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Quepos once again proved why it remains one of the most prolific billfish destinations on the planet, as the second annual IGFA Open delivered staggering numbers and tight competition—all in support of billfish conservation.
Hosted at Marina Pez Vela in Costa Rica, this year’s event built on a strong debut, with the 30-boat fleet producing an eye-popping 1,206 billfish releases over two days of fishing.
At the top of the leaderboard, Pura Vida, captained by Rudy Arguedas, kept the momentum rolling for their team with another dominant performance, racking up 7,600 points and fueled by an incredible Day One showing of 38 fish. Anglers Aileen Gonzalez, JC Gonzalez, Ericka Sandi, Sebastian Delgado, Armando Delgado and Evan Alonso stayed consistent through the event, finishing with 72 sailfish and a blue marlin to secure the win.
Second place went to Tarheel, led by Capt. John Bayliss, with a strong 7,300-point finish. The team released an impressive 73 sailfish over the course of the tournament, with anglers Paige Bayliss, John Bayliss Jr., Jorge Carrillo, Mike Criscola, Burro Gonzalez and Mike Kelly keeping steady pressure on the leaders.
Rounding out the podium, Team Galati, captained by Tony Carrizosa, delivered one of the tournament’s most explosive single-day performances, posting 4,600 points on Day One. The team—featuring anglers Sean Dooley, Thomas Garmany, Justin Healey, Pat Healey, Lance Hightower and West Rivers—closed out the event with 67 sailfish and a blue marlin for 7,100 total points.
Beyond the billfish action, the gamefish division added to the excitement. Salt Shaker’s Nani Reyes boated the heaviest dolphinfish of the tournament at 40.9 pounds, while Eduardo Carbone Maffio Ruiz of Team Scarlet claimed top yellowfin honors with a 42.1-pound fish.
Individually, Aileen Gonzalez of Pura Vida earned top angler honors, followed by Mike Kelly of Tarheel in second. Lindor Jimenez of Trailer Trash secured third, while Stratton Slovick of Pelagic/Love and Luck took home top junior angler.
With world-class fishing, strong participation and a continued emphasis on conservation, the IGFA Open has quickly cemented itself as a must-fish event on the Central American circuit.
