JACKS OR BETTER FLY FISHING TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Oct. 12, 2004, Gary Graham, Baja On The Fly, Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Mexico Jacks or Better Tournament Report:

In a come-from-behind finish, the Berger brothers, Brian from San Francisco and Michael from Pasadena, placed 1st and 2nd in the first annual Jacks or Better catch and release fly fishing tournament at Ixtapa Zihuatanejo.

Jacks or Better was sponsored by Baja on the Fly and the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Hotel Association of Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo.

First place winner Brian received a 10-weight Abel rod and Super 10 Abel reel loaded with Gel-spun backing and a Scientific Anglers 375 Integrated fly line. Additionally, he received an invitation to participate in the 2005 Rolex Inshore Tournament as well as a paid entry to the “Sails and Tales” to be held in Zihuatanejo, Dec. 3-7, 2004.

Michael’s second place finish produced a 10-weight Abel Rod and Super 10 reel loaded Gel-spun backing and a Scientific Anglers 375 Integrated fly line.

Adolpho Aleman, high skipper for the two-day event received a special pair of Kaenon polarized eye wear, hat and shirt.

Yellow Dog Travel provided Scott Kelley, of Juneau, Alaska, a special award for the largest roosterfish caught that was hooked just after competition hours concluded.

All participants received bags filled with items donated by the event’s sponsors: Abel Products, Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures, Scientific Anglers, IGFA Rolex Tournament, Outdoors America and Arizona, Dr. Slick Instruments for Anglers, the Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo Visitors Bureau, Rainy’s Flies, Kaenon Eye Wear, Newport Blue, Mexfish.com, Terrafin SST-View, Promotions West, Sol Sun Products, Ichthyo-sys, Soft-tex and Frank Smethurst “Rasta”.

Concurrently with “Jacks or Better” was a “Guide’s Challenge,” consisting of casting and other fly fishing activities.

Overall winner was Jim Klug, Bozeman, Mont., a scant nine points in front of John Ryzanych, of Castro Valley, Calif. Who locked up second place with a first place win in both the Fly Design and Accuracy casting events, Klug won $1,000; Ryzanych received a pair of Kaenon Eye Wear polarized glasses and assorted clothing.

The 2005 Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Jacks or Better tournament has been set for Oct. 4-8.

Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Water Temperature 80-83. Air Temperature 79-86. Conditions: Chance of Rain Visibility.

(See "Mexico Fishing News" online for current fishing reports, photos, weather, and water temperatures from Ixtapa Zihuatanejo and other major Mexican sportfishing areas. Vacation travel articles, fishing maps and seasonal calendars, and fishing related information for Ixtapa Zihuatanejo may be found at Mexfish.com's main Ixtapa Zihuatanejo page.