WORLD CHAMPION OF BILLFISHING CROWNED IN COSTA RICA

LOS SUEÑOS, COSTA RICA – After three intense days on the water, the top angler in the world in 2007 has emerged. Mainor Oporto mate on the popular charter boat Spanish Fly, of Jaco, Costa Rica became the first international winner of the WBS Grand Championships on Saturday, December 8th.

Oporto released an incredible 17 sailfish and one striped marlin on the final day of fishing for a total of 2100 points.

Ft. Myers native Pat Logue aboard the 74-foot Viking 1st Strike finished second after exchanging releases with Oporto for much of the morning and early afternoon. It wasn’t till a striped marlin release just before 3:00 p.m. that gave Oporto 400 additional points and an insurmountable lead over Logue’s 1500 points.

Finishing the Championship in third place is Enola, Pennsylvania native Tim Hake. After securing the fifth spot in the two-day Qualifier event, Hake released ten sailfish and one marlin for a total of 1400 points. Bob Del Vecchio, 1200 points, and Peter Adrian, 600 points, rounded out the top five.

Jim Simons, president and CEO of the World Billfish Series, also recognized two special individuals at the award ceremony later that evening. Simons first awarded Ted Smith, owner of the Hattaboy, with the WBS World Traveler award for 2007. Smith’s dedication to the WBS schedule allowed him to capture first place in the WBS Pacific Coast Division with an impressive 3100 points. Smith traveled from his home in Georgia to compete in events throughout the Pacific region in addition to several other events during the 2007 season.

Simons then went on to award the prestigious WBS Ambassador Award to Los Sueños Resort and Marina founder Bill Royster. Thanks to his dedication to the sport of competitive sportfishing, Los Sueños has become arguably the hottest destination in the world.

One-hundred and sixty-three billfish, including 45 marlin and 118 sailfish, were released in the three days of fishing. In addition to being crowned The World Champion of Billfishing, Mainor Oporto will also receive the keys to a brand new Mercedes-Benz automobile as well as the Grander Marlin custom bronze trophy by marine artist Geoffrey Smith, a custom Gevril timepiece, a lifetime exemption to compete in the Grand Championships and the gold Champion’s signature ring.

For more on the WBS Grand Championships, www.FishWBS.com or check out the upcoming issues of BILLFISHING Magazine and the new 2008 Official Guide to Billfishing, premiering at the Miami Boat Show.

 

 

 

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