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THE WORLD BILLFISHING CHAMPIONSHIP
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The second tournament that began on November 30th was the World Billfishing Championship and Puerto Vallarta was chosen for the second year to host this prestigious event. Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta was the base and their guest dock soon filled up with the best boats in our fleet. The participating anglers were the crème de la crème in the international fishing tournament circuits and they all wanted fast and maneuverable boats with only the most experienced crews. The dock resembled the Palace of Versailles, there was probably more Gold International gear in one small area than anywhere else in the world. This tournament is a total 'Catch and Release' operation and the weight of the gear, the bait or lures used and the species of the billfish are the deciding factors. And these anglers were definitely 'Catch and Release' experts. The hooks that they used do no harm to the fish and if they cannot be removed, corrode in a matter of days. No billfish was fought, instead they were quickly brought to the boats, identified and then safely released.
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Phil's boys, Davis Clapp and Shane McMahon from Squim Washington fished aboard the Liron, a new boat in the fishing fleet. As Phil's luck goes, Davis and Shane were laid back, fun loving guys that were as concerned about the availability of Pink Floyd CD's as they were about the Blue Marlin that jumped in front of the boat and then swam away. Who needs a Marlin that doesn't know good music?
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The anglers in the WBS are pros and they all understand the principles of fishing. There was no apparent competition and winning or losing did not seem important, they were all winners just to be invited to this tournament. Puerto Vallarta residents did not visit as spectators en masse. The annual Chili Cook-off was held at the same time as the finals and we assume that gourmet chili is more exciting than a tournament without big dead fish.
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There was a winner in the end and it turned out to be Bruce Bosley from Yakima Washington on the HIGH MAINTENANCE. Last year's winner, Bob Saul took second place on the ANTICIPATION.
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