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South Florida once again took center stage in the sport’s high-stakes arena as the 15th annual Jimmy Johnson “Quest for the Ring” Championship Fishing Week delivered big money, big crowds and tightly contested billfish action from Key Largo to Palm Beach.
Capping a milestone anniversary year, more than 80 elite teams descended on South Florida’s premier sailfish grounds, competing for a guaranteed purse that once again exceeded $1 million. When the final lines came out, it was Astra Sails that rose above the pack, securing the coveted Catch & Release Championship title with 15 billfish releases over two days.
Owned by Sharon and John McTurk and captained by Quinton Dieterle of Cutting Edge Fishing, the 2017 SeaVee proved a formidable platform. Anglers Skylar Demoth, Brian Fengler, Jorge Mayol, Matthew Fengler, Greg B., John McTurk, Shane O’Conner and Blake Pacella combined for a consistent, disciplined performance that earned the team $441,500 in total winnings. The victory also locked in another spot in Coach Jimmy Johnson’s prestigious Ring of Honor, further cementing the team’s place among the event’s elite.
Second place went to Reel Mortgage x Three R’s, led by owner-captain Rene Vila, which finished just one release shy of the top spot with 14 billfish. The team’s strong showing earned $70,500 and kept pressure on the leaders throughout the event.
In third, Priceless Fishing Team, captained by Tido Sanchez, tallied 13 releases to earn $144,500, while Just Chillin, under Capt. Matt Alligood, finished fourth with 12 releases and $155,500 in winnings.
Beyond the billfish division, the weeklong championship format once again showcased the breadth of the Fish Hard Events program. In the JJ’s National Sportfish Tournament presented by Big Dog Tackle, Caught Slippin claimed top honors with two kingfish totaling 88.8 pounds. Meanwhile, Sequentis took top honors in the Hard Rock Invitational, and Post Tension secured the Big Fish Calcutta.
From all-day gifting experiences to the signature Hard Rock-style closing bash, the event blended high-level competition with over-the-top hospitality, reinforcing its reputation as one of South Florida’s premier big-game events.
