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Anglers from across the United States, Brazil and Central America gathered at Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica, for the Flor de Caña 135th Anniversary Celebration and Tournament, a two-day event that paired outstanding fishing with lively hospitality and a strong social atmosphere. The 32-boat fleet—comprised of 22 sonar boats and 10 non-sonar boats—combined to release an impressive 75 blue marlin, four striped marlin, one black marlin and 148 sailfish, with a total of $442,640 paid out during the gala awards ceremony.
In the sonar boat division, Team Annie Girl, captained by Bryson Jennings, delivered a commanding performance to claim first place. The team amassed 4,600 points by releasing eight blue marlin and six sailfish, and their success extended well beyond the leaderboard, as they swept multiple optional billfish categories to finish as the tournament’s top overall money winner with $160,058. Second place went to Sea Duction, captained by Jorge Blanco, whose diverse catch included three blue marlin, eleven sailfish, one black marlin and one striped marlin for a total of 3,400 points. Angler Ronette Carter stood out by earning both High-Point Sonar Boat Angler and Lady Angler honors, helping the team close out the event with $40,942 in total winnings. Rounding out the top three was Blackhawk, captained by Garrett Penley, which also finished with 3,400 points after releasing six sailfish, five blue marlin and one striped marlin. Blackhawk made the most of the Flor de Caña Happy Hour format, earning 2,000 points during those windows alone and finishing with $35,983 in winnings.
In the non-sonar boat division, Kelly Dawn, captained by Will Osche, secured first place with 2,600 points after releasing 16 sailfish and two blue marlin. The team also cashed multiple optional jackpots, bringing total winnings to $57,616, while angler Michael Calabrese earned Top Non-Sonar Boat Angler honors. Sabe Nada, captained by Rafael Solano, claimed second place in the division with three sailfish and two blue marlin releases, earning $6,319, while Amejaye, under the command of Capt. Rolando Chavez, completed the podium with a third-place finish and $2,399 in winnings.
Beyond the competition, the tournament served as a celebration of Flor de Caña’s long-standing relationship with sportfishing and conservation. The celebration culminated in the unveiling of Flor de Caña’s 35-Year Rum—the oldest and most exclusive release in the brand’s history—fittingly closing out an event that blended high-level competition, meaningful recognition and a milestone anniversary in one of Costa Rica’s premier billfish destinations.
