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The Pescadora Billfish Championship, a premier all-female offshore fishing tournament, celebrated its seventh annual competition with record-breaking achievements in Costa Rica. Established with the mission to highlight and advance women’s participation in sportfishing, the tournament has grown into a popular event, attracting anglers and teams from around the world. Over the years, the competition has not only increased in participation but also in skill level, as demonstrated by this year’s remarkable results.
Exceeding last year’s record numbers by over 1,000 billfish, the 2025 Pescadora Billfish Championship saw 260 female anglers competing on 56 teams, collectively releasing an incredible 1,741 billfish over two days. Hosted by the newly upgraded Marina Pez Vela, the event showcased the increasing expertise of female anglers. Notably, 45% of this year’s billfish were released following IGFA standards—an extraordinary improvement from the 12% recorded in the tournament’s inaugural year.
The Awards Celebration was a highlight of the event, drawing nearly 1,000 attendees for an evening of recognition and celebration.
Costa Rica’s own Josabeth Abarca was awarded the prestigious 2025 IGFA Female Angler of the Year title after releasing 24 sailfish, with no assistance, while fishing aboard Sea Duction. In the Hook and Hand division, Junior Angler Elizabeth Arn claimed the Female Angler of the Year award with 27 releases fishing aboard E&A. Both anglers took home the coveted pink sailfish trophy provided by Gray Trophy Fish Mounts.
With a total of 6,450 points, Pura Vida, a 62’ Paul Mann captained by Rudy Arguedas, celebrated their first-place finish, which they secured in the final hours of the tournament with a triple IGFA sailfish release. Kelly Dawn, a 45’ Rybovich captained by Will Ochse, finished in second place with 6,300 points, followed by Sea Duction with 6,220 points.
In the Meat Fish Division, Adriana Finkelstein led Miss Behavin, a 72’ Scarborough, to victory by boating a 54.1-pound dorado, securing their title as the Dorado Grand Champions. The Tuna Grand Champions title went to Stress Reliever I, whose anglers—Connie Balusek (73.1-pound tuna), Kimberly Kuykendall (64-pound tuna), and Karen Hall (37.3-pound tuna)—achieved a combined total of 223.5 points.
