Top Dolphin:
Michael Ogdon, Lucky Dog, 34.8 pounds
Top Tuna:
Ryan Alexander, Night Prowler, 24.9 pounds
Top Wahoo:
Macky Pesch, Capt. Harry, 27.3 pounds
Top Kingfish:
Norm Welter, Country Cookin', 31.2 ponds
