Last year (August 2013) Team Hooker qualified to go to this IGFA Offshore World Championship at our Sanctioned event the LOOP Billfish Tournament! 

15^th Anniversary Offshore World Championship scheduled to take place April 6-11 at Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica

The Offshore World Championship returns to Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica to celebrate its 15^th year anniversary. The Championship was held in Quepos for the first time last year with anglers from 31 different countries on 67 teams releasing 821 billfish over the four-day fishing competition. This is a testament to the incredible fishery, charter fleets and angling skill of the competitors. Putting things into perspective, Costa Rica fishing tournaments have been known to produce well over 2,000 billfish releases making Costa Rica a perfect destination to challenge the world’s offshore anglers to see who comes out on top.

The Offshore World Championship brings the largest group of international anglers together in the spirit of competition, camaraderie, sportsmanship and a chance to be crowned the best team in offshore fishing. Over 120 qualifying events took place in 2013 with the winning teams receiving an invitation to apply for the 2014 Offshore World Championship.  The tournament series and Championship was started by the IGFA and has been held at iconic fishing locals including Kona Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas Mexico and Quepos Costa Rica.  The tournament continues to support the IGFA conservation and education programs and is produced by the staff ofMarlin, Sport Fishing and Salt Water Sportsman magazines.

At press time 60 qualified teams had registered to compete in this year’s event.  During the tournament anglers receive great gifts, fun parties, fantastic service and the hospitality of the beautiful people of Quepos and Manuel Antonio. The tournament awards prizes and trophies to the top three teams, top six anglers, top three charter boat crews and the top three tuna, wahoo and dorado anglers.  The champion team receives the coveted gold and diamond Vanmark rings, Geoffrey Smith bronze trophies, Shimano reels, Garmin Virb Cameras, Aftco Championship Apparel, Flor de Cana select rum, Guy Harvey artwork, Costa Sunglasses, Yeti Coolers and the title of 2014 Offshore World Champions.  Anglers and winners will also enjoy gifts and prizes from King Sailfish Mounts, Eagle Claw, Accurate Reels, Tycoon Tackle, Marina Pez Vela, Marlin, Sport Fishing, Salt Water Sportsman and Maverick Yachts.  Additional sponsors include Toyota, Parador Hotel, Pacifico Travel, Los Altos Resort, Hidden Bay Realty, Best Western Kamuk and ICT Costa Rica Tourism.

Interested parties can keep track of what’s going on during the event though the tournament live scorekeeper at OffshoreWorldChampionship.com.

Schedule of events:

April 6 – Parador Hotel: Team registration check in, charter boat draw, team photos, pick up angler bags & team credentials, video camera check-in, sponsors exhibits and kickoff dinner party.  10:00am – 10:00pm

April 7 – 10 – Fishing days: Teams board Costa Rica Charter Boats at Marina Pez Vela and fish 7:30 – 3:30. Marina Pez Vela Dockside socials, weigh-ins and release video check-ins after each day of fishing.

April 11 – Marina Pez Vela: Gala Awards Banquet Dinner including live entertainment, dancing, door prizes, awards and fireworks.

For more information contact:
Dan Jacobs
Tournament Director/Publisher
Dan.Jacobs@bonniercorp.com