Sports fishermen from around the globe set their sights on
Puerto Rico come early Fall for the International Billfish Tournament (IBT),
hosted by Club Náutico de San Juan. Set this year for September 10 to 17, the
event bears the dual distinctions of being the longest consecutively held big
game fishing tournament in the world and ranked by Marlin Magazine as one of the top 10 favorite tournaments in the
world. The IBT is also a qualifier for the prestigious Rolex/IGFA Offshore
Championship that takes place each May.
Chairman Ricardo
Lefranc invites, “Join us! Blue marlin fishing starts 20 minutes off the
coast of the San Juan metro area. There are fabulous prizes and over 400
experienced anglers competing, including lady anglers. What else do you need!”
Last year, a total
of 78 boats and 289 anglers – hailing from Ecuador, Guatemala, France, Bermuda,
the Dominican Republic, U.S. Virgin Islands, United States, and Puerto Rico –
competed in this all-release tournament. A total of 75 blue marlin were
released during the four days of fishing.
Among the many
anglers, some of the best marine artists such as Guy Harvey, Carey Chen, Bodo
Muche, Ken Ulberg and Eric Prince will be attending the tournament, as well as
representatives of the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA), the
governing organization of world game fishing, and The Billfish Foundation
(IBT), the organization responsible for the preservation of the species.
On shore, social
activities include a complementary breakfast for participating anglers before
each day of fishing, cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres nightly, a traditional
"Fiesta Tipica" with its unique Latin rhythms and flavors, an IGFA
Auction and an elegant Awards Banquet.
The registration
fee is $1,750 per person and includes a charter slot, daily breakfasts and
cocktails, the "Fiesta Típica" and Awards Ceremony, and
transportation to and from the Club. Those bringing their own boat only pay a
$500 marina fee since registration is free for boat owners.
For more
information please contact Club Náutico de San Juan: Tel: (787) 722-0177; Fax:
(787) 724-8059; Web: www.sanjuaninternational.com
