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The inaugural IGFA Open, hosted at Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica, saw an impressive turnout, with 28 participating teams collectively catching over 1,000 fish, including 988 billfish. The tournament attracted a competitive field and introduced an attractive calcutta structure managed by CatchStat, marking the first time the IGFA incorporated such a system into one of its tournaments.
The event was highlighted by a standout performance from renowned tournament competitors Team Galati, which secured first place with 8,100 points and an impressive payout of $150,250. Captained by Tony Carrizosa and consisting of anglers Sean Dooley, Carmine Galati, Thomas Garmany, Justin Healey, and Pat Healey, released an impressive total of 81 sailfish
Finishing second with 7,000 points from 66 sailfish and one blue marlin was Tarheel, a 62’ Bayliss captained by John Bayliss, who took home $28,625. Rounding out the top three was Sea Base, a 69’ Spencer that earned 6,900 points and $24,000 from 69 sailfish releases with Capt. Wendell Black at the helm.
Individual performances were also recognized, with Jill Yates of Poco Ocho earning Top Angler honors with 3,200 points. JC Gonzalez of Pura Vida (2,400 points) and Maria Smith of Uno Mas (2,200 points) followed closely behind. Chris “Marlin” David of Catch 23 secured the Top Junior Angler title with 1,100 points. Carlos Perez of Crush’Em weighed in an impressive 53.3-pound dorado for the title of Heaviest Dolphinfish and Steve Kehoe of Gladiator weighed in a 128.5-pound yellowfin tuna to take the Heaviest Tuna award.
“The IGFA Open was an incredible showcase of skill, sportsmanship, and the world-class billfishing that Costa Rica has to offer. Seeing more than 1,000 fish caught under IGFA rules in our inaugural event is a testament to the passion and dedication of the anglers and teams who participated,” said Jason Schratwieser, IGFA President. “We are thrilled with the tournament’s success and deeply grateful to our sponsors and Marina Pez Vela for their outstanding support. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to growing the IGFA Open into one of the premier billfish tournaments in the world.”
