8th Annual Billfish Cup at Marina Pez Vela March 15-16, 2019

Come tourists and locals alike to Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica this weekend, March 14 – 16th and watch the excitement of the Billfish Tournament. It is one of three tournaments fully hosted by the marina where everybody participates. The 35 Marina individuals all work together to lead the teams responsible for the sponsorship, register the anglers, hand out the trophies, market the event, maintain the property, handle the technical side, and coordinate the event all like a well-oiled machine.

Jerry, the owner of Double Hook Sports Bar at Marina Pez Vela explained that this event is open to all categories of fisherpersons, from hook and pass to the experts. He indicated that in the past about 20 boats were registered in the 2 categories of small (34 foot and under) and large (35 foot and over) boats. Of the 20 boats, most of them are moored at Marina Pez Vela and the rest are moored in other parts of the Costa Rican Pacific coast.

Jerry then shared that Costa Rica is the best fishing in the world. Marlin and sailfish are the main focuses of this tournament with the objective being catch and release, following the strict laws of Costa Rica. Throughout the tournament, the officials are in constant audio and video communication with each boat, not only as a support but also for the release process and to log the fish.

The public is encouraged to come to the Marina to watch the tournament on the big screen or at Double Hook Sports Bar & Grill, Runaway Grill, and at Mercato del Porto on their televisions.

After registration and the captains’ meeting, the anglers enjoy a cocktail or two and tapas while they discuss strategies for Friday’s andSaturday’s 6:00 am shotgun start of the tournament. Since they will be about an hour off shore on both days, 4:00pm is the official end of the day with lines in, but they can be welcomed by spectators starting at 5 pm. On the last night, Marina Pez Vela will host the Awards Festivities which can be viewed by the public from the upper level. Besides the winning boat having bragging rights and a trophy to take home, there will be yet another trophy that will remain at the Marina and be rotated among the restaurants and businesses for all the patrons to see.

Jerry indicated that the sponsorship from the community of this tournament has always been great. Marina Pez Vela would like to thank the businesses of Quepos and Manuel Antonio with a special thanks to Z’s, Amorosi Gelateria, American Exports, Cummins Centroamericana, SeaHawk, Maverick CR, CR Marine Supply, Rewirement, AG Marine Services, Bionic Bait, and Mojo Sportswear Company.

So drop your plans for the weekend and come enjoy and help support the 8th Annual Billfish Cup!

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