THE FIRST LEG OF THE 2008 LOS SUEÑOS SIGNATURE BILLFISH SERIES
JANUARY 9-12, 2008

]ROUNDING UP THE MARLIN

Los Sueños became home for a few days in January to some eager fishermen and women who came together to put each other’s true angling talents to the test. A battle ensued for tournament champion of the first leg of the 2008 Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series, presented by CABO Yachts. A total of 440 billfish were caught during three days of competitive action between 41 boats and 163 anglers. What really caught everyone’s attention though, was the marlin bite. Of the 440 billfish caught and released, 134 were marlin! This represents over 30% of the total catch - an astonishing rate that broke all Costa Rican records.

DAY 1- Defining Marlin Bite
Teams charged out of Herradura Bay at 6:30 am on January 10th, ready to challenge each other and really see how the bite of Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast was shaping up. By 12 pm, 61 billfish had already been caught and released. Of the total catch that day, 21 marlin were released, legitimizing the dock talk that the marlin bite would separate the men from the boys.
At the end of the day it was Miss Behavin with 2 sails and 6 marlin at the top of the leader board. Lady Columbo came in second with 2600 points, 1 sail and 5 marlin, and Prime Time trailed by time with the same number of points and the same number of fish. Still, it was anyone’s game.

THE SECOND LEG OF THE
2008 LOS SUEÑOS SIGNATURE BILLFISH SERIES
MARCH 12-15, 2008

THE BITE IS ON

The first leg of the 2008 Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series, presented by CABO Yachts, was defined by the marlin. The second leg, held March 12-15, was just the opposite. Sailfish were jumping left, right and center for the 42 teams, comprised of 163 anglers. Of the incredible 783 billfish caught and released over three days of fishing, 727 were sailfish (leaving 56 marlin). January might have been all about the points, but March was all about the numbers. An average of 18 fish per boat were hooked, confirming Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast remains one of the best fisheries in the world.

DAY 1- Nearly Half Way There
At the end of March 13th, the participants had already managed to reel in 205 billfish, including 185 sails and 20 marlin. They were nearly half way to the total of 440 fish caught and released during the January event. At the top of the leader board, Iron Trader was a force to be reckoned with, having released 6 sails and 3 marlin for 2100 points, a 100 point lead over the second place team, Prime Time, with 2000 points (15 sails and 1 marlin). R and J placed third for the day with 4 sails, 2 marlin and 1400 points.

DAY 2- The Competition Heats Up
The competition was fierce on the second day of fishing. The leader board featured three entirely different names, proving that it was still anyone’s game. Miss Behavin placed first for the day and third for the overall with a two-day combined total of 10 sails and 3 marlin for 2500 points. For the daily, Penguin placed second with 11 sails, 1 marlin and 1600 points and Muy Caliente came in third with 5 sails, 2 marlin and 1500 points. However, the Signature Series is not about the dailies…All eyes were focused on the top prize, tournament champion. Having caught and released an astounding 2-day combined total of 24 sails and 1 marlin for 2900 points, Prime Time was in a fantastic position for the overall after day 2. Muy Caliente was pretty comfortable as well, with 2600 points (16 sails and 2 marlin).

DAY 3- It’s all comes down to Time
The one thing both legs of the 2008 Signature Series have in common is the time factor. The placing for both tournaments came down to the time of the last fish. Nothing could be more exciting! Muy Caliente secured their first place finish with 23 sails and 4 marlin for an incredible 4300 points; however placing the runners up would prove to be a little more difficult. The unofficial 4 pm standings had Spanish Fly in second with 3900 points and Miss Behavin in third with 3800 points. After the scorecards came in though, everything changed. Miss Behavin, Spanish Fly and Clean Sweep were all tied for second with 3800 points! It all came down to the time of the last catch. What suspense! At the awards ceremony, it was finally announced that Miss Behavin had placed second by time and Spanish Fly third.

Edwin Bustos of team Predator took home the Top Angler award, presented by WBS representative Sam White. The Top Angler from each WBS sanctioned event will qualify to compete at the WBS Grand Championships in Los Sueños, Costa Rica, December 3-6, 2008.
At the awards dinner sponsored by CABO Yachts later that evening, Los Sueños President and CEO William Royster presented the winning teams with checks for their share of the tournament’s US$108,000 cash jackpot ($54,000 to first, $32,400 to second, $21,600 to third) and trophies featuring Bodo Muche bronze billfish sculptures. Each angler also received Costa Del Mar sunglasses. All 3 winning teams received a humidor with cigars provided by La Casa del Habano and a framed print from Rick Bogert. The first place boat also received individual trophies for the captain, anglers and crew.
Prime Time was shocked at the announcement that their team had run away with the title of Series Champion with 8000 points (40 sails and 8 marlin) over the two-leg series. They took home $50,000, presented by tournament organizer, Los Sueños Resort and Marina; six fishing rods, handcrafted by the Signature Series’ official tournament artist, Rick Bogert; an $8500 gift certificate from Dockwise Yacht Transport; and most importantly, bragging rights.

Tournament participants enjoyed four days of dinner events and entertainment, including dockside cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The awards dinner on March 15th was amazing, with live entertainment – including ESPN personality Chris Fischer, from Offshore Adventures – a jaw dropping tournament show filmed and produced by Fischer Productions, open bars and fireworks.
As always, the Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series could not be what it is without the generous support of a long list of staff, volunteers, IGFA certified observers, and of course our sponsors: CABO Yachts; Contender Boats; Dockwise Yacht Transport; Viking Yachts; BLP Abogados; Caterpillar Engines in conjunction with Ransome Engines and Johnson Power Systems; Imperial; HMY Yacht Sales; Knight and Carver; La Casa del Habano; Rick Bogert; Scotiabank; Toyota; Blue Water Chairs; Bodo Muche; Costa del Mar; Costa Rica Dreams; Costa Rica Luxury; Durman Esquivel; Flor de Caña; Gray Taxidermy; IK Yacht Design; Marriott Hotels; National Car Rental; Northern Lights in conjunction with Luggar engines; Pacific Design; Riviera Yachts; Stewart Title; Vanmark; the International Game Fish Association (IGFA); and the World Billfish Series (WBS).

The Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series presented by CABO Yachts is sanctioned by the World Billfish Series (WBS). Anglers competing in the Los Sueños tournaments are automatically enrolled in the WBS and compete for points in the Pacific Rim Division. For further information, please visit www.worldbillfishseries.com.
Entries for the 2009 tournament series (January 21-24 and February 25-28 9) are now being accepted via the official series website, www.LStournaments.com. The total cash prize jackpot for the series is expected to exceed $300,000, and the boat with the highest combined score from the first and second tournaments will receive a guaranteed grand prize of US$50,000 from the tournament promoter, Los Sueños Resort and Marina.

For further information, please contact Ashley Bretecher, Tournament Director, toll-free 1-866-865-9759, ph: 011.506.2637.8886, ext. 1075, ph: 011-506-2630-4000 or via e-mail abretecher@lossuenosresort.com. More information on the tournament series can also be found online at www.LStournaments.com. Information on Los Sueños Resort and Marina is available on-line at www.lsrm.com.

FINAL RESULTS, DAILY FISH TOTALS AND DETAILED
INFORMATION FOR THE WINNING TEAMS

THE SECOND LEG OF THE 2007
LOS SUEÑOS SIGNATURE BILLFISH SERIES FINISHES
WITH FINESSE
MARCH 15-18, 2007

The second leg of the 2007 Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series presented by CABO Yachts ended on Sunday, March 18th after 3 days of intense competition between 55 teams. A total of 1,150 billfish were caught by 58 boats over the two tournament series, including 82 marlin and 1068 sailfish, making for an incredible fish to boat ratio of 20:1!
Fishing was up and down prior to check-in and registration for the second leg of the 2007 series on March 15th; however once the boats left Herradura Bay for the first day of fishing on Friday morning everyone knew this tournament would top 600 fish!
Day 1 brought out the competitive spirit of those teams vying for the ultimate $50,000 grand prize for the series champion. Stephanie Lee, a 63’ Acy with Tony Carrizosa at the helm, had a commanding lead after the first tournament of the series with 4600 points. Despite their record setting catches in January, anglers David Trombley, Jeff Stafford, Andy Moyes, Dennis Ward and Jeff Thiel, just weren’t having any luck bringing in the fish at the start of the March tournament. Hattaboy, a 60’ Hatteras captained by Chris Garner, squeezed into first place with 10 sails and 1 marlin for 1500 points, followed by a 58’ Merritt, Mimi, with 1400 points and Dealer’s Choice, a 64’ Viking captained by Bob Watson, with 1300 points.

Day 2 was defined by the marlin bite, with 15 marlin caught and released in one day! Competitors were looking to break through with big points. Anglers Robert Del Vecchio, Peter O’Leary, Ty Visscher, Heiner Vallejos and Parker Stephen aboard Desperado, a 60’ Bertram captained by Jeffrey Schatman, brought in 3 sails and 3 marlin for 1800 points and the lead for the day. The Bite and Barbarosa, tied with 1300 points, came in second and third place respectively by time.

Day 3 was the culmination of this competitive spirit as Stephanie Lee and Dealer’s Choice came head to head for the title of Series Champion. Less than an hour before lines out they were tied for the grand prize and had the tournament spectators on the edge of their seats awaiting the outcome of what would surely be the closest race in the history of the Signature Series. In the end, Stephanie Lee’s commanding lead after the January tournament rendered all else helpless and she took the ultimate title of Series Grand Champion with a combined two tournament total of 26 sailfish, 6 marlin and 5600 points.

In the race for first place of the second leg of the series, The Bite showed everyone that consistent fishing is what it takes to get to the top, with a three day total of 4000 points. Dealer’s Choice came in second with 27 sails, 1 marlin and 3200 points, followed by Barbarosa in third after releasing 19 sails and 2 marlin, for a total of 2900 points.
At the awards dinner sponsored by CABO Yachts later that evening, Los Sueños President and CEO William Royster presented the winning teams with checks for their share of the tournament’s US$145,000 cash jackpot ($72,500 to first, $43,500 to second, $29,000 to third) and trophies featuring Bodo Muche bronze billfish sculptures. Each angler also received Costa Del Mar sunglasses. All 3 winning teams received a humidor with cigars provided by La Casa del Habano and a framed print from Rick Bogert. The first place boat also received individual trophies for the captain, anglers and crew. The Series Champion took home a rod holder from Blue Water Chairs and an $8500 gift certificate from Dockwise Yacht Transport.

Tournament participants enjoyed four days of dinner events and entertainment, including dockside cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. The awards dinner on March 18th was amazing, with live entertainment – including ESPN personality Chris Fischer, from Offshore Adventures – a jaw dropping tournament show filmed and produced by Fischer Productions, open bars and fireworks.
The success of the Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series is due to the cooperation of many staff and volunteers and of course to the generosity of our tournament sponsors: CABO Yachts, Viking Yachts, Marlin Magazine, Dockwise Yacht Transport, Salt Water Sportsman Magazine, Yachting Magazine, Caterpillar, Toyota, Contender Yachts, Westrec Marinas, Banco Interfin, BLP Abogados, HMY Yacht Sales, MTU, Sportfishing Magazine, the World Billfish Series, the International Game Fish Association, the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship, Gray Taxidermy, Stewart Title Costa Rica, Blue Water Chairs, Rick Bogert (tournament artist), IK Yacht Design, Bodo Muche Studios, Flor de Caña, Costa Del Mar, La Casa del Habano, Marriott, Riviera Yachts and Costa Rica Dreams Sport Fishing Charters, Costa Rica Luxury Rentals, Cebaco Bay Sportfishing Club, Durman Esquivel, Northern Lights and Tropical Clothing.
The Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series presented by CABO Yachts is sanctioned by the World Billfish Series (WBS) and the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship. Anglers competing in the Los Sueños tournaments are automatically enrolled in the WBS and compete for points in the Pacific Rim Division. The winners from the January and March Los Sueños tournaments will be eligible to compete in the 2008 Rolex/IGFA Grand Championship. For further information, please visit www.worldbillfishseries.com or www.igfa.org.
Entries for the 2008 tournament series (January 9-12 and March 12-15) are now being accepted via the official series website, www.LStournaments.com. The total cash prize jackpot for the series is expected to exceed $300,000, and the boat with the highest combined score from the first and second tournaments will receive a guaranteed grand prize of US$50,000 from the tournament promoter, Los Sueños Resort and Marina.

For further information, please contact Ashley Bretecher, Tournament Director, toll-free 1-866-865-9759, ph: 011-506-637-8886, ext. 1075 or via e-mail abretecher@lossuenosresort.com.

More information on the tournament series can also be found online at www.LStournaments.com. Information on Los Sueños Resort and Marina is available on-line at www.lsrm.com.

LOS SUEÑOS LAUNCHES ITS 2006 SIGNATURE BILLFISH SERIES
WITH 1282 COMBINED SAILFISH AND MARLIN RELEASES IN THE FIRST TOURNAMENT OF THE YEAR

Playa Herradura, Costa Rica – The first tournament in the 2006 Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series presented by CABO Yachts ended on Sunday, January 22, after three days of remarkable competition from 46 teams that resulted in the combined release of 1230 sailfish and 52 marlin.
Fishing conditions were steadily improving prior to the start of the first tournament on January 19th; however no one was prepared for the incredible number of fish. By the end of the first fishing day, Anglers D. Albrey Arrington, Gabriel Arrington, Minor Navarro Rojas and Santos Cortez Morales aboard the Reel Justice, a 56’ Ocean yacht captained by Robert Arrington only released four sailfish in total, but propelled to the top of the scoreboard by releasing four marlin for a score of 2,400. Game On, a 74’ Viking, proved to be a challenging rival and placed second with 2,300 points.
On Day 2, Spanish Fly, a 42’ Maverick captained by Daniel Espinoza and the soon-to-be tournament champion was warming up; anglers Richard Lebo, Larry Divon and Carlos Cambronero released 26 sailfish for a score of 2,600 and first place for the day. Anglers Bob Hixson, Parker Bankston, Vick Starling and Alberto Sanchez aboard Game On were racing against the clock and released 19 sailfish and 1 marlin to take second place for Day 2 with 2,400 points.
Spanish Fly and Game On were neck to neck on Day 3, fiercely fighting it out to the finish. The anglers on Game On managed to release an incredible 32 sailfish but it was the steady Spanish Fly that claimed the top prize for tournament one with a combined three-day total of 70 sailfish and 1 marlin for 7,500. Game On placed second with 68 sailfish and 1 marlin released in three days of intense fishing for a total of 7,300. Reel Justice took third place with 5,900 (34 sailfish and 5 marlin).
At the awards dinner sponsored by CABO Yachts later that evening, Los Sueños President and CEO William Royster presented the winning teams with checks for their share of the tournament’s US$101,200 cash jackpot ($50,500 to first, $30,400 to second, $20,300 to third) and trophies featuring Bodo Muche bronze billfish sculptures. Each angler also received Costa Del Mar sunglasses, and cigars provided by La Casa del Habano. The first place boat received individual trophies for the captain, anglers and crew.
Tournament participants enjoyed four days of dinner events and entertainment, including dockside cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and a home-style bar-b-q awards dinner with live entertainment and open bars. The Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series has quickly become a “must” on the international tournament circuit and is gaining momentum with each passing year. The success of the Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series is due to the cooperation of many staff and volunteers and of course to the generosity of our tournament sponsors CABO Yachts, Viking Yachts, Dockwise Yacht Transport, Salt Water Sportsman Magazine, Caterpillar, Toyota, Contender Yachts, Westrec Marinas, Banco Interfin, HMY Yacht Sales, the World Billfish Series, the International Game Fish Association, the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship, Atlantic Taxidermy, Stewart Title Costa Rica, Blue Water Chairs, Rick Bogert (tournament artist), Eagle Claw, Bodo Muche Studios, Flor de Caña, Costa Del Mar, La Casa del Habano, Melton International Tackle Magazine, Riviera Yachts and Costa Rica Dreams Sport Fishing Charters.
The Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series presented by CABO Yachts is sanctioned by the World Billfish Series (WBS) and the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship. Anglers competing in the Los Sueños tournaments are automatically enrolled in the WBS and compete for points in the Pacific Rim Division. The winners from the January and March Los Sueños tournaments will be eligible to compete in the Rolex/IGFA Grand Championship to be held in Dania Beach, Florida in May 2007.
The 2006 Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series wraps up with the second and final tournament to be fished March 2-5. Entries for the March event are still being accepted via the official series website, www.LStournaments.com. The total cash prize jackpot is expected to exceed $95,000, and the boat with the highest combined score from the first and second tournaments will receive a guaranteed grand prize of US$50,000 from the tournament promoter, Los Sueños Resort and Marina.
For further information, please contact Ashley Bretecher, Tournament Director, at toll-free 1-866-865-9759, ph: 011-506-637-8886, ext. 1075 or via e-mail abretecher@lossuenosresort.com. More information on the tournament series can also be found online at www.LStournaments.com. Information on Los Sueños Resort and Marina is available on-line at www.lsrm.com.

LOS SUEÑOS WRAPS UP ITS 2006 SIGNATURE BILLFISH SERIES
WITH 2044 COMBINED SAILFISH AND MARLIN RELEASES IN ONLY SIX DAYS OF TOURNAMENT ACTION OVER TWO-TOURNAMENTS

Playa Herradura, Costa Rica – The second tournament of the 2006 Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series presented by CABO Yachts wrapped up on Sunday, March 5, after three days of intense competition between 49 teams that resulted in the combined release of 750 sailfish and 12 marlin.
Fishing conditions were slow prior to the start of the second tournament on March 2; there were a lot of fish, but they were just not biting! A few Hail Maries and fish dances by the local and visiting anglers made a big difference, as fishing picked up on the first day of the tournament and remained steady with an average of 260 fish caught each day.
On Day 1 Miss Behavin showed her colors and proved that she was a lady to be reckoned with. Anglers Harry “Buddy” Carson Schultz, Robert Carson Schultz, Clifton Fletchen and James Taylor Norris aboard the 1988 Garlington 58’, with Captain Mike Canino at the helm, caught and released 10 sails and 1 marlin for 1,500 points and first place on Day 1, followed by Game On, the second place winner from tournament I in January with 1,400 points. Spanish Fly, the first place winner from tournament I, came in third, also with 1,400 points!
Day 2 was packed with excitement as Spanish Fly, Clean Sweep and Miss Pat battled it out for first place. In the end, Spanish Fly showed everyone what it takes to stay at the top; steady fishing. The 2004 Maverick 42’, captained by Daniel Espinoza, took anglers Richard Lebo, Larry Divon and Carlos “Coco” Cambronero to the top with 10 sailfish releases for a combined two day total of 2,400 points. Miss Pat came in second by time with 2,400 points with Clean Sweep close behind with 2,300 points.
Anglers John Ryan, Dan Doyle Sr., Dan Doyle Jr. and Danny Hearn aboard the Miss Pat, a 1995 Garlington 44’ from Belleair, Florida, kept up a steady rhythm on Day 3, catching and releasing 10 sails and 1 marlin for a combined three day total of 3,900 points! Clean Sweep was not far behind with 3,800 points. Finally, Dealer’s Choice slipped past Spanish Fly by one sailfish release to take third place with 3,300 points.
The final awards banquet, presented by CABO Yachts on March 5, was a resounding success. Tournament participants were treated to a wonderful story written by the anonymous Author Well Known, a tasty Mexican inspired buffet with all the trimmings and a jaw dropping fireworks display. Los Sueños President and CEO, William Royster, presented the winning teams with checks for their share of the tournament’s $95,000 cash jackpot ($47,500 to first, $28,500 to second, $19,000 to third) and trophies featuring Bodo Muche bronze billfish sculptures. Each angler also received Costa Del Mar sunglasses, and cigars provided by La Casa del Habano. The top anglers from both tournaments were also recognized by the visiting representative of the World Billfish Series, Sam White. Carlos “Coco” Cambronero caught and released 46 sails and 1 marlin during tournament I and Randall Garcia caught and release 26 sails during tournament II.
Despite its fourth place finish for tournament II, Spanish Fly took home the $50,000 guaranteed grand prize presented by the tournament organizer Los Sueños Resort and Marina, and the title of 2006 Series Champion with an unbelievable two-tournament combined score of 10,700 points! Game On was the runner up with an amazing 9,800 points. In only 6 days of fishing over two tournaments, 55 teams caught and released an astounding total of 2,044 billfish (1,980 sailfish and 64 marlin).
A total of 55 teams, 385 participants, 26 sponsors, and many volunteers and staff came together to put on what has been the most successful series to date. After only 3 years, the Los Sueños Signature Series has become one of the most sought after tournaments in the world of sportfishing and can only look forward to continuing success with the cooperation and generosity of sponsors such as CABO Yachts, Viking Yachts, Dockwise Yacht Transport, Salt Water Sportsman Magazine, Caterpillar, Toyota, Contender Yachts, Westrec Marinas, Banco Interfin, HMY Yacht Sales, the World Billfish Series, the International Game Fish Association, the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship, Atlantic Taxidermy, Stewart Title Costa Rica, Blue Water Chairs, Rick Bogert (tournament artist), Eagle Claw, Bodo Muche Studios, Flor de Caña, Costa Del Mar, La Casa del Habano, Melton International Tackle Magazine, Riviera Yachts and Costa Rica Dreams Sport Fishing Charters.
The Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series presented by CABO Yachts is sanctioned by the World Billfish Series (WBS) and the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship. Anglers competing in the Los Sueños tournaments are automatically enrolled in the WBS and compete for points in the Pacific Rim Division. The winners from the January and March Los Sueños tournaments will be eligible to compete in the Rolex/IGFA Grand Championship to be held in Dania Beach, Florida in May 2007.
Peter and Jackie Caspari, the official tournament photographers of the Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series, invite you to view photo evidence of the action, excitement and roaring good time had by all. Please log onto their website at www.ireachamerica.com and enter the password: paradise.
Entries for the 2007 Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series are already being accepted via the official series website, www.lstournaments.com. The first tournament will be held from the 18th through the 21st of January and the second from the 15th through the 18th of March.
For further information, please contact Ashley Bretecher, Tournament Director, at toll-free 1-866-865-9759, ph: 011-506-637-8886, ext. 1075 or via e-mail abretecher@lossuenosresort.com. More information on the tournament series can also be found online at www.lstournaments.com. Information on Los Sueños Resort and Marina is available on-line at www.lsrm.com.

LOS SUEÑOS WRAPS UP ITS 2005 SIGNATURE BILLFISH SERIES
WITH 895 BILLFISH RELEASES THE FINAL TOURNAMENT OF THE YEAR

Incredible fish-to-boat ratio of 27.92 one of the highest in world tournament history
Playa Herradura, Costa Rica – The final tournament in the 2005 Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series presented by CABO Yachts wrapped up on Monday, March 14, with 895 billfish releases by 32 teams participating in the three-day event. The tournament’s fish-to-boat ratio of 27.92 (or 9.32 billfish per boat per day) is one of the most impressive results in tournament history.
With boats fishing out of Los Sueños reporting 20 to 60 billfish releases per day during the week leading up to the event, tournament organizers were confident that the previous tournament’s total of 506 releases would be easily surpassed. On Day 1, the first release was reported only minutes after lines in was called, and the bite remained consistent throughout the day, with defending champion Double Trouble, a 60’ Hatteras, going head to head with Reel Screamer, a 74’ Viking, and Adios, a 40’Game Fisherman, to establish the lead. By the 4:00 PM lines out call, Double Trouble’s Captain Dave Noling and anglers Darren Casey, Tami Noling, Alberto Sanchez and Arturo Moreno had successfully released 25 sailfish, but were knocked out of the top spot by Reel Screamer’s team of Captain John Peerson and anglers Scott Rickert (former WBS World Champion), Scott Bowers, Mike Parr and Merlyn Torres, who equaled the score with two lucrative marlin releases valued at 500 points each (versus 100 for each sailfish) and 15 sailfish releases, winning the tie based on the time of their last release. With 2100 points,Captain Vince Austin and teammates Debbie Austin, Scott Rhein, Doug Donohue and Jose David Badilla aboard Adios, a 40’ Game Fisherman, were in close pursuit.
The next morning, the docks of Los Sueños Marina were buzzing with the news of the first day’s release total of 332 billfish and the anticipation of a potential 1000-release tournament. The bite on the second day was as consistent as the first, yet a number of teams from the middle of the pack to challenge the leaders. The surprise performance of the day was by Kasanova, a 65’ Hatteras captained by Rusty Nixdorf, which posted the highest point total with 21 sailfish releases by anglers Lawrence Roland, Frank Konigseder, Robert Bianco and Ron Locke, moving from 15th to third position. With 10 sailfish releases, Adios moved into second place overall, and Double Trouble took over the top position with nine sailfish releases. By the end of Day 2, exactly 599 billfish releases had been confirmed and the previous tournament’s total had been surpassed.
The final fishing day started out as all the rest had, with consistent releases from the moment the lines hit the water. The customary late afternoon bite came early, though, and by 2PM, the battle for first place centered upon Double Trouble, Adios, Kasanova and the 38’ Out Island El Jefe, captained by Victor Julio Lopez Pizarro. By five minutes before lines out, El Jefe teammates Michael Latham, Decarol Williams and Steven Anthony Crilly had achieved 16 sailfish releases and were hooked up on a 17th fish to surpass Kasanova and close in on Double Trouble and Adios, which were running neck and neck for the lead. At 2:57PM, when it appeared that Double Trouble was poised to take its second Los Sueños tournament title, Adios angler Jose David Badilla hooked up on a sailfish that he successfully released four minutes later, giving his team the win with 5100 points, followed by Double Trouble in second place with 5000 points and El Jefe in third place with 4800 points.
At the awards dinner sponsored by CABO Yachts later that evening, Los Sueños President and CEO William Royster presented the winning teams with checks for their share of the tournament’s US$68,000 cash jackpot ($34,000 to first, $20,400 to second, $13,600 to third) and trophies featuring Bodo Muche bronze billfish sculptures. Each angler also received a Seeker rod and a pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses. As fireworks exploded overhead, the anglers and crew from Double Trouble returned to the stage to be recognized as the 2005 Los Sueños Series Champion for having the highest combined point total from the two tournaments (8,600 points in total). Team leader Darren Casey received a check for $50,000 from Royster and was presented with a $8,500 certificate towards passage on Dockwise Yacht Transport. In addition, all anglers received signed prints from tournament artist Steve Goione, and the boat’s name will be added to the perpetual series trophy on display at the entrance to Los Sueños Marina.
Tournament participants were treated to four days of first-class social events, ranging from casual, dockside cocktails to formal buffet dinners with live entertainment and open bars. The Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series has rapidly earned the reputation as the most prestigious tournament series in Central America for the quality of its organization and events, made possible through the generous support from tournament sponsors CABO Yachts, Viking Yachts, Riviera Yachts, Dockwise Yacht Transport, Westrec Marinas, Caterpillar, MTU, Banco Interfin, HMY Yacht Sales, Star Lures, Flor de Caña, Costa Del Mar, Stewart Title Costa Rica, Bodo Muche Studios, Seeker Rods and Costa Rica Dreams Sport Fishing Charters.
The 2005 Series marks the first time that Los Sueños has used observers certified by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). Over 30 certified volunteers traveled to Costa Rica from the United States and the Caribbean to be part of the event, while an additional observers were recruited from the group of 18 local residents who were trained at a special IGFA certification course held at Los Sueños Resort and Marina on January 11.
Both tournaments that comprise the Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series presented by CABO Yachts are sanctioned by the World Billfish Series (WBS). Anglers competing in the Los Sueños tournaments are automatically enrolled in the WBS and compete for points in the Pacific Rim Division. At the closing ceremonies for the second tournament, John Molfetto of the WBS presented angler Scott Rhein of Adios with the Golden Fleece Award, which entitles Rhein to represent the second Los Sueños tournament at the 2005 WBS World Championships to be held later this year.
Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series will continue in 2006 and will consist of two events: Tournament I from January 19-22 and Tournament II from March 2-5. Details will be posted on the official series website www.LStournaments.com in the coming weeks.
For further information, please contact Andrea Cooper, Tournament Director, at toll-free 1-866-865-9759, tel: 011-506-637-8886, ext. 1010 or via E-mail acooper@lossuenosresort.com. Information on Los Sueños Resort and Marina is available on-line at www.lsrm.com.

LOS SUEÑOS KICKS OFF ITS 2005 SIGNATURE BILLFISH SERIES
WITH 506 BILLFISH RELEASES IN THE FIRST TOURNAMENT OF THE YEAR!

Playa Herradura, Costa Rica – The first tournament in the 2005 Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series presented by CABO Yachts wrapped up on Saturday, January 15, after three days of intense competition from 33 teams that resulted in the release of 506 billfish.
Fishing conditions were excellent going into the event, and tournament organizers knew it would be a tight race. By the end of Day 1, Abracadabra, a 53’ Monterrey captained by Mike Canino, held a commanding lead with 1,500 points. Anglers Yandell Rodgers, Dee Ann Rodgers, Juan Barquero and Billy Love only released seven billfish in total, but catapulted to the top of the leaderboard by releasing two marlin valued at 500 points each (versus 100 for each sailfish).
On Day 2, the defending champion from the 2004 Los Sueños-HMY Open Tournament, Desperado, was definitely in the bite. With Capt. Jeffrey Schatman at the helm of the 60’ Bertram, anglers Bob Del Vecchio, Peter O’Leary, Ty Visscher and Ron Schatman released 17 sailfish by lines out to claim the lead for day two. The 35’ Bertram, Sailfish, captained by Bill Kieldsen, was in hot pursuit with 15 sails released by anglers Mike McDonald, Dave Arsenault, Paul Cornell and George Smith.
By noon on Day 3, it was too close to call. Desperado was fighting hard to maintain the lead, but faced fierce competition from Double Trouble, the 60’ Hatteras captained by Dave Noling, which was sitting at a comfortable fourth place going into the final fishing day. With a marlin release worth 500 points and five additional sailfish releases before noon, anglers Darren Casey, Tami Noling, Alberto Sanchez and Arturo Moreno went on to release four more sailfish in the final hours of the tournament to first place overall with a total of 3,600 points. Desperado was second with 3,400 and Sailfish third with 3,300 points.
At the awards dinner sponsored by CABO Yachts later that evening, Los Sueños President and CEO William Royster presented the winning teams with checks for their share of the tournament’s US$66,000 cash jackpot ($33,000 to first, $19,800 to second, $13,200 to third) and trophies featuring Bodo Muche bronze billfish sculptures. Each angler also received a Seeker rod and Costa Del Mar sunglasses.
Tournament participants were treated to four days of first-class social events, ranging from casual, dockside cocktails to formal buffet dinners with live entertainment and open bars. The Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series has rapidly earned the reputation as the most prestigious tournament series in Central America for the quality of its organization and events, made possible through the generous support from tournament sponsors CABO Yachts, Viking Yachts, Riviera Yachts, Dockwise Yacht Transport, Westrec Marinas, Caterpillar, MTU, Banco Interfin, HMY Yacht Sales, Flor de Caña, Costa Del Mar, Stewart Title Costa Rica, Bodo Muche Studios, Seeker Rods and Costa Rica Dreams Sport Fishing Charters.
The 2005 Series marks the first time that Los Sueños has used observers certified by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). Over 28 certified volunteers traveled to Playa Herradura from the United States and the Caribbean to be part of the event, while an additional group of 18 observers were trained at a special IGFA certification course held at Los Sueños Resort and Marina on January 11, in which IGFA ambassador Mike Leach was a featured presenter.
Both tournaments that comprise the Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series presented by CABO Yachts are sanctioned by the World Billfish Series (WBS). Anglers competing in the Los Sueños tournaments are automatically enrolled in the WBS and compete for points in the Pacific Rim Division. At the closing ceremonies for the first tournament, Sam White of the WBS presented angler Scott Rickert with the WBS Marlin, a custom bronze trophy by marine artist Geoffrey Smith, in recognition of his achievement as the top angler in the WBS Pacific Rim Division for 2004. Rickert earned the majority of his points by fishing in both tournaments of the 2004 Los Sueños-HMY Signature Billfish Series presented by CABO Yachts and Viking Yachts.
The 2005 Los Sueños Signature Billfish Series wraps up with the second and final tournament to be fished March 11-14. Entries for the March event are still being accepted via the official series website, www.LStournaments.com. The total cash prize jackpot is expected to exceed $65,000, and the boat with the highest combined score from the first and second tournaments will receive a guaranteed cash prize of US$50,000.
For further information, please contact Andrea Cooper, Tournament Director, at toll-free 1-866-865-9759, tel: 011-506-637-8886, ext. 1010 or via E-mail acooper@lossuenosresort.com. Extensive information on the tournament series can also be found online at www.LStournaments.com. Information on Los Sueños Resort and Marina is available on-line at www.lsrm.com.

March 12, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


The First Two Tournaments in the Los Suenos-HMY Signature Billfish Series raise the stakes in fishing and for charity!


Los Sueños, Costa Rica. The first two events in the trilogy of world-class fishing tournaments, The Los Sueños – HMY Signature Billfish Series presented by Cabo Yachts and Viking Yachts were a huge success! These exciting events took place at the beautiful Los Sueños Resort and Marina, February 23 – 28, 2004.

The series began with a Ladies’ Sailfish Open, February 23 & 24, 2004. This event was strictly a charitable tournament and featured a competitive light-tackle division and great prizes. Third place with 300 points was Chupacabra. Jennifer Aguirre was team captain with Capt. Kim Manning at the helm. Second place with 300 points was Adios (Donna and Debbie Austin as teammates and Captain Vince Austin.) First place with 700 points was Jennifer Wojuk on Cazador (Captain Mike Aikens).

The second tournament in the series, the Billfish Open, took place February 25-28, 2004 with 21 boats competing. The final day of fishing saw the lead change many times as the bite heated up. In a fishery known for its plentiful sailfish, the marlin bite was strong during this exciting event and they made all the difference at 500 points for each release! “This was really a first-class event,” said Doc Austin, one of the owners of HMY Yachts. “All the anglers had a great time and the competition was tough. HMY is proud to be involved with the startup of this exciting series.”


Results from the inaugural Los Sueños-HMY Open Billfish Tournament:

Third Place: Rum Runner – Capt. Joe Crawford
2,500 points
Team: Carlos Pellas
Hugo Hoffman
Alexis Chamorro
Roberto Hording

Second Place: J&T – Capt. David Shinn
2,700 points
Team: Walter Johnson
George Amman
Gary McCulla
Daniel Borislow

First Place: Desperado – Capt. Jeffrey Schatman
2,900 points
Team: Bob Del Vecchio
Peter O’Leary
Ty Visscher
Orlando Soto

Another “winner” of the tournament was the Los Sueños Foundation for Schools, which received $15,870 from the tournament proceeds and then an additional $51,000 in private donations from tournament participants! This desperately needed money will help build additional classrooms and provide basic educational materials, uniforms and food for the children of the public elementary school in Herradura.

The series concludes with the Billfish Invitational, March 24 – 27, 2004. The tournament is limited to the first 75 entries and is sure to fill up fast. “Word is spreading quickly about this exciting conclusion to our series,” said Bill Royster, President and CEO of Los Sueños Resort and Marina. “Fishing this tournament will be like none they have ever fished before.”

Both the Billfish Open and Billfish Invitational are sanctioned by the World Billfish Series (WBS) as part of the Pacific Rim division. In keeping with Los Sueños’ commitment to conservation, the entire series is a “land and release” format and features the exclusive use of circle hooks (except on non-baited lures). The tournament also utilizes observers for each boat—maintaining the integrity of the event. For a complete list of rules and entry fees, go to our tournament web site at www.LS-HMYseries.com.

All events in the series take place at the world-class Los Sueños Resort and Marina in Costa Rica. Getting there is easy! Most major U.S. airlines offer direct flights to San Jose, Costa Rica. From there it is a mere 1 1⁄2 hour shuttle ride to Los Sueños. With its 200-slip international marina, spectacular view properties, private beach club, challenging 18-hole “eco” golf course, four-star Marriott hotel and 600-acre rainforest reserve, Los Sueños is truly Costa Rica’s premier destination resort community.


Tournament fishing and accommodation packages are extremely limited. For more information about this exciting tournament series, contact Laurie Ciecierski at 954-926-5043 or visit www.LS-HMYseries.com. For more information about the exciting luxury lifestyle at Los Sueños Resort and Marina, contact Andrea Cooper, Executive Director of Communications, at 011-506-637-8886.


Andrea Cooper
Executive Director of Communications
Los Sueños Resort and Marina
Playa Herradura, Costa Rica
Tel. 011-506-637-8886

October 18, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Million dollar fishing tournament series scheduled for 2004 at Los Sueños Resort!Los Sueños, Costa Rica. World-class tournament fishing has come to Costa Rica and its new home is the Los Sueños Resort and Marina! The Los Sueños – HMY Signature Billfish Series presented by Cabo Yachts is a three-part series of offshore fishing tournaments focusing on the plentiful billfish that inhabit the Pacific waters of Costa Rica. “We’re so proud to be presenting such a competitive and lucrative tournament series,” said Bill Royster, President and CEO of Los Sueños Resort and Marina. “I’m sure that when the international fishing community spends some time experiencing the ultimate in both fishing and luxury—they’ll all want to live here!”

The series begins with a Ladies’ Sailfish Open, January 27-30, 2004. This is strictly a charitable tournament and features a competitive light-tackle division and great prizes. The second tournament in the series is the Billfish Open that takes place February 25-28, 2004. This event is open to all and features a $500,000 prize package!* The series concludes with the Billfish Invitational, March 24 – 27, 2004. This tournament also features a $500,000 prize package*--making the Los Sueños-HMY Signature Tournament Series the richest fishing series in Central America! All the tournaments are limited to the first 75 entries and they are sure to fill up fast.
The idea for the tournament series was “cooked up” between Royster and HMY president, Doc Austin, a new Los Sueños resident. What started as an idea for a small weekend resident-only event has mushroomed into one of the most exciting fishing tournament series around! “The fishing is amazing here,” said Austin. “It’s not a matter of whether you’ll catch something on an outing—it’s how many! It’s not unusual to release more than 20 sails in a day—so competition is sure to be tough! HMY is proud to be involved with the startup of this challenging series.”

Both the Billfish Open and Billfish Invitational will be sanctioned by the World Billfish Series (WBS) as part of the Pacific Rim division. WBS president Jim Simons personally participated in the initial planning sessions for the series at Los Sueños Resort and Marina. “I was very impressed by the facility as well as the professionalism of the staff there,” he reported. “This will definitely be a highlight of the World Tour for next year, and I would encourage our anglers, their families and friends to make plans to fish these events!”
The species most targeted for the series will be the Pacific sailfish, but more points will be awarded to those that release the more elusive marlin. There will also be prizes for the fun-fish division including dolphin, yellow fin tuna and wahoo. Local waters literally teem with big game: dolphin averaging 40 pounds, yellow fin tuna that push the 300-pound mark and one of the largest concentrations of big Pacific sailfish found anywhere. In fact, this region boasts one of the healthiest billfish fisheries in the world, with 20-fish days being a common occurrence. Unusually calm waters and short rides to the fishing grounds have made Los Sueños Resort and Marina one of the most sought-after big game fishing destinations in the world.
In keeping with Los Sueños’ commitment to conservation, the entire series is a “land and release” format and features the exclusive use of circle hooks (except on non-baited lures). The tournament also utilizes observers for each boat—maintaining the integrity of the event. For a complete list of rules and entry fees, go to our tournament web site at www.LS-HMYseries.com.
The series will take place at the world-class Los Sueños Resort and Marina in Costa Rica. Getting there is easy! Most major U.S. airlines offer direct flights to San Jose, Costa Rica. From there it is a mere 1 1⁄2 hour shuttle ride to Los Sueños. With its 200-slip international marina, spectacular view properties, private beach club, challenging 18-hole “eco” golf course, four-star Marriott hotel and 600-acre rainforest reserve, Los Sueños is truly Costa Rica’s premier destination resort community.

Tournament fishing and accommodation packages are extremely limited. For more information about this exciting tournament series, contact Kitty McGowan, Tournament Director at 954-523-1004 or visit www.LS-HMYseries.com. For more information about the exciting luxury lifestyle at Los Sueños Resort and Marina, contact Andrea Cooper, Executive Director of Communications at 011-506-643-3886 or 011-506-637-8886.