Gamefish Grande Tournaments debut in Cuba

The inaugural Gamefish Grande Tournaments wrapped up July 2 in Havana.

The first of two tournaments took place at Marina Gaviota in Varadero, Cuba, from June 25-28. Hosting was Marina Gaviota, a 1,200-slip marina on the Cuban peninsula.

Tournament boats fished for three days off the coast and released eight blue marlin and two sailfish.

First place went to team Marquesa, a 68-foot Viking with owner Steve Bolick fishing. Marquesa released a blue marlin on day one, a blue marlin on day two and three blue marlin on day three.

Second place went to Sheila Knowles on Blue Heron, a 50-foot Hatteras. Knowles released a blue marlin and a sailfish. Team Sandrita, with owner Kevin Fish aboard his 62-foot Ocean, released a blue marlin on the second day to win third place.

From Varadero, the teams traveled to Havana for a June 29-July 2 tournament. The fleet fished just offshore for three days and released three blue marlin, one white marlin and a sailfish.

Team Barefoot, a 64-foot Viking from Fort Lauderdale, placed first with a blue and a white marlin release. Tony Simmons, aboard his 60-foot Hatteras, T-Time, finished second, releasing a blue marlin.

Marquesa finished third, releasing a blue marlin on the last day of fishing. Sandrita caught a 105-pound yellowfin tuna and Barefoot brought a 32-pound dolphin to the scales.

The top teams at each tournament received custom-designed trophies from tournament sponsor Vetus Maxwell. Custom-made crew trophies were presented to the top captain and mates of each tournament.

Sponsor Cuba Travel Services provided T-shirts for the anglers and arranged travel, tours and accommodations for tournament guests. Anglers Journal Television also was a sponsor.

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