RESULTS OF FOURTH ANNUAL TOTAL TAG & RELEASE FISHING TOURNAMENT

Nov. 18, 2004, Stan Lushinsky, Ixtapa Sportfishing Charters, Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Mexico Fishing Report:

The highlight of last week's fishing was the Fourth Annual Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Total Tag & Release Tournament. Once again the fish showed up for the party. The field of twelve Ixtapa-Zihuataneno fishing boats landed and released a total of 99 SAILFISH, 2 BLUE MARLIN, AND 1 STRIPED MARLIN in the three day event.

Walking away with top honors was Ken Longacker and Karl Bratvold of Mukilteo, WA , team "Dos Pescadores" fishing aboard the Vamonos I with Capt. Ruben. After being shut out on the first day of competition, Ken and Karl landed 9 SAILFISH on the second day, and 7 SAILS on the third day for a total team points of 2000. Ken and Karl who purchased their entry to this year's tournament at last year's Rolex IGFA Championship will once again be receiving an invitation to go back to Cabo San Lucas next year.

Coming in second place from Holland, team "Tulip Thunder", with three members of the Brujnzelles family fishing aboard the Vamonos III with Capt. Chiro, landed 15 SAILFISH, however only 14 can be counted since one SAIL did not survive for a total of 1750 points.

Returning Ixtapa-Zihuatanenjo champions from last year, Larry Kent and Brian Bushel, fishing aboard the Dos Hermanos I with Capt. Adolofo took third honors landing 11 SAILFISH for a total of 1375 points.

This year's Ixtapa-Zihuatanenjo tournament had participants from the United States, Mexico, and Europe. We wish to thank all of our participating spotters/judges who were led by Terry O'Bryne. They are Dale Markus, Bob Cherry, Darla Cherry, Michael Doebley, and Bernie Pankowski. Their continued dedication to the support of higher percentages of tag and release makes this tournament possible and advances the conservation effort in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, Mexico.

(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.