The popular Venezuelan charter boat, 35’ Bertram Joropo, with Captain Wilmer Alvarado emerged victorious once again marking an unprecedented third time in a row that a boat and crew win an international billfish tournament in Venezuela.  Joropo won first place in last year’s Super Slam, took first place in the Solera Open La Guaira Shootout this past April, and now won again, with the same team of anglers that had earned top honors in 2004’s Super Slam.

The winning team comprised of Ricky Benitez and Maruricio Escobar of Miami, Florida, along with Anthony Cerease of Connecticut and Pat Oborne from Ohio, took the lead at the end of the first day and held it despite strong challenges from the second and third place teams respectively; Pesca Nostra from Puerto Rico, and local team Release. 

“Last year we thought we were lucky when we won, but this year we’ve proven we’re good” said Joropo team member Anthony Cerase when receiving his elegant sculpture trophy, sponsor prizes and hefty cash awards as top boat on day one plus top tournament team.   The team had plenty to brag about posting a 3-day total of 6 blue marlin, 7 white marlin and 3 sailfsih, including a grand slam on day two and Ricky Benitez taking second place top angler in the individual angler category.  In addition, the victory earns them the right to participate in the Rolex-IGFA Championship to be held in Cabo San Lucas in May of 2006.

High point individual angler of the tournament was Tom Paul of Egg Harbor, NJ, fishing aboard S/F Bulldog with Venezuelan, Captain Luis “Speedy” Lares.  Tom released a total of 3 blues and two sails and took home a beautiful hand crafted trophy presented by Viking Yachts President, Pat Healey, and some very nice sponsor prizes.

When the dust settled and all totals were in, the field of 23 tournament boats had released 31 blue marlin, 67 sailfish and 74 white marlin for a grand total of 172 billfish released during the 3 days of competition, including six grand slams.  All fish were released with Ande 20-pound-test, the official line of the Super Slam.

Dates are set for the 2006 Super Slam to take place September 30^th to October 1^st, and don’t forget the ‘Lucky 13’ edition Solera Open International La Guaira Billfish Shootout coming up March 8^th thru 12^th, 2006.  Mark your calendars so you won’t miss either of these two fabulous international tournaments.  For more information and to order commemorative tournament t-shirts and polo shirts visit www.intlbillfishtourns.com.  To charter a boat for one of these tournaments contact FishQuest Sportfishing Adventures toll free at 1 888 891 3474.