Los Cabos, October 18, 2006 — The 8th annual Los Cabos Billfish Tournament kicked off in dramatic fashion Wednesday, Oct. 18, as 73 of the finest fishing teams from around the globe took to the waters off Cabo San Lucas.
The action started early with a fantastic catch aboard Go Deep, as angler John Bullo landed a gargantuan 310-pound yellowfin tuna within several hours of the official “lines in” start at 7:30AM.
“As the first fish of the tournament at the scales, that was very impressive,” said tournament director Dan Jacobs. “And overall, the day really produced quality fish.”
Sixteen billfish were caught on Day 1, including three blue marlin weighed at the scales. Juhn Hassel, of the Finnish team Tracy Ann, took top honors for the largest blue of the day with a beautiful 438-pounder. That fish won Tracy Ann $96,916, including the Level 1-4 daily marlin jackpots.
Sun Dancer currently leads the Winner Take All Jackpot, however, thanks to a dandy 344-pound blue caught by angler Jimmy Carter. Hans Matheus of Team Crusader, meanwhile, caught a 333-pound blue marlin to move into third place in the team division. And in the billfish release division, Sir Fishalot turned loose two fish, good enough for top honors for the day and $9,333 in cash.
Go Deep ’s big yellowfin proved large enough to take a commanding lead in the Largest Tuna category. Team Santana landed the biggest wahoo of the day with a 34.2-pounder, and Reel Dream leads the Largest Dorado category with a 27.4-pound fish.
Day Two of the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament kicks off with the traditional shotgun start at 7:30AM on Thursday, Oct. 19. $800,000 in cash and prizes are up for grabs during the three-day event, with the tournament culminating with a spectacular awards ceremony on Saturday, the 21th, at the Playa Grande Resort.
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