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| J Godwin is an IGFTO Observer, but on this trip he did not observe, but was an angler and member of the Maverick Sportsfishing Yacht team. |
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| The Presidential Challenge of Guatemala was held during the second week of November 2011 out of Pez Vela Marina in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala.
A good number of the anglers stayed at Casa Vieja Lodge. This is a first class lodge I have noted in earlier reports. I must note that the service at his facility is outstanding as is the food and staff. Unbelievable positive attitudes and professional service by staff members who have worked at the lodge for many years.
The rules for the tournament are pretty straight forward; all release, IGFA, 20# line, 3 anglers, 4 teasers--no dredges, mandatory rotation, non-offset circle hooks, no fence, no fighting limit, IGFTO or other certified observers on each boat.
11 boats
First Place: Team OBX on RUM LINE
Second Place: Team Casa Vieja on MAKAIRA
Third Place: Team TBF on INTENSITY
I am a member of the Maverick Sportfishing Yacht Team along with Larry Drivon and Bim Lebo. Larry brought his boat, SUPER FLY, a 42' Maverick, to Guatemala from Los Suenos, Costa Rica to fish this tournament.
Our equipment is very similar to the equipment we use on the SPANISH FLY I have reported on in other events. 6', medium action 15-30 # rods with single speed Tyrnos 30 reels, 100# leader and 8/0 2004EL Eagle Claw circle hooks. 2 squid chains preceded by 9" birds and followed by chuggers or wide ranges--sometimes baited. Further back are two chuggers or short chains with chuggers or baited Ilanders.
The weather was basically the same each day with moderate variations: 4'-5' swells 17-19 seconds apart, air temp 90+ degrees, sea temps 86 degrees, blended water the first day but cleared up on the second and third day. No rain any day.
Practice day: Fished south and east 32-40 miles from the marina in well blended water. Saw 14 sails, released 8, missed 4.
Day 1 of the tournament: White caps on the way out but the seas laid down later in the day and the farther we went out. 6 sail releases for 10 bites, had a blue on the teaser three times but he would not take the bait. Lost one sail because of a broken hook 3 feet from the leader. I had a grand slam---sail/tuna/mahi.:-)
Day 2: Good seas all day except about 8 -10 miles on the ride out--started blowing 14-16, white caps--kinda snotty for a while. Bait, spinner dolphin, bottle nose dolphin and birds were in abundance. Fishing and ride in was great. 6 sails and a striped marlin released.
Day 3: Really good water all day, cleared up to blue clear--see the pic of the ride in. 15 sail releases this day--Larry had the hot hand with 9. I got another grand slam sail/mahi/bottle nose dolphin.:-) The first porpoise I have ever caught.
And to prove once again that a blind squirrel can find an acorn every now and again, I won the 3rd place angler award for the 2011 Presidential Challenge Tournament Series.
As a special note, this was my first opportunity to use the Global Entry Program during re-entry to the USA in Dallas/Fort Worth. It was easy, efficient and effortless. I highly recommend it for those of you who may travel internationally 6-10 times each year. My good friend John Treat also used his at Miami and reported a similar pleasant experience. My next tournament is the Los Suenos Signature Series I the last week of January 2012.
Buena suerte, J
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