2008 Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament Presented by Mercury Marine

For Immediate Release 

U.S. Recreational Alliance Wraps Up the 2008 Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament Presented by Mercury Marine. The Five Days of Sea Food and Music Festival.

The Five Days of Sea and Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament registration kicked off on Wednesday February 27th at Las Olas Marina with gusts of wind and a chill in the air. The five day festival and tournament began with tents, a giant inflatable fish slide for the kids, a full stage for the entertainment, and a packed parking lot visible from the Las Olas Boulevard Bridge.  Jimmy Stowe and the Stowaways set the atmosphere with classic Jimmy Buffet and Caribbean tunes that are a staple at any South Florida Festival. As the anglers poured through the door, with the public close behind, in anticipation of the captain’s meeting and the headliner for the evening, Rick Derringer.

 Registration for the Marine Industries Association of South Florida’s “One Day Slam” was at an all time high with 55 boats entering.  Many were first time tournament teams that were obviously nervous and excited. The goal of the “One Day Slam” is to offer the weekend fisherman and families a tournament with prize money that is well within reach to win. The prize structure was set up with the heaviest in the species of dolphin, wahoo, kingfish and tuna winning $5,000 each. There was also a sailfish category paying $5,000 for the most release points at 300 points per release. The winners this year were “Bonnie & Clyde” for the largest dolphin weighing in at 27.6 lbs, “Shutter Up” for the largest kingfish weighing in at 40.3 lbs, and “More Magic” taking the overall Sailfish Division with 1200 release points, releasing four fish. No tuna or wahoo were weighed this year.  The anglers had a challenging day of fishing on Saturday with a very quiet morning. The bite picked up in the afternoon with 33 sailfish releases and some big kingfish boated.

 The HMY Yacht Sales “Three Day Classic” had eight fantastic teams participate in a winner take-all tournament. We feel from our experience that this is largely due to the sign of the times. With the major increase of anglers participating in the one day, it is evident that anglers like the shorter fishing hours and higher payouts. Watch for the three day classic to evolve in the coming years based on the comments and suggestions of the South Florida tournament teams.  The FLBT recognizes the importance of feedback and will listen to ensure the continued growth of the Classic.  The teams collectively decided to make the purse a winner take all, with a modest prize for the second place boat. The top boat was “Catch One” releasing 15 fish with 4500 points and took home $20,000.

The venue was significantly changed this year with not one, but two separate tents for dining and drinks. The culinary feast presented to all in attendance was abundant in both the Dewalt Angler Tent and The XM Café with choices ranging from seared tuna to prime rib; specialty pizza to individually netted clam bakes and much more. Over 25 vendors with unique wares ranging from custom candles to stainless steel sculptures to artwork created the Market. The “Kids Paradise” was a tremendous hit with the inflatable 35 foot “fish” slide, virtual wave runner, mechanical surfboard, sand art, and many other electronic games and activities. There was full concert stage, sound and lighting for the music festival that allowed the music and lights to be seen and heard from the Las Olas Bridge and the beach.

The entertainment line-up was incredible. The music was virtually non-stop from Wednesday through Sunday. Acts included Blue Fire, Amber Leigh and Out “N” the Cold on Friday, Rythmation, Hep Cat Boo Daddies and Pat Travers on Saturday and a tremendous close on Sunday with Hot Brass Monkey, The Kasim Sulton Band and Bill “The Sauceboss” Wharton.  Local and national acts provided top of the line music and entertainment for the event just the same.

Plans are already on the table for next year’s event scheduled for February 26th through March 1st, 2009. “The structure, the support of all of the sponsors that made this year happen, and the strong affiliation and commitment between U. S. Recreational Alliance and The Marine Industries Association of South Florida, will make this event a South Florida favorite for years to come” states Mark Constantino, the Event Director from U.S. Recreational Alliance.

For more information, visit www.lauderdalebillfish.com or contact Mark Constantino at 954-786-4778.