Eastcape Billfish Tournament
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Eastcape 2008 top 4. Brian Hill 1st Champion Division, Paul Steigerwald 1st Challenger Division-Overall Champion, Rick Bothmer 3rd Challenger Division, Greg Ogle 2nd Challenger Division. This team will represent TAA in the 2009 Offshore Championship
The 21st Eastcape Billfish Tournament was again held at Hotel Palmas de Cortez, Los Barriles, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The tournament dates were June 5-9, and 26 Tournament Association anglers participated in the three day competition. This year’s billfish count was similar to the fish count of our 2007 tournament, with 27 marlin and 1 sail fish caught and released. In addition, 24 Dorado were boated and served up in the hotel restaurant for all of our anglers to enjoy. Again this year, there seemed to be a lot of bait (mostly squid) available, so the billfish count was lower than has been our experience in past years. Our anglers reported seeing fish, but getting the “bite” was somewhat difficult. Two days prior to the tournament, strong winds came up and affected our catch the first day. However, the seas calmed down and the second and third day’s catch was much improved.
On day one, Rich Bothmer, Greg Ogle, Paul Steigerwald, and Joan Vernon all caught one Marlin each, and earned each of them the maximum points. However, Rick surged out in front with an additional Dorado, and claimed top angler for the day.
Day two, eleven Marlin were caught, and Greg Ogle easily went ahead with 500 points for two Marlin caught in the minimum time. However, due to the time of the releases, Brian Hill also caught two Marlin and claimed the second daily prize.
On day three, the fish count went up went up again with eleven Marlin and one Sailfish caught. Paul Steigerwald claimed the daily prize with two Marlin and one Dorado caught, for a total point count of 510.
This made Paul the TOP angler of the tournament with 770 point (three Marlin and two Dorado), followed closely by Greg Ogle with 760 points (three Marlin and one Dorado), revealing how important it is to “bag” that additional game fish!
For the THIRD year in a row, the Challenge Division out fished the Champions, and received Iland Lure as prizes.
The Eastcape Billfish IGFA Offshore World Championship Tournament Team will be represented by Paul Steigerwald, Captain, Greg Ogle, Brian Hill and Rick Bothmer, with Darrell Ticehurst, 1st alternate, Danny Brooks, 2nd alternate, and Bill Evans, 3rd alternate.
We want to recognize our three new TAA anglers who signed up for the tournament this year. They are: Harry Kersten, Greg Ogle and Jack Richardson (who took Dale Miles’ place at the last minute). We welcome them into our TAA family!!!
Last-but-not-least, we want to sincerely thank our sponsors for providing us with another GREAT tournament. This year, we were especially blessed with a new sponsor, Grey Taxidermy. They provided trophies for all of our winning individual and team anglers. We thank them so much for their generosity! Also, again this year, we thank Penn Fishing Tackle, Costa del Mar, Iland lures and Bass Pro Shops for their sponsorship! Without all of these sponsors, our Eastcape Billfish Tournament would not be the high quality fishing tournament that it is. Please visit us at our website: "http://www.fishtaa.com
Jim Severson turns over the helm of this tournament to Bill Evans for our 2009 tournament. Please extend your help to him and let’s make next year’s tournament even BETTER. The dates for next year’s tournament are June 22 through 26, with fishing dates the 23rd through the 25th.
Overall Champion – Paul Steigerwald – 770 points
Champion Division
1st Place – Brian Hill – 510 points
2nd Place – Joan Vernon – 460 points
3rd Place – Mike McElroy – 270 points
Challenge Division
1st Place – Paul Steigerwald – 770 points
2nd Place – Greg Ogle – 760
3rd Place – Rick Bothmer – 510 points
Team Event
1st Place Team – Paul Steigerwald and John Zehnder – 995 points
2nd Place Team – Joan Vernon and Bill Evans – 930 points
3rd Place Team – Greg Ogle and Keith Leimbach – 770 points
On day one, Rich Bothmer, Greg Ogle, Paul Steigerwald, and Joan Vernon all caught one Marlin each, and earned each of them the maximum points. However, Rick surged out in front with an additional Dorado, and claimed top angler for the day.
Day two, eleven Marlin were caught, and Greg Ogle easily went ahead with 500 points for two Marlin caught in the minimum time. However, due to the time of the releases, Brian Hill also caught two Marlin and claimed the second daily prize.
On day three, the fish count went up went up again with eleven Marlin and one Sailfish caught. Paul Steigerwald claimed the daily prize with two Marlin and one Dorado caught, for a total point count of 510.
This made Paul the TOP angler of the tournament with 770 point (three Marlin and two Dorado), followed closely by Greg Ogle with 760 points (three Marlin and one Dorado), revealing how important it is to “bag” that additional game fish!
For the THIRD year in a row, the Challenge Division out fished the Champions, and received Iland Lure as prizes.
The Eastcape Billfish IGFA Offshore World Championship Tournament Team will be represented by Paul Steigerwald, Captain, Greg Ogle, Brian Hill and Rick Bothmer, with Darrell Ticehurst, 1st alternate, Danny Brooks, 2nd alternate, and Bill Evans, 3rd alternate.
We want to recognize our three new TAA anglers who signed up for the tournament this year. They are: Harry Kersten, Greg Ogle and Jack Richardson (who took Dale Miles’ place at the last minute). We welcome them into our TAA family!!!
Last-but-not-least, we want to sincerely thank our sponsors for providing us with another GREAT tournament. This year, we were especially blessed with a new sponsor, Grey Taxidermy. They provided trophies for all of our winning individual and team anglers. We thank them so much for their generosity! Also, again this year, we thank Penn Fishing Tackle, Costa del Mar, Iland lures and Bass Pro Shops for their sponsorship! Without all of these sponsors, our Eastcape Billfish Tournament would not be the high quality fishing tournament that it is. Please visit us at our website: "http://www.fishtaa.com
Jim Severson turns over the helm of this tournament to Bill Evans for our 2009 tournament. Please extend your help to him and let’s make next year’s tournament even BETTER. The dates for next year’s tournament are June 22 through 26, with fishing dates the 23rd through the 25th.
Overall Champion – Paul Steigerwald – 770 points
Champion Division
1st Place – Brian Hill – 510 points
2nd Place – Joan Vernon – 460 points
3rd Place – Mike McElroy – 270 points
Challenge Division
1st Place – Paul Steigerwald – 770 points
2nd Place – Greg Ogle – 760
3rd Place – Rick Bothmer – 510 points
Team Event
1st Place Team – Paul Steigerwald and John Zehnder – 995 points
2nd Place Team – Joan Vernon and Bill Evans – 930 points
3rd Place Team – Greg Ogle and Keith Leimbach – 770 points
Contact Jim Severson
@ jmspms@aol.com for all 2008 tournament information
Anglers participating in the 2007 Tournament
The anglers in the IGFA team photo are (l to R) Smokey Molle, Richard Schwager, Keith Leimbach, Bill Evans.
Richard Schwager is the Captain of the 2008 IGFA Offshore team
Richard Schwager is the Captain of the 2008 IGFA Offshore team
The 20th Anniversary Eastcape Billfish Tournament was held at Hotel Palmas de Cortez, Los Barriles, Baja California Sur, Mexico June 14-18, 2007. Thirty members of Tournament Anglers Association (“TAA”) caught and released 27 striped marlin in three days of competition. In addition, 10 Dorado and 1 Yellowfin Tuna were boated and enjoyed in the hotel restaurant by the entire group. While the fish count was down from 2006 (56), 2005 (62) and 2004 (69), there were plenty of marlin to be seen tailing on the surface. The boat captains noted that the water was quite dirty and cold and that the fish seemed gorged with squid. Moreover, the wind came up strong every mid morning and very few fish were hooked after noon.
On day 1, Smokey Molle charged to the front with two releases followed closely by Bruce Main. Considering Smokey’s long winning track record, many feared that they would be fighting now for second place. All told, only 8 marlin were released.
The production on day 2 improved slightly to 9 marlin, led by Bill Evans with two stripers. Smokey remained in the lead with 10 more dorado points. The final day resulted in 10 marlin releases and a new Champion, Richard Schwager, of Stockton, California. Richard released two marlin, which when added to his release on day 2, made him the only three billfish angler in the tournament.
It must be reported that yet another member of the Molle family, grandson Chris, was the high point angler on the last day of the tournament. The good news for the other TAA anglers is that Chris is headed for medical school and will not be a regular threat, at least for a while.
For the second year in a row, the members of the Challenge Division out fished the Champions and each received an Iland lure donated by L & S Bait Company of Florida.
Dale Miles put on another fabulous show with great trophies, shirts, shorts, lures, sunglasses and other useful items. Jim Severson and Neal McNamara assisted him. Jim Severson, assisted by Bill Evans, will manage the 2008 Eastcape. The dates for the 2008 Eastcape are June 5 -9, 2008.
The Eastcape anglers thank our generous sponsors, Penn Fishing Tackle, Costa Del Mar, Hook & Tackle, Iland Lures, Aloha Lures, Marlin Magic Lures, Joe Yee Lures, Hi-5 Lures, Camelot Sportfishing, , West Marine, Cutco Knives, Mister T-Shirt, Melton Tackle, Ande Monofilament and JAK Wind-On Leaders.
The Eastcape Team for the 2008 IGFA Offshore World Championship Tournament will be Richard Schwager, Captain, Smokey Molle, Keith Leimbach, and Bill Evans. The first alternate is Darrell Ticehurst and the second is Bruce Main.
Overall Champion Richard Schwager
Champion Division
1st Smokey Molle 510
2nd Keith Leimbach 510
3rd Andy Jacobi 500
4th Dale Miles 260
Challenge Division
1st Richard Schwager 725
2nd Bill Evans 510
3rd Darrell Ticehurst 510
4th Bruce Main 500
Teams
1st Richard Schwager/Steve Lynch 975
2nd Bruce Main/Neal McNamara 750
3rd Chris Molle/Rick Bothmer 750
High Boats
Day 1 Jack Daniels, Julissa, Tio Tico
Day 2 Tio Pepe, Kahlua, Margarita
Day 3 Whiskey, Tio Tico, La Migra
On day 1, Smokey Molle charged to the front with two releases followed closely by Bruce Main. Considering Smokey’s long winning track record, many feared that they would be fighting now for second place. All told, only 8 marlin were released.
The production on day 2 improved slightly to 9 marlin, led by Bill Evans with two stripers. Smokey remained in the lead with 10 more dorado points. The final day resulted in 10 marlin releases and a new Champion, Richard Schwager, of Stockton, California. Richard released two marlin, which when added to his release on day 2, made him the only three billfish angler in the tournament.
It must be reported that yet another member of the Molle family, grandson Chris, was the high point angler on the last day of the tournament. The good news for the other TAA anglers is that Chris is headed for medical school and will not be a regular threat, at least for a while.
For the second year in a row, the members of the Challenge Division out fished the Champions and each received an Iland lure donated by L & S Bait Company of Florida.
Dale Miles put on another fabulous show with great trophies, shirts, shorts, lures, sunglasses and other useful items. Jim Severson and Neal McNamara assisted him. Jim Severson, assisted by Bill Evans, will manage the 2008 Eastcape. The dates for the 2008 Eastcape are June 5 -9, 2008.
The Eastcape anglers thank our generous sponsors, Penn Fishing Tackle, Costa Del Mar, Hook & Tackle, Iland Lures, Aloha Lures, Marlin Magic Lures, Joe Yee Lures, Hi-5 Lures, Camelot Sportfishing, , West Marine, Cutco Knives, Mister T-Shirt, Melton Tackle, Ande Monofilament and JAK Wind-On Leaders.
The Eastcape Team for the 2008 IGFA Offshore World Championship Tournament will be Richard Schwager, Captain, Smokey Molle, Keith Leimbach, and Bill Evans. The first alternate is Darrell Ticehurst and the second is Bruce Main.
Overall Champion Richard Schwager
Champion Division
1st Smokey Molle 510
2nd Keith Leimbach 510
3rd Andy Jacobi 500
4th Dale Miles 260
Challenge Division
1st Richard Schwager 725
2nd Bill Evans 510
3rd Darrell Ticehurst 510
4th Bruce Main 500
Teams
1st Richard Schwager/Steve Lynch 975
2nd Bruce Main/Neal McNamara 750
3rd Chris Molle/Rick Bothmer 750
High Boats
Day 1 Jack Daniels, Julissa, Tio Tico
Day 2 Tio Pepe, Kahlua, Margarita
Day 3 Whiskey, Tio Tico, La Migra
2006 Results
Ponichtera Runs Away At Eastcape
The 19th Eastcape Billfish Tournament was all over after day one because Ken Ponichtera of The Dalles, Oregon led from wire to wire and bested the second place angler, Dale Miles, by 750 points, or three billfish releases.
A total of 56 billfish were released in three days of fishing by 33 TAA anglers. Records show that this was the 6th most productive event in all the years since the tournament started in 1983. Of the 56 billfish, Rick Bothmer released a nice Pacific Blue. The other fish were 54 Striped Marlin and one Sailfish. In addition, the group caught 5 dorado and a single wahoo.
Most of the fish were hooked either in the Punta Pescadero region or just a few miles offshore from La Ribiera. It is very interesting to note that almost exactly half of the billfish were hooked on lures and the other half hooked on dead ballyhoo. Circle hooks were mandatory when using bait. This year, live bait was not available at all for reasons that were never explained.
Ken was high point for day 1 followed by new TAA member Mark Rogers, who released two marlin. The second day proved to be the best with 23 billfish released. Ed Day led the field followed closely by Rick Bothmer. On the last day, Richard Kersten quietly released two stripers to take the daily prize, followed by Richard Schwager.
High boat for the tournament was a new one, Billfighter, with 8 releases or 2000 points, followed by Cutty Sark and Julissa. Daily high went to Billfighter twice and then to Cutty Sark on day 3.
The 2006 Eastcape was chaired by Neal McNamara and co-chaired by Dale Mile. In 2007, Dale will chair the tournament, and the co-chair will be Jim Severson.
The 2007 dates are June 14 to June 18 and we have booked rooms and boats for 40 anglers in anticipation of a good turnout for the 20th Anniversary. Mark your calendars now!
The official results follow:
Overall Champion Ken Ponichtera 1500
Champions Division
1st Dale Miles 750
2nd Smokey Molle 510
3rd Neal McNamara 500
4th Andy Jacobi 500
Challenge Division
1st Ken Ponichtera 1500
2nd Dave Ogle 750
3rd Richard Kersten 750
4th Mark Rogers 750
Teams
1st Ponichtera/Ramsey 1750
2nd Ogle Hafeman 1250
3rd Bothmer/McNamara 1225
In a new competition this year, the Challenge Division outgunned the Champions by a significant margin and each of the 19 challengers received a new offshore lure courtesy of Island Lure Company.
We wish to thank all of our other sponsors for their very generous contributions: Penn Reel Company, Hook & Tackle, and Costa Del Mar.
The 19th Eastcape Billfish Tournament was all over after day one because Ken Ponichtera of The Dalles, Oregon led from wire to wire and bested the second place angler, Dale Miles, by 750 points, or three billfish releases.
A total of 56 billfish were released in three days of fishing by 33 TAA anglers. Records show that this was the 6th most productive event in all the years since the tournament started in 1983. Of the 56 billfish, Rick Bothmer released a nice Pacific Blue. The other fish were 54 Striped Marlin and one Sailfish. In addition, the group caught 5 dorado and a single wahoo.
Most of the fish were hooked either in the Punta Pescadero region or just a few miles offshore from La Ribiera. It is very interesting to note that almost exactly half of the billfish were hooked on lures and the other half hooked on dead ballyhoo. Circle hooks were mandatory when using bait. This year, live bait was not available at all for reasons that were never explained.
Ken was high point for day 1 followed by new TAA member Mark Rogers, who released two marlin. The second day proved to be the best with 23 billfish released. Ed Day led the field followed closely by Rick Bothmer. On the last day, Richard Kersten quietly released two stripers to take the daily prize, followed by Richard Schwager.
High boat for the tournament was a new one, Billfighter, with 8 releases or 2000 points, followed by Cutty Sark and Julissa. Daily high went to Billfighter twice and then to Cutty Sark on day 3.
The 2006 Eastcape was chaired by Neal McNamara and co-chaired by Dale Mile. In 2007, Dale will chair the tournament, and the co-chair will be Jim Severson.
The 2007 dates are June 14 to June 18 and we have booked rooms and boats for 40 anglers in anticipation of a good turnout for the 20th Anniversary. Mark your calendars now!
The official results follow:
Overall Champion Ken Ponichtera 1500
Champions Division
1st Dale Miles 750
2nd Smokey Molle 510
3rd Neal McNamara 500
4th Andy Jacobi 500
Challenge Division
1st Ken Ponichtera 1500
2nd Dave Ogle 750
3rd Richard Kersten 750
4th Mark Rogers 750
Teams
1st Ponichtera/Ramsey 1750
2nd Ogle Hafeman 1250
3rd Bothmer/McNamara 1225
In a new competition this year, the Challenge Division outgunned the Champions by a significant margin and each of the 19 challengers received a new offshore lure courtesy of Island Lure Company.
We wish to thank all of our other sponsors for their very generous contributions: Penn Reel Company, Hook & Tackle, and Costa Del Mar.