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Event: Baja
Capers 2002 Marlin Tournament |
TackleTour tags a marlin in the 2002, 8th annual Baja Capers
fishing tournament
| Date: |
9/9/02 |
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Event Type: |
Tournament |
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Location: |
Baja, Mexico |
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Event date: |
Aug18-22nd, 2002 |
| Reviewer: |
Buzz |
Introduction:
Big Game ocean
fishing can be one of the most exciting adventures of a lifetime. Miles out
into the deep ocean you have the opportunity to catch a numerous species of
fish, such as Dorado, Tuna, and Billfish. Your equipment will often be tested to
the limits if you hook into a ferocious predator such as a 500 lb. Blue Marlin.
Which is exactly what TackleTour Editor Buzz discovered firsthand. Buzz enjoyed three days of fun in the sun at one of the premier fishing
tournaments in Baja, Mexico... the Baja Capers 8th Annual Fishing
Tournament. Not only did he come home a winner, but with memories that will last
a lifetime.
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 |
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Early in the morning anglers
eagerly await their boats as they prepare for day 1 of the Baja Capers
tournament |
The
Location: Baja
Capers fishing Tournament was hosted at the beautiful Hotel Palmas De Cortez in
Los Barriles, Mexico August 18-22nd 2002. Upon first glance the
hotel seems like a vacation resort, but when you take a look at the beach, the
docks, and the huge scales, you quickly realize that this hotel provides some of
the best sport fishing in the region. Hotel Palmas De Cortez sponsors other
tournaments as well such as the Bisbee which is well known for it’s huge entry
fees and grand prize payouts.
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 |
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The event takes place at the
beautiful Hotel Palmas de Cortez which frequently hosts large tournaments
like the Bisbee |
The Tackle: Big
game tackle was available on the boats. this tackle consisted of mostly Penn
reels and rods. About 50% of the people who fished in the tournament brought
their own tackle. While many anglers used Shimano Tiagra reels the majority of
anglers fished large Penn reels and Tuna Sticks. Most fish were caught on 50lb
test with various wire and cord leaders.
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 |
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Before fishing for Marlin
anglers need to catch some live bait, in this case Bonita |
The
Format: The Baja Capers 2002 tournament hosted 48 anglers of 16 teams for 3
full days of fishing. A captain and a deck hand is assigned to a boat that
serves 3 tournament members. The boats are cruisers measuring 28 feet or bigger
with single or dual engines that cruise at between 20-30 knots.
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 |
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Buzz works
up a real sweat as he fights and successfully lands a 290lb Blue Marlin |
Tournament
members can choose who they fish with in their boat, however other anglers in
your boat are not on your team. Your teammates are drawn after you arrive in
Los Barriles. Ranking is done by a point system that accounts for the type of
fish, the size, and whether or not it was tagged and released.
|
 |
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Buzz's 290lb Marlin is tagged
and released unharmed |
Since the
tournament is sponsored by the Billfish Foundation, anglers are awarded
extra points for tagging and releasing any Billfish. Tuna and Dorado are
considered “weighed” fish which means they must be brought back and weighed at
the scales to receive points. After weighing these fish you are free to have
them smoked or frozen to be brought back to the States (a big plus).
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A 100lb sailfish is returned
to the water |
Fishing in fantastic Baja
water for big game is a treat in itself, but no tournament would be complete
without some trophies and prize money! Baja Capers contributes prizes, cash
payouts, and awards to deserving tournament members. This year’s members won
reels, rods, gift certificates, a free vacation, and numerous cash prizes.
|
 |
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A 120lb Striped Marlin is
caught on live bait
(zoomed picture shows the Bonita still in the Marlin's mouth!) |
Sponsors of
the tournament: Baja Capers recognized as
one of the most exciting fishing events on the
East Cape Of Baja, Mexico and the
tournament boasts a number
of industry leading sponsors including: C & H
Lures, Boater’s World, Corona, Ande Line Company, Star Lures, Gamakatsu, Penn,
The Billfish Foundation, Shimano, The Van Wormer family, and our very own
TackleTour!
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(Left to Right) Dave Goulart,
Tony Rogers, and Jim Soares took 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in Top 3 landed Durado |
The Scoring:
The scoring for the tournament is broken down as follows:
|
Fish
Points |
|
Any Marlin |
400 Points |
|
Tagged Marlin |
100 Points |
|
Sailfish |
325 Points |
|
Tagged Sailfish |
100 Points |
|
Dorado |
3 Points per pound |
|
Tuna |
3 points per pound |
|
Wahoo and Roosterfish |
2 points per pound |
|
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Plenty of trophy's and
prizes await the winners |
This Years Tournament Winners of Top Overall Anglers
1st
Place- George Erwin 2600 points
2nd
Place- Dustin Derollo 1275 points
3rd
Place- Tom Burkhart 1270 points
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Buzz's team win third
place overall in the tournament (were still not sure if Buzz is grinning
about winning 3rd place, or being sandwiched in between the Corona girls) |
Conclusion:
Baja Capers offers a first
class annual fishing tournament experience that delivers excellent fishing,
lodging, and entertainment. It offers a great opportunity to hook into the fish
of a lifetime while exploring the gorgeous blue water of the Sea of Cortez.
While your not losing all your energy trying to bring in a 300lb Blue Marlin,
you can see Dolphins, Sea Turtles, Manta Rays, and even Whales right from your
boat. With a little luck and a good equipment you can win prizes, or the money
pool which in some cases could pay for your trip. Whether you are a beginner
fisherman just wanting to try deep sea fishing, or an experienced angler, this
tournament provides the excitement that will impress all.
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Everyone who
participated in the Baja Capers 2002 Tournament had a fantastic
experience landing the fish of a lifetime! |
To
learn more about the details, information, or if you want to book for next
year’s tournament, please contact Tournament Director Dave Goularte at (408)
247-4555.
E-mail: BajaCapers@aol.com
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