San Juan International Billfish Tournament

Puerto Rico’s elegant Club Nautico de San Juan will be hosting the 55th annual San Juan International Billfish Tournament between 11 and 17 August 2008. As the longest consecutively held international billfish tournament in the world, the week-long San Juan International Billfish Tournament draws top deep-sea fishing competitors from around the world to enjoy four days of fishing and plenty of entertainment and partying.

The San Juan International Billfish Tournament follows all International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) conservation procedures, which includes the tag and release competition format. The 2008 tournament will be using light tackle 50 lb tournament test line to make the event more competitive. San Juan is recognized world-wide for the abundance of blue marlin to be found within just 20 minutes off the north coast. Competitors agree that the excellent fishing opportunities together with generous prizes and warm hospitality, sets the San Juan International Billfish Tournament a cut above the rest.

More than thirty prizes and trophies are up for grabs at the San Juan International Billfish Tournament, and competitors are encouraged to form teams to compete for the prestigious International Team Cup. Boat owners stand a chance of winning one of five prizes for the Best Dressed Boat, while other prizes include Best Visiting Angler, Best Local Angler, Best Lady Angler and Best Inter-Club Team.

The deep waters that surround Puerto Rico are home to a multitude of billfish, which has resulted in the country becoming a destination of choice among game fishing connoisseurs. A natural geological trench situated about a mile and a half of f San Juan’s north coast, which is known as “Billfish Pass” or “Blue Marlin Alley”, offers anglers the very real prospect of catching a marlin weighing more than 500 pounds, and possibly even up to 1,000 pounds, with a catch of 1,083 pounds being recorded in 2003.

Puerto Rico is one of the pioneering Caribbean countries with regard to research on, and preservation of, blue marlin. In line with conservation strategies, since 2003 the San Juan International Billfish Tournament has been an all-release event.

Organizers advise competitors to bring plenty of sun-block lotion in preparation for a full day out at sea, bring along some anti-seasick medication (even the most experienced anglers have been known to get seasick), pack a jacket and tie for the Awards Banquet and head off to Puerto Rico for a week of fun and adventure at the San Juan International Billfish Tournament.