The BillfishFoundation’s Magazine Conservation Sportfishing Our Legacy Is Their Billfishing Future Anniversary Dedicatedto Today’s Youth 1986-2016 TH

2016 Volume 1 97UPTIME% IS NOT ENOUGH

To most people – even those in marine propulsion – 97% sounds pretty good. We’re not most people. At Louisiana Cat, we expect more. For our propellers and for our customers that use them to drive their business safely and profitably. We believe a ship’s propulsion system can work all 866-843-7440 the time – and we’re already 99% of the way there. www.LouisianaCat.com/Marine

© 2016 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of 2 Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. ADVOCACY IN THIS ISSUE TBF TEAM

Ellen Peel President

Elizabeth Black Management Assistant Editor Billfish UPTIME% IS NOT ENOUGH 8 New Program Sponsors: 10 Celebrating 30 Years Peter Chaibongsai Casa de Campo & IGFTO of Billfish Conservation Director of Conservation Programs 97 Deborah Cummings Membership Manager

Robert Jones Chief Operating Officer

Michael Kelly Science & Policy Specialist 17 A Billfishing Legacy 18 Artist of the Year: for Our Youth Nick Mayer Adrienne Katz Science & Policy Associate

Dr. C. Phillip Goodyear DEPARTMENTS Scientist 5 Chairman’s Message 25 On The Docks 6 Tagging News 30 Anglers We Will Miss Herbert Nanne Conservation Director, 20 Captain’s Tips 32 Calendar of Events Central America

Jackie Marsolais ON THE COVER Graphic Designer

TBF’s 2016 Artist of the Year is Nick Mayer, an award winning nature illustrator. His exquisitely detailed work is influenced by his background as a former marine biologist and the fact that To most people – even those in marine propulsion – 97% sounds he admits to having a lifelong addiction to fishing! Nick painted Billfish Slam, The Billfish Foundation’s 2016 print of the year, pretty good. We’re not most people. specifically to celebrate TBF’s 30th Anniversary. Appropriately,

At Louisiana Cat, we expect more. For our propellers and for there are 3 billfish and 3 hidden “30”s in the painting! To learn our customers that use them to drive their business safely and 866-843-7440 more about Nick Mayer, check out his artist profile on page 18. profitably. We believe a ship’s propulsion system can work all 5100 N. Federal Hwy. #200 the time – and we’re already 99% of the way there. www.LouisianaCat.com/Marine Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 800-438-8247 © 2016 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Editor: Elizabeth Black. To advertise in Billfish, please send inquiries to [email protected] Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of www.Billfish.org Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. Billfish is owned and operated by The Billfish Foundation. All rights reserved. Copyright 2015. Printed in the USA. A Better Stab at Tagging.

Learn more about the Bisbee’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund partnership with The Billfish Foundation’s Tagging Project, the largest international tagging program in the world. Together we are modernizing tagging technology with new tags and smartphone technology.

Visit our web site for more information:

BisbeesConservationFund.org/Billfish

Donate to support our project:

BisbeesConservationFund.org/Donate

Bisbee’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund 9555 Lebanon Road • Suite 303 • Frisco TX 75035 | +1 (469) 626-7285 [email protected] | bisbeesconservationfund.org/contact ADVOCACY from the TBF’S BOARD OF CHAIRMAN DIRECTORS

CHAIRMAN Scott Cooper Dear TBF Friends, VICE CHAIR A Better Stab at Tagging. Keith English As the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Billfish Foundation (TBF) I am honored to serve, especially during TREASURER our 30th Anniversary year! TBF has a great 30-year history, Learn more about the Bisbee’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund Curtis Colgate partnership with The Billfish Foundation’s Tagging Project, the largest thanks, in large part, to your continued participation and support, which we appreciate. Much remains to be done international tagging program in the world. Together we are modernizing SECRETARY if our children and grandchildren are to experience the Bill Gooch tagging technology with new tags and smartphone technology. thrill of billfishing when they are adults. During my year as Chairman I am making young anglers and their future Luis L. Bacardi Visit our web site for more information: one major area of emphasis. Thirty years from now I want one of our children to be John Brownlee authoring this letter and I hope it will reflect what positives opportunities we made Gary J. Chouest available for them in the billfishing world. We cannot lose sight of why we created TBF Johnny Dorland – OBBC BisbeesConservationFund.org/Billfish and why we work to support this organization and family sport. John P. “Jack” Duvall Donate to support our project: Surely you remember the first billfish you caught, someone made that experience Charles “Fin” Gaddy possible, I want those times to always remain available. Pull out your photo Elaine “Lainey” Jones commemorating that experience and promise to give me your support this year so TBF Sandra MacMillan BisbeesConservationFund.org/Donate can further youth education; contribute more to junior angler tournaments and science. Chase Offield My goal is to raise $30,000 new money for their program. I want to prepare young Burley Shedd – MBGFC anglers while we adults gather the science and socioeconomics data to use in our fight for Tim Simpson more responsible billfish conservation at home and beyond our shores. Send me a copy Joan Vernon of the photo of your first billfish to TBF’s address and a check for TBF’s Youth Education Program and we will place your name on our Future Wall for Young Anglers.

My second area of emphasis in 2016 is billfish science, an area in which TBF has excelled EMERITUS Francisco Rangel Castelazo over the past 30 years. During the first three decades our community deployed over 190,000 traditional tags on billfish with the primary goal of generating tag recapture Paxson Offield data. Our overall billfish recapture rate remains at between 1.5 – 2%, which is the Don Tyson highest from any billfish tagging program, but more is needed. A recapture occurs Ralph “Agie” Vicente when you catch a billfish that already is carrying a tag. If you catch such a data-prized Jack Willits fish, clip off the tag streamer and place another tag on the same fish, then send the tag number from the streamer to TBF. We are investing $25,000 this year to improve the traditional tag technology. My goal is to have 5,000 more tags placed on billfish during FOUNDING 2016 than placed in 2015, at $3.00 per tag that will cost $15,000. CHAIRMAN Winthrop P. Rockefeller A satellite tagging expedition is scheduled in the Gulf of Mexico later this year with the 1948-2006 goal of deploying 15 tags on blue marlin within a 4 day period, which will require a lot of boats fishing to achieve that ambitious goal. We will stage this out of Port Eads, PRESIDENT Louisiana. Each satellite tag costs $5,000, so we have to raise $75,000 for the tags and Ellen M. Peel, J.D. LL.M. $10,000 for the services and travel of two scientists. I’m pleased to report that we have raised $20,000 for this research already. In addition, we are discussing other research needs in the Atlantic Ocean and will report on that soon. TBF achieves successes worldwide to advance I hope my ambitious goals for 2016 for the future of our youth anglers and the fish do the conservation not scare you, I know together we can make it happen. Let’s get moving! of billfish and Thanking you, associated species, to improve the status of the fish, the health of the oceans, fishing opportunities Scott Cooper and related economies. Bisbee’s Fish & Wildlife Conservation Fund Chairman 9555 Lebanon Road • Suite 303 • Frisco TX 75035 | +1 (469) 626-7285 [email protected] | bisbeesconservationfund.org/contact TAGGING NEWS

THE BILLFISH FOUNDATION’S 2014-2015 Conservation Record Holders

TBF is proud to announce the winners of its Annual Tag & Release Awards. These prestigious awards recognize the Captains, Mates and Anglers (including Youth & Ladies) who have tagged and released the most of each billfish species in each of the world’s three major oceans during the 2014-2015 competition year.

OVERALL RELEASE WINNERS OVERALL TAGGING WINNERS Top Overall Release Angler – Pat McCotter – Vandemere, NC USA Top Overall Tagging Angler – Laurent Sahyoun – Mandelieu, France Top Overall Release Lady Angler – Tiffany Day – Kitty Hawk, NC USA Top Overall Lady Tagging Angler – Laura Jessen – Sarasota, FL USA Top Overall Release Youth Angler – Brown Gaddy – Manteo, NC USA Top Overall Youth Tagging Angler – Kaleb Richardson – Lafayette, LA USA Top Overall Release Captain – Brad Philipps – Guatemala City, Guatemala Top Overall Tagging Captain – Chris Sheeder – Guatemala City, Guatemala

TOP TAGGING ANGLERS – ATLANTIC OCEAN TOP RELEASE ANGLERS – ATLANTIC OCEAN Blue Marlin – Gray Ingram – Jupiter, FL USA Blue Marlin – Gray Ingram – Jupiter, FL USA Sailfish – Charles Gaddy – Manteo, NC USA Sailfish – Brown Gaddy – Manteo, NC USA Swordfish – Richard Gudoian – Key Largo, FL USA White Marlin – Laurent Sahyoun – Mandelieu, France White Marlin – Laurent Sahyoun – Mandelieu, France

TOP RELEASE ANGLERS – INDIAN OCEAN TOP TAGGING ANGLERS – INDIAN OCEAN Black Marlin * – Scott MacGowan – Baynton, Australia Black Marlin – Toby Mason – Dampier, Australia Black Marlin * – Jo-Ann Riley – Baynton, Australia Sailfish – Riley Smith – Exmouth, Australia Blue Marlin * – Marcus Longhurst – Broome, Australia Blue Marlin * – Jo-Ann Riley – Baynton, Australia TOP RELEASE ANGLERS – PACIFIC OCEAN Sailfish – Henry Riggs-Miller – Victoria, Seychelles Black Marlin – Sharon Poulter – Smithfield, Australia * Denotes a tie.

Blue Marlin – Pat McCotter – Vandemere, NC USA TOP TAGGING ANGLERS – PACIFIC OCEAN Sailfish – Gray Ingram – Jupiter, FL USA Blue Marlin – Jada Holt – Kailua-Kona, HI USA Striped Marlin – Jack Duvall – Kemah, TX USA Sailfish – Chris Jessen – Sarasota, FL USA Swordfish – John Gregory – Kerikeri, New Zealand Striped Marlin – Jack Duvall – Kemah, TX USA

TOP RELEASE CAPTAINS – ATLANTIC OCEAN TOP TAGGING CAPTAINS – ATLANTIC OCEAN Blue Marlin – Ronnie Fields – Lake Park, FL USA Blue Marlin – Ronnie Fields – Lake Park, FL USA Sailfish – Fin Gaddy – Manteo, NC USA Sailfish – Dean Panos – Pembroke Pines, FL USA Swordfish – Sean O’Connor – Key Largo, FL USA White Marlin – Christian Benazeth – Auch, France White Marlin – Christian Benazeth – Auch, France

TOP RELEASE CAPTAINS – INDIAN TOP TAGGING CAPTAINS – INDIAN OCEAN Black Marlin – Eddy Lawler – Exmouth, Australia Black Marlin – Eddy Lawler – Exmouth, Australia For more information on TBF’s tagging program & competitions visit Billfish.org or call 954-938-0150 Sailfish – Eddy Lawler – Exmouth, Australia Blue Marlin – Eddy Lawler – Exmouth, Australia Sailfish – Jourdain Ellens – Broome, Australia

Striped Marlin – Eddy Lawler – Exmouth, Australia TOP RELEASE CAPTAINS – PACIFIC OCEAN Black Marlin – Paul Poulter – Smithfield, Australia TOP TAGGING CAPTAINS – PACIFIC OCEAN Blue Marlin – Pete Rae – Atlantic Beach, NC USA Black Marlin – Tim Richardson – Bangalow, Australia Sailfish – Brad Philipps – Guatemala City, Guatemala Blue Marlin – Pete Wishney – San Clemente, CA USA Striped Marlin – Eddy Cesena – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Sailfish – Chris Sheeder –Guatemala City, Guatemala Spearfish – Gene Vander Hoek – Kailua-Kona, HI USA Swordfish – John Gregory – Keri Keri, New Zealand Striped Marlin – Jaime Gonzales – Cabo San Lucas, MX

6 | The Billfish Foundation TAGGING NEWS

YOUTH WINNERS TOP TAGGING TOP RELEASE Ages 8 & Under – Charles Gaddy – Manteo, NC USA Ages 8 & Under – Brown Gaddy – Manteo, NC USA Runner-Up – Sebastian Ortiz-Stoessel – Miami, FL USA Runner-Up – Charles Gaddy – Manteo, NC USA Ages 11-12 – Aidan Burke – Los Angeles, CA USA Ages 9-10 – Diego Adkins – El Paso, TX USA Runner-Up – Hefner Appling – Port Aransas, TX USA Runner-Up – Moira Brummell – Granger, IN USA Ages 13-15 – Kaleb Richardson – Lafayette, LA USA Ages 11-12 – Cameron Johnson – Davie, FL USA Runner-Up – Shawn MacMullin – Key Largo, FL USA Ages 13-15 – Jonathan Gaskill – Vandemere, NC USA Ages 16-17 – Nick Brackmann – Huntington Beach, CA USA Runner-Up – Riley Smith – Exmouth, Australia Ages 16-17 – Samuel Yohanan – Lighthouse Point, FL USA

GULF OF MEXICO MARLIN TAGGING COMPETITION

TOP OVERALL TAGGING ANGLER – Kaleb Richardson – Louisiana TOP TAGGING CAPTAIN – White Marlin – Adam Ladnier – Mississippi TOP TAGGING ANGLER – Blue Marlin – Kaleb Richardson – Louisiana TOP TAGGING CAPTAIN – Blue Marlin – Capt. Max Morris – Louisiana TOP TAGGING ANGLER – White Marlin – Charles Cooke – Florida TOP TAGGING CAPTAIN – Capt. Myles Colley – Florida TOP YOUTH ANGLER – Age 13-15 – Kaleb Richardson – Louisiana TOP TAGGING BOAT– Born2Run – Florida TOP LADY ANGLER – Lisa Foster – Florida

SOFLO SAILFISH CIRCUIT

TOP TAGGING ANGLER – Shawn MacMullin TOP RELEASE ANGLER – Shawn MacMullin TOP TAGGING YOUTH ANGLER TOP RELEASE PRO ANGLER – Eric Hull AGES 13-15 – Shawn MacMullin TOP RELEASE YOUTH ANGLER TOP TAGGING LADY ANGLER – Dawn Samuels AGES 13-15 – Shawn MacMullin TOP TAGGING CAPTAIN – Michael MacMullin TOP RELEASE PRO LADY ANGLER – Cece Imbrie TOP TAGGING PRO CAPTAIN – Bouncer Smith TOP RELEASE CAPTAIN – Michael MacMullin TOP RELEASE PRO CAPTAIN – Dean Panos

For more information on TBF’s tagging program & competitions visit Billfish.org or call 954-938-0150

Thanks To All The 2016 Tag & Release Program Sponsors

TAGGING NEWS New T&R Program Sponsors The Billfish Foundation (TBF) is extremely excited to announce and welcome aboard two new Tag & Release program sponsors, the Marina Casa de Campo and the International Game Fish Tournament Observers.

Marina Casa de Campo has come onboard as a Tag & Release Industry sponsor. Located in the beautiful Dominican Republic, conveniently close to La Romana International airport, the marina has every service needed for incoming Marina Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic ships and visitors offering a lifestyle of elegance, prestige, luxury, safety and warmth.

This location has a premier offshore bite, especially for blue marlin, where it is possible to encounter up to double digits in one day. The Marina is also home to an active sportfishing club.

The recent fishing season was incredible, closing with 618 blue marlin in 113 days. With the numbers of marlin seen, the marina clearly understands the importance International Game Fish Tournament Observers of giving back to conservation efforts since a healthy sportfishery of billfish and other highly prized gamefish means more boats and clients! Join the IGFTO

International Game Fish Observing Today . . . Tournament Observers (IGFTO) Conserving For Tomorrow has come onboard as a Tag & 2015 Release Community sponsor. HIGHLIGHTS IGFTO’s team of highly trained observers authenticates the “Catch 15 & Release” of billfish & game fish during big game TOURNAMENTS fishing tournaments. IGFTO is a charitable tax- 500+ exempt organization dedicated to the preservation and OBSERVER DAYS conservation of game fish worldwide. IGFTO supports tournaments that advocate the release and conservation 437 of the billfish species and those programs who study and MARLIN RELEASES protect game fish, making this collaboration with TBF a natural choice. In the IGFTO’s short six-year history, 5,580 observers witnessed releases of 23,952 billfish. SAILFISH RELEASES IGFTO welcomes its new sponsor To learn more about becoming a Conservation Partner or to sponsor one of TBF’s programs, please contact TBF at [email protected]. www.igfto.org Photo by Richard Gibson 8 | The Billfish Foundation Big anglers deserve big numbers Dockmaster’s Oce 809-523-2111 / 2112 / Fax 809-523-2065 / Channel 68VHF [email protected] Latitude 18o 24’ 0.46” N / Longitude 0.68o 54’ 0.29” W

ASA D A C E C N A I M R A P O

M

F I B SH U ING CL BLUE MARLIN 618RELEASES 113 days of fishing Fishing season: February to May. Peak of the season: March and April.

MarinaCDCFishingClub @MCDCFishing marinacasadecampo Photo by: Richard Gibson

• Golf | Polo | Tennis | Shooting |Beach • Shipyard for vessels up to 120 tons • International Airport (LRM) at 10 minutes • Dining, shopping, banks, pharmacy, cinema, car rentals • On-site heliport • Villas & Apartments • Customs & Immigration services onsite • Single and three phase power supply • 110-220 Volts • Fuel Dock A Snapshot Of THE BILLFISH FOUNDATION’S FIRST 30 YEARS And Strategies For The Next 30 Years!

If you fished offshore 30 years ago you likely remember seeing at tournaments billfish, especially blue marlin, stacked in piles on the docks after anglers posed for photos with their prized dead fish. That was the norm. At the same time, U.S. commercial fishing vessels brought billfish to the docks and sold them. Today the images are very different with release flags flying in most tournaments and U.S. commercial vessels fishing for Atlantic tunas prohibited from selling billfish.

Thanks to you - anglers, boat owners, captains and mates along with Win Rockefeller and scientist Dr. Eric Prince – who recognized that such unchecked killing could not sustain the sport, a movement began that resulted in establishing Dr. Eric Prince and Win P. Rockefeller The Billfish Foundation (TBF). The mission of the new organization was to advance billfish research, conservation and education and raise funds to support those activities. This was a billfish angler movement for it was you who recognized that billfish abundance was declining and the government was setting no priority for the species or for the sport of billfishing.

Bi-Op-Sea owned by Dell Dembosky, Captain Jessie Granitzki and Mate Chris Stein Launching into its mission, TBF’s first science investment was for billfish stock assessments, which is a sophisticated computer modeling method to calculate abundance in the water based on reported landings. Because billfish are highly migratory in nature, the investment was international for no nation, even though many benefitted from billfishing, had contributed funds to billfish research for the fish were of Fig. 1 no priority to them. Anglers recognized even with their improved fishing skills, equipment and more anglers fishing, their catch rates were declining and they feared billfish stocks were declining as well, which science and educational threatened their current and future emphasis turned to fishing opportunities. constituents asking them to tag and During the first Atlantic marlin stock collect recapture data. assessment workshop it became As anticipated, you apparent that a great deal more responded by purchasing data was needed since most nations and using tags, and had not reported billfish landings. reporting recapture tag Fig.2 Fig. 3 Fisheries that commercially targeted data when a tagged Fig. 1: Oxytetracycline (OTC) injection tool for age & growth study. species generate a huge amount of fish was caught or Figs. 2 & 3: Early tag stick and progression in tag design data because the thousands of tons recaptured by another Even when stock assessments of fish landed are recorded when off vessel. The resulting documented some billfish stocks loaded at the dock and then when influx of more data provided most were overfished and overfishing was sold. Purchasers of the dead fish are of what was known about billfish for occurring, governments still did not required to also track numbers. A great decades. While tag and recapture give billfish priority consideration deal of landings data is available data gathering increased, much more for conservation and management. and used in the stock assessment of is needed for it takes thousands of More was needed. The science and the commercially targeted species. tagged fish in the water for one to socio-economic data had to be used to But the billfish caught as bycatch be recaptured and data reported. In educate decision makers about what in many nations’ commercial fleets more recent years, TBF added satellite billfish conservation was lacking. are randomly recorded leaving tagging to its research tools, which their numbers under reported from gathers different types of data than TBF also commissioned other types of that, again robbing billfish stock traditional tags, but both are very research, as it continues to do today, assessments of valuable data. important to continue. which expanded the scientific knowledge

base about billfish in the areas of Recognizing that a great deal more TBF also broadened its scope of genetics, age and growth, habitat use, billfish data was needed, TBF’s research by commissioning socio- economic studies to capture the post release mortality, identification of economic impact data from angler oxygen depleted zones, etc. expenditures while pursuing billfish. Again boat owners, anglers, captains Because science and economics had and mates participated in the not convinced decision makers to make studies. The studies documented that needed conservation and management individuals fishing for billfish spend a decisions for billfish, TBF added lot of money for the experience even “advocacy” to its strategies. Advocacy when they release the fish. The studies gives billfish and the billfishing also documented that many jobs were community a voice for change in fishery associated with billfishing in the area management, a voice that focuses on of sales and service of boats, gear, the conservation of billfish, their forage electronic equipment, apparel, etc. species and their ecosystems.

Bi-Op-Sea owned by Dell Dembosky, Captain Jessie Granitzki and Mate Chris Stein Join TBF at www.Billfish.org | 11 STRATEGIES for The Next 30 Years: TBF will continue to focus and invest in billfishscience, economics and advocacy, with more emphasis placed on student angler education.

(1) 5,000 More Tags for 3% - (2) Student Anglers for Billfish - billfishing worldwide have a vested Increase traditional tagging by at least Engage students and teachers directly interest in one another and in TBF’s 5,000 tags a year until the recapture in the use of TBF’s tag and recapture successes. This network has supported data rate rises from 2% to 3%, while data for educational projects. Inform TBF over the past 30 years during which a voice raised billfish and this may not sound like a big deal, students that many academic billfishing issues to prominence in most it is a very important step toward disciplines can be applied to fishery all fishery management arenas. Billfish improving the data-dependent stock management and conservation, and associated issues are now included assessment process. If funding were including math, which is the bases for on meeting agendas of managers and made available by international stock assessments, economics, biology, scientists around the world. To rise regional management organizations or statistics, ecology, law, public policy, art and more. about the level of “making the agenda” the U.S. government, distributing tags to “driving change” in agendas requires to commercial longline vessels to tag (3) Billfish International Network - a stronger and larger network around billfish could also lead to increasing Anglers, boat owners, captains, the world. Help TBF achieve this goal recapture data. Some U.S. commercial mates, tournament directors, charter by signing up your club, tournament, vessels have turned in recapture data. operations, clubs, tourism businesses charter operations, club, your A partnership of this type, at least with and the recreational fishing and sportfishing business and/or joining as U.S. vessels, could be very productive. boating communities associated with an individual member.

12 | The Billfish Foundation (4) Billfish Science - strengthening, especially reducing the will be further encouraged through new Invest in a variety of research international pelagic longline tonnage programs, including, but not limited to: including improving stock assessment of billfish landed each year to levels My First Billfish & Grander and Growing methodologies, satellite tagging, age that would allow sustaining healthy Granders Release Clubs. levels of abundance. and growth, and research to learn more It goes without saying that success about the life history characteristics of (6) 30 Year Investment Plan - also requires expert financial and billfish, their habitat and forage species organizational management, which are and continue socio-economic surveys. Grow an endowment fund that generates interests enough to support taken very seriously at TBF. We know at least half of TBF’s research, every cent that you give to TBF could be (5) Fishery Management - given to other non-profits and your gift Initiate changes in the fishery education and advocacy costs within 20 years. To help reach this goal, TBF is the result of hard work and sacrifice. management paradigm so fish It is our philosophy to direct the are not viewed and valued solely is establishing a 30 year endowment growth strategy that allows you to overwhelming majority of each dollar as a consumable commodity. Eco- to programs for the fish and the oceans tourism values should be given equal invest a tax deductible gift to return billfishing assets for your children and in ways to guarantee continued and consideration as consumptive value. future billfishing opportunities for you. The health of forage species and their children’s generations. ecosystems should be included, as well as, evaluation of fishing techniques as (7) 10 Members More for 30 - to their compatibility with sustaining Growing membership and dollars healthy stocks of fish and ecosystem, are core to TBF’s ability to meet the and incorporation of economic challenges of the next thirty years. Will return to communities for they are you commit to bringing on board 10 new all important and should be in the TBF members each year for 30 years and management process in the U.S. and encourage them to renew and, in turn, international fishery management bring on 10 new members as well each arenas. Traditional methods need following year? In addition, membership

Join TBF at www.Billfish.org | 13

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Call or E-mail our experienced staff for policy review, quotes and questions regarding any marine insurance policy. 800.226.3730 clinsurance.com ADVOCACY 30TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR DEDICATED TO TODAY’S YOUTH ...Our Legacy must be a Billfishing Future for Them!

TBF’s Herbert Nanne, Central American Conservation To build our legacy to insure billfishing opportunities Director, worked tirelessly for three years to have are available in our children’s future, we must support the government of Costa Rica sign off on a law that conservation, responsible management, responsible ALLOWS minors to fish! Can you believe what you just fishing and including children in safe and fun fishing read? Yes, it is true. Why such a nonsensical law was experiences. Supporting TBF is a great way to help insure that future, but it takes each individual who billfish to ever on the books is hard to imagine, but no longer. make a meaningful contribution to building the legacy The timing was perfect for it coincides with TBF’s 30th in their region with children. Anniversary year, which is dedicated to young anglers During 2016, TBF is featuring a variety of creative, fun with a commitment from today’s adults to insure a and educational sessions at tournaments, classrooms, billfishing future is available to them. We hope in clubs, within the digital world and at TBF events to Costa Rica there will be a move to take children fishing, engage and inspire youthful members within our even if from shore or a pier. Fortunately there is not constituency. Stay tuned and be sure to check out TBF’s such a restraint in most parts of the world, we just have youth publications, Sailfish & Spearfish. Request copies to make good on our commitment to the legacy! at [email protected] or download online at www.billfish.org!

Issue 23

SAILFISHTEENS TAKE ON BILLFISH CONSERVATION pearfiSh VERSION 16 SThe Billfish Foundation’s Conservation Program For Kids Who Care About Our Oceans Blaze of Colors Journaling & Lights

Pyramid! APEX PREDATORS

THE GULF OF MEXICO: Giving Life to the South

Photo courtesy of Capt. Jason Brice, Casa Vieja Lodge The Billfish Foundation’s 2016 Artist Of The Year

We at TBF are proud to The son of an artist and a inspired Nick to pursue his true calling present Nick Mayer as biologist, Nick Mayer has the as an artist. His paintings are not just our 2016 Artist of the best of both worlds. He utilized portraits of fish, they are windows into real experience—his experience. Year. This year marks undergraduate and graduate degrees in biology from Brown The Billfish Foundation’s University as tools to study and His works have been exhibited in many 30th Anniversary, so we help in the conservation of fish. esteemed galleries on both the East and wanted a unique work He has done so as an artist, a West coasts. Nick completed two large of art to commemorate teacher, a research biologist, outdoor murals; an underwater scene located in the center of Vergennes, this milestone. Nick’s and a fly fisherman. Vermont and a privately commissioned beautiful painting, While investigating the effects creative depiction of the evolution of Billfish Slam is featured of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on life. Nick completed the illustration of on the cover of this issue of Billfish. sockeye salmon, restoring spawning his first book, Catalina Dive Buddies, a Members joining or renewing for habitats for steelhead in the Columbia coffee table art book and field guide to $250 or more River, studying the nesting habits of the fish of Catalina Island, California. will receive sea turtles in Costa Rica, or fishing Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and a personally small streams in the Green Mountains raised in Riverside, Rhode Island, Nick signed and for brook trout, Nick has kept detailed sketchbooks to later use as references in now lives in Lincoln, Vermont with his numbered wife and two sons where he works as a his watercolors. edition of full time professional artist. Nick’s work Billfish Slam. Close encounters that include falling can be viewed online at nickmayerart. Each print presented to TBF Chairman’s overboard off a commercial fishing com and Nick can be contacted by phone at 802.349.2733 or email: Club members will also include a vessel into the Bering Sea followed by [email protected]. beautiful hand-painted remarque. a near float plane crash in Northern Labrador Photo by Luke Mayer Joe Donovan & Company … Where Winners Get Their Insurance

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Last year, while fishing the Los Suenos Signature Triple Crown Series in Costa Rica, we noticed boats grouped in a tight pod while the bite was on fire.Our boat Tranquilo was in a turn with one sail on and three others in the spread. When we started to back down I looked around and noticed about fifteen other boats in reverse, all with red, blue or pink squid dredges or a mudflap There are many reasons for this as 9kts when hunting for bait balls progression to artificial dredges. Bait and billfish. A combination of poor dredge hanging from availability, speed of trolling, cost, ballyhoo and high speeds is a recipe their riggers. I turned preparation time and ultimately for disaster. Capt Victor Julio Lopez of effectiveness all play a part as to why the tournament team Tranquilo says, to my teammate, Ken many of the top boats on the circuit are “We like to hunt for fish at a much Cofer, and asked “did you making the change to 1 or 2 artificial faster pace than when we actually find or mixed dredges. Bait availability them. So a durable dredge is extremely ever think you’d see so in some countries is a huge factor. important.” Cost does not play a many artificial dredges Mullet are hard to find and ballyhoo, huge part in the high roller realm of unless cared for properly, don’t last on top notch tournament crews but it in a tournament of this a dredge long enough to be effective. does play a huge part in the small caliber?” His answer was Good ballyhoo can be scarce and crews to medium size private boat sector. would prefer to use them for hooked Alltackle, Inc of Ocean City, Maryland “never.” So why have crews baits. The use of artificial dredges manager John Lentz said,”The average also allows a captain to troll faster. weekend fisherman doesn’t typically been making the change? Squid dredges can be pulled as fast have the time, desire or knowledge

20 | The Billfish Foundation to properly rig a natural dredge. They also don’t have the desire to spend $400 a weekend on dredge baits.” He also added that “prior to a few years ago the only artificial dredge available was the strip dredge. Today the weekend guys have many choices. The Squidnation Squid Dredge, mudflap dredges and shad dredges give the customer lots of choices and opened up a whole new revenue stream for the tackle shops that cater to the offshore fisherman.”

One drastic change I have noticed is not in the techniques that crews use the dredges but actually in the way billfish react to artificial dredges. Prior to the advancements of dredge cams most of our assumptions were unproven. But now we can see what is actually happening. We have noticed that billfish rising to a natural dredge tend to stick around and pick ballyhoo and mullets off of the dredge. It makes for great video but is that truly what the intention is? So many videos show a billfish rising up to an artificial dredge and slapping at it once and go straight to a bait. Which is the more effective teaser here? Mate Chris Mowad of the tournament team Whoo Dat adds, “My theory has always been if you raise a fish to an artificial dredge it’s done its job. Your goal is not for the fish to eat your dredge but to get his or her attention and get him in your spread where you can switch a bait to them.”

Artificial dredges are deployed the same way as natural dredges. Captain Jon Duffie of the tournament crew Billfisher says, “The beauty of the artificial dredge is we don’t have to alter our technique at all. We use a mullet dredge on one side and Squidnation Red Dredge on the other. Speed, distance and weight all remain the same. We want to see that so we can see a fish on it and pull it away.”

There are many reasons to make the switch to artificial dredges as they are very effective and with today’s advancements in dredge materials they work equally as well and in some cases better than natural baits. Give them a try and make sure to be standing by the flat lines because the billfish fire off the dredge with aggression! For more information on artificial dredges, or Squidnation, please contact Bill Pino at [email protected].

Join TBF at www.Billfish.org | 21 The President of TBF DECLARES BLUEWATER MAGAZINE ONE OF THE WORLDS BEST!

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BlueWater is an international magazine produced in Australia. It covers gamefishing across the entire Pacific and Indian Oceans, and brings you the essential cutting-edge wisdom on offshore gamefishing, boats and equipment – all wrapped in a visual feast. With stunning photography blended with exciting features from the world’s leaders of the sport, BlueWater delivers knowledge and inspiration that makes a real difference to the success and enjoyment of beginners and experts alike. To learn more about BlueWater magazine, visit: www.bluewatermag.com.au

SUBSCRIBE NOW Money-back Guarantee Enjoy the full glory of this premium magazine with an For your total peace of mind, if you’re not absolutely delighted with your subscription, we’ll give you a full Air Mail subscription delivered to your door. refund of the unused portion. You can’t lose so don’t Subscribe online at: www.mymagazines.com.au miss another issue! Act now and reap the rewards. For a digital version – for your PC, Mac, iPad and iPhone – subscribe International subscriptions: 12 issues A$174.95, through the App Store, kindle or at: www.zinio.com/bluewater 6 issues A$99.95. BlueWater Publishing, a division of With low exchange rates, there has never been a better time! nextmedia Pty Ltd. ABN 84 128 805 970 Worldwide Yacht Sales | Yacht Charters | New Yacht Construction

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39th Annual Memorial Day Tournament May 27 – 30, 2016 $1,000,000 State Record Blue Marlin Prize

5th Annual Memorial Day Outboard Shootout May 27 – 28, 2016

33rd Annual Junior Angler Tournament July 8 – 9, 2016

17th Annual Billfish Limited Tournament July 29 – 31, 2016 Inboards 32’ and Under, Outboards Any Size

39th Annual Ladies Tournament Proud Supporters of TBF August 5 – August 7, 2016 49th Annual Labor Day Invitational September 2 – September 5, 2016 $1,000,000 State Record Blue Marlin Prize

5th Annual Labor Day Outboard Shootout September 2 – September 3, 2015

Get More Information HERE www.MBGFC.org ON THE DOCKS Tournaments & Events Supporting TBF

VARADERO ARUBA PRESIDENTIAL the Costa Grand Champion team this year, scoring 10,100 points. Tranquilo CARIBBEAN CUP CHALLENGE OF also won the Billfish Tournament EL SALVADOR Series of Central America perpetual Oct 23-25, 2015 trophy with a total score of 30,200 pts. preschallenge.com Oct 29-Nov 1, 2015 The Naira team, captained by TBF preschallenge.com Member, Ruben “Bincho” Mansur, Jr, 10TH PALM BEACH led the Varadero Aruba Caribbean Continuing a red-hot winning streak Cup nearly wire to wire, scoring 2,400 from their Mexican tournament SAILFISH CLASSIC points in three days, including a Grand swing that saw them winning nearly Slam bonus on Day Two. They caught $3 million this season, TBF Members Nov 19-21, 2015 & released two blue marlin, five white Ken and Amanda Cofer elected to pbsailfish.com marlin and two sailfish releases in three fish thePresidential Challenge of El days of fishing. This is the second time Salvador aboard the Tranquilo. Their Everything in life starts with a dream and that the team has emerged victorious in team emerged victorious in this event, 10 years ago Pat Ross had a dream to which was run concurrently with this event. Yilson Iriarte came in third grant wishes, which provided the impetus the El Salvador International Billfish place in the angler standings thanks for the creation of the Palm Beach Sailfish Tournament. As in previous years the to his personal Grand Slam of a blue Classic (PBSC). The PBSC’s goal is to raise Bahia Del Sol was the host resort for marlin, white marlin and sailfish on the money for the South Florida Chapter of Naira on Day Two of the tournament. the tournament, offering comfortable accommodations and great restaurants the Make-A-Wish Foundation and to located just steps from the marina. benefit marine and fishing conservation education programs. While competition was tough, Tranquilo pulled away from the In its 10th fleet and won the PCCA El Salvador Anniversary tournament with a score of 8,400 pts. year the PBSC had great 2015 PCCA weather and fishing which SERIES WRAP UP had the fleet splitting half Two of the most prestigious awards in fishing the light-tackle billfishing are the Eagle Team Naira south and Claw Grand Champion Angler and the the other half Costa Grand Champion Team awards. As with all Presidential Challenge events, fishing north of the Varadero Aruba Caribbean Cup This year teams fished hard in the Pacific and the Caribbean during three Palm Beach Inlet. Rally Cap took a quick donates to The Billfish Foundation, both events to determine the winners. This lead but by the end of day three other internationally and in the Caribbean. For year’s circuit included the Presidential boats had tied its score - Island In The the event there were 67 billfish releases: Papagayo Cup in northern Costa Rica, Sun, Miss Annie, and De-Bait-Able, with 17 blue marlin, 37 white marlin and 13 the Varadero Aruba Caribbean Cup Showtime and Big Oh sitting in second sailfish, all on 30-pound test line and and the Presidential Challenge of El place. The second day experienced a non-offset circle hooks. Salvador. Anglers were restricted to cold front with rain scattered throughout Team Tranquilo relatively light line the day. Competition came down to a classes (20 and 30 real showdown between Rally Cap and pound class) and Boneshaker, with Rally Cap winning first were also required to place with 2800. use non-offset circle The event raised a little over $35,000 for

hooks. Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Billfish

Foundation and the Riviera Beach In the Eagle Claw Maritime Academy. With this year’s Grand Champion Angler Division, donation to Make-A-Wish Foundation, Ken Cofer was the the tournament has now granted wishes for over 50 children! winner with 2,800. The Tranquilo was

Join TBF at www.Billfish.org | 25 As TBF’s 350 guests entered Hemingway’s Havana Nights they were greeted with classic cars, provided by South Beach Classics, delicious Cuban specialty drinks, provided by Bacardi USA, and lavish décor to feel as if they were stepping out into a Havana paradise. Guests bid on an amazing selection of silent auction items, thanks to our many in-kind donors, while sipping down the Bacardi specialty drinks, plus wine from Duck Pond Cellars and incredible locally-brewed beer from Sailfish Brewery. A special thanks to our Gala Sponsors – Louisiana Cat, Yamaha, Marina Casa de Campo, Garmin, One Vanilla, Cox Maritime Law, C&L Insurance, Galati Yacht Sales, Viking Yachts, & Grady-White Boats. Auctioneer, Neil Saffer, did an incredible job with the Live Auction, which included a Hemingway Inspired custom Nautical Wood Chart by The Giving Tree Gallery, a giclee of Carey Chen’s “Old Man & the Sea,” custom Dragonfly Paddleboard with accessories, custom, hand-etched copper “Marlin Blitz” by Bufkin Air Design, Florida Panther’s Experience with Team Captain Willie Mitchell, Palm Beach race car experience with Ken Fengler, South Africa Adventure with A Spring of Hope, exquisite driftwood sailfish sculpture by Greg Searcy of Driftwood Expressions, and a Billfishing Trip of a lifetime with Casa Vieja Lodge. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to all the generous sponsors for making this all possible.

During the evenings event, two individuals were honored with the Rybovich Lifetime Conservation Award, Bouncer Smith and John Jolley Jr. for their lifetime contributions to billfish conservation. Make sure to save the date and join us this year as TBF celebrates 30 years, November 4, 2016.

1ST TOURNAMENT OF THE TRIPLE CROWN KICK-OFF TOURNAMENT AT THE WHARF

MAY 18-22, 2016 OrangeBeachBillfishClassic.com

28 | The Billfish Foundation 45th45th AnnualAnnual PENSACOLAPENSACOLA INTERNATIONALINTERNATIONAL BILLFISHBILLFISH TOURNAMENTTOURNAMENT JuneJune 2929 -- JulyJuly 3,3, 20162016

ST 1 TOURNAMENT OF THE TRIPLE CROWN 37th37th AnnualAnnual PENSACOLAPENSACOLA LADIESLADIES KICK-OFF TOURNAMENT AT THE WHARF BILLFISHBILLFISH TOURNAMENTTOURNAMENT MayMay 1313 -- 15,15, 20162016 RADITION! FISH THE T

PENSACOLA BIG GAME FISHING CLUB Pensacola, Florida • pbgfc.com • 850-453-4638

The Ladies Annual Fish-Off benefits The Billfish Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Florida. As the name implies only lady anglers may fish the tournament, but men can join in on the fun as captain and crew. JUNE 2ND - 5TH, 2016

The top ten boats and top three lady anglers will receive over $20,000 in cash and prizes along with the top three largest fish: blackfin tuna, cobia, dolphin, kingfish and wahoo.

Top family, top junior, top captain and top pee-wee prizes will also be awarded. MAY 18-22, 2016 Sponsorship Opportunities Available: [email protected] OrangeBeachBillfishClassic.com WWW.LADIESFISHOFF.COM Follow us on Facebook: @ladiesfishoff Anglers We Will Miss CHARLES WALTON (WALLY) JOHN ANDREW “DREW HAGER” passed away ADAMS, JR. passed away December 9, 2015 at the young January 11, 2016 at the age of 82 age of 44. He was born in following a long battle with heart San Diego, CA, but grew up and kidney disease. Wally spent in Charlotte and Shelby NC. most of his life in Lake Alfred and He attended Eastern Carolina Winter Haven, FL growing citrus University and graduated from and serving as President of Adams UNC Charlotte. In November of Packing Association, Adams Groves 2008, he married Amy Jo Pegram. Inc., Gapway Grove Corporation and Growers Fertilizer Corporation before retiring. Drew worked in sales and management in the leasing industry, specializing in over-the-road trailers. He Wally was a world class angler having demonstrated was president of First Piedmont Investments, Inc. his expertise offshore landing a 1312 lb black marlin and an owner and officer at First Piedmont Financial in Cairns, Australia. He won numerous tournament Corporation. angling awards including the prestigious “Master’s Angling Tournament” in Palm Beach, FL, the Drew loved active sports, including fishing, boating, “Hemingway Marlin Tournament” in Cuba, the water skiing, biking and horseback riding. He “International Light Tackle Tournament” (ILTTA) Big supported TBF for many years, and traveled to various Belt in Mexico and the “South African Deep Sea Angling spots on the globe to enjoy the thrill of billfishing. Tournament” (SADSAA) in Kenya. He was known for his superb light tackle fishing skills. Drew is remembered by family and friends as a kind, caring gentle soul with an enthusiastic spirit. He is Wally taught many children and adults in his survived by his beloved wife, Amy Jo, father Hampton community to fish, especially loving to see the Hager Jr., step-mother Better Hager and brother excitement of the faces of those who caught their first Hampton Hager III. fish aboard his boat “Fishin’ Machine.” He equally enjoyed explaining the art of conservation and release JAMES MICHAEL FITZPATRICK passed away to the same excited new anglers. November 26, 2015 at the He also was recognized for his many civic duties with the age of 61. He was born in Auburndale Rotary Club, the Winter Haven Boys Club, Greenville, SC and grew up the Bank of Lake Alfred and the Winter Haven Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. Michael Foundation. Wally received the honorary “Helping Hand traveled to Texas seeking work Society” award for his many years donating to The as a boat captain, and it was Florida Sheriff Boys Youth Ranches, Inc. there that he met his future wife, Marlive. Wally is survived by his wife, Margie E Adams, who many know as an outstanding angler in her own right It was love at first sight, and Michael and and by his daughter Mary Pat Adams. Marlive also shared a passion for billfishing. They loved flying to Costa Rica for a great adventure, or just spending a relaxing weekend TBF is grateful for the many members, their friends on the water in Port Aransas. and families who send memorial donations to support Michael had a special bond with his fishing team our programs. Every dollar from memorials is used for on the Legacy. The team holds the Texas state furthering our mission of saving the fish for current and record for the largest blue marlin. He was also future generations. If you have not done so already, a TBF member for many years. In addition to remembering TBF in your will is a special way to make Marlive, his wife of 26 years, Michael is survived a gift to TBF. To make a bequest, contact Robert Jones by a sister Julie Cowart, brother Pat Fitzpatrick and at 954-938-0150, x113. many nieces and nephews.

30 | The Billfish Foundation THE THRILL OF THE CATCH IS JUST HALF THE FUN! JUNE 22-26, 2016 • MIRAMAR BEACH, FLORIDA • WWW.FISHECBC.COM • 866.505.4458 14TH ANNUAL EMERALD COAST BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC AT SANDESTIN

THE RI BI CHES JIMMIE GRANT LLFISH T T ON THE GUOURNAMEN ROBERTS III, better L T F COAST known as “Bub”, was a devoted hunter and fisherman. “Bub” lost is life as a result of trauma sustained in a timbering accident at the age of 21 on October 17, 2015. He lived on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. He was the son of Jimmie Grant Roberts, Jr. and Tracy Leigh Roberts. He is survived by three sisters, Ashley Roberts- Lamb, Victoria Roberts and Samantha Roberts, his life long friend, Matthew Crim, a niece, Harleigh Lamb, and friends along the east coast.

Fishing, hunting and family were Bub’s life. He lived BIG MONEY & BIG FUN and breathed the salt and mountain air. His most Five-Day Event memorable and happiest times in life were chasing marlin or bucks and sitting around a campfire in the hills More than of West Virginia with family and friends that mean the world to him. He was the light of everyone’s life, and the $ heart of his family. “Bub” won many awards with the 1.7 million in Ocean City Marlin Club and The Billfish Foundation due to his extraordinary mate and angling skills. Bub had cash awards captaining skills and knowledge beyond his years. Top 10 billfish tournament in the world The #1 Resort on Florida’s Emerald Coast To honor Jimmie Grant Roberts III “Bub”, the Roberts Endless amenities from Family has asked to make a donation to The Billfish golf and tennis to shopping, water sports and more Foundation, if you wish, as a tribute to “Bub” and the beautiful, loving life he lived, although it was cut far too short, with an incredibly bright future ahead.

14TH ANNUAL

JUNE 22–26, 2016 ADVOCACY The Billfish Foundation’s Calendar of Events For more information JANUARY-JUNE 2016 on TBF supported events please visit billfish.org/events

MAY JANUARY 18-22 | ORANGE BEACH 19-23 | BUDGET MARINE SPICE ISLAND BILLFISH CLASSIC Grenada, W.I. The Wharf, Orange Beach, AL www.sibt.gd www.orangebeachbillfishclassic.com

27-31 | SAILFISH 400 19-22 | CAP CANA WHITE Miami, FL MARLIN TOURNAMENT www.questforthecrest.com Marina Cap Cana, D.R. www.marinacapcana.com FEBRUARY | 11 | TBF TAG & RELEASE CEREMONY 27-30 MBGFC MEMORIAL Jungle Island, Miami, FL Day Tournament www.billfish.org Mobile, AL www.mbgfc.org 13 | BLUES & BREWS PART DEUX 31 - JUNE 5 | CAJUN CANYONS Sailfish Brewing Company, Ft. Pierce, FL Cypress Cove Marina, Venice, LA www.tasteofneworleansfla.wix.com/ftpierce www.comefishla.com 17-21 | SAILFISH CHALLENGE Ft. Lauderdale, FL JUNE www.questforthecrest.com 2-5 | LADIES FISH OFF Pompano Beach, FL 27 | FORT LAUDERDALE www.ladiesfishoff.com BILLFISH TOURNAMENT Bahia Mar, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 6-12 | MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST www.fortlauderdalebillfishtournament.com BILLFISH CLASSIC

Golden Nugget, Biloxi, MS MARCH www.mgcbc.com 18 | ON THE DOCKS WITH GALATI YACHTS 16-19 | NEW ORLEANS BIG Palm beach Boat Show, Palm Beach, FL Game Fishing Club www.billfish.org Invitational Billfish 29- APR 3 | CASA DE CAMPO INT’L Port Eads, LA BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC www.nobgfc.com Marina Casa de Campo, D.R. 22-26 | EMERALD COAST www.intlbillfishtourns.com BLUE MARLIN CLASSIC APRIL Sandestin Resort, Destin, FL 12-17 | FINAL SAIL www.fishecbc.com Key West, FL 26-JULY 2 | HATTERAS MARLIN CLUB www.questforthecrest.com BLUE MARLIN RELEASE TOURNAMENT 15-17 | TORTUGAFEST’S ROCK THE OCEAN Hatteras, NC Fort Lauderdale Beach, FL www.hatterasmarlinclub.com www.tortugamusicfestival.com/conservation 29- JULY 3 | PENSACOLA BIG GAME 21-23 | YAMAHA CONTENDER MIAMI FISHING CLUB INTERNATIONAL SPORTFISH TOURNAMENT Pensacola, FL Miami Beach, FL www.pbgfc.com www.miamisportfish.com

ADVOCACY ADVOCACY

THE BILLFISH FOUNDATION T Values Our Conservation Partnership with B HATTERAS MARLIN CLUB F

Scott Kerrigan -Aqua Paparazzi Scott Kerrigan -Aqua Paparazzi

Scott Kerrigan -Aqua Paparazzi Scott Kerrigan -Aqua Paparazzi

Together we can ensure future fishing thrills for our children! Let’s continue the legacy together!

56th Annual Hatteras Marlin Club Blue Marlin Release Tournament June 26- July 2, 2016 www.hatterasmarlinclub.com/tournaments JOIN OR RENEW MEMBERSHIP LEVELS YOUR SUPPORT AND BENEFITS MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION YOUTH $20 SAILFISHTEENS TAKE ON BILLFISH CONSERVATION • Full-color issues of Spearfish VERSION 16  I want to support billfish conservation as a TBF member. I have Blaze or Sailfish magazine ofIssue 23Colors & Lights enclosed my membership payment in the following amount: • FREE TBF membership youth T-shirt     pearfiSh $20* $50  $125 $250   SThe Billfish Foundation’s Conservation Program For Kids Who Care About Our Oceans

 $500  $1,000    $2,500   SAILFISH $50 Journaling  $5,000  $10,000    Other $______• Unlimited free release certificates THE GULF OF MEXICO: • Official membership card & decal Giving Life to the South

Pyramid! Name • Full-color issues of Billfish magazine APEX • FREE TBF membership T-shirt PREDATORS Address

ason Brice, Casa Vieja Lodge City Photo courtesy of Capt. J WHITE MARLIN - $125 State Zip All of the above, plus: Country Phone Fax STRIPED MARLIN - $250 All of the above, plus: Email • Beautiful signed and numbered * Youth memberships, age 17 & under print by a renowned marine artist • TBF membership visor Payment Method: 3 Volume 2015

The Billfish Foundation’s Sportfishing Conservation Magazine  Visa   MasterCard   American Express DECK BLUE MARLIN - $500 Checking  Discover   Check All of the above, plus: • Set of 5 billfish tags Account #: • Three complimentary gift memberships

Exp. Date WELCOME ABOARD Yeti Coolers & Garmin THE ULTIMATE Name on Account Plus! Angler’s Gift Guide

Tag ‘Em Today, Signature Catch ‘Em Tomorrow!

Members-Only T-Shirt: CHAIRMAN’S CLUB - $1,000 YOUTH SIZES:  YXS  YS  YM All of the above, plus: ADULT:  S  M  L  XL  2XL  3XL •Special invitations to exclusive TBF events • Chairman’s Club Flag for your boat or home Please fill out and return with • Chairman’s Club hat your contribution to: THE BILLFISH FOUNDATION LEGACY - $10,000 AND ABOVE PO Box 628259 • Orlando, FL 32862-9941 All of the above, plus: 800-438-8247 ext. 106 • Lifetime Chairman’s Club Level Membership www.billfish.org

TYPE OF CONTRIBUTION:  New  Renewal  Gift Please provide the name and address of gift giver and recipient separately if you are giving a gift membership. CLUB MEMBERSHIPS & CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIPS Membership donations are tax-deductible FISHING CLUBS are a prime source to spread TBF’s conservation to the extent allowed by law. message! Make YOUR Fishing Club a TBF Member at one of these levels: $250 $500 $1,000

To learn more details and benefits for TBF’s Club TBF CONSERVATION PARTNERS are a great way to support Memberships or Conservation Partnerships contact billfish conservation and promote your business. Corporate partnerships Deborah at: [email protected] or are available at these levels: 954-938-0150 ext 106. $1,000 $1,500 $2,500 $5,000 To34 learn| The Billfish more Foundationvisit Billfish.org Support The Billfish Foundation SHOP TBF TBF custom bottle MERCHANDISE opener keyring. Go to Shop.Billfish.org and order today!

ABOVE/RIGHT: Versatile floating tag stick can be purchased with a release knife or Gopro mount as a one or two piece for convenient storage and travel.

TBF 12-CAN COOLER insulated bag with adjustable nylon web strap and zippered main compartment large enough for 12 cans.

TBF/PELAGIC CAMO VISORS with adjustable velcro back featuring Pelagic Fish Camo™ print with “The Billfish Foundation” embroidered on front and tag flag on the side. Available in pink, blue & gray. One size fits most.

TAG-RELEASE-RECAPTURE POCKET T-SHIRT PRINCESS TUTU with TBFs cute with small red tag flag embroidered on Spearfish Logo. 100% cotton top. one sleeve, Sizes M-XX. 100% cotton. Sizes 2, 4 and 5/6.

TBF Prints - Beautiful collection of exclusive signed and numbered prints! Check out the online shop for all varieties. From left to right: Thundering Blue by Russ Smiley, Exploding Waters by Carlos Arriola, Covered Up by Guy Harvey

All sales from TBF merchandise go directly towards keeping billfish in the water for future generations of anglers to enjoy. Look good AND show your commitment to conservation all year long! For questions concerning your order, please call 800-438-8247, x106 or email [email protected] ADVOCACY

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