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2009 New Smyrna Beach Billfish Invitational - October 8-11 - 2009
Posted on October 14th, 2009
Twenty-four teams participated in this year’s 11th annual New Smyrna Beach Billfish Invitational sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Daytona Beach, tallying ninety-two sailfish releases along with good wahoo, tuna and dolphin fishing in two days of calm seas and summer-like conditions. Day one found scattered results among the field until the team of “Rude Awakening” scored five quick releases before midday, including a quad or four fish caught at one time, garnering enough attention to draw most of the fleet to their vicinity.
Capt. Scott Fawcett of the “Boneshaker” gambled successfully, relocating to the action and positioning his team to capitalize on a “hot” afternoon bite scoring eleven releases on day one and a commanding lead. Several boats were in position to challenge after the first day but it would prove to be an uphill battle.
Day two again brought unseasonable weather conditions but the action heated up within minutes after the ‘lines in” call. By 9:08am, Capt. Glen Cameron on the “Floridian” had scored his sixth release of the day, adding to his two releases from day one to secure second place with 800 points. The “Outlaw”, captained by Neil Subin, tallied five releases, including a rare quad on day two pushing his total for the event to 800 points as well but based on time, resulted in third place overall. “Rude Awakening” with Captain Alan Fields, finished fourth setting the stage for what should be a very competitive 2009/2010 Sailfish tournament season.
“Boneshaker” managed one release on day two to put an exclamation point on an impressive start to the 2009/2010 sailfish season. Capt Scott Fawcett of the “Boneshaker” successfully guided owner Joe Lehner and crew to a first place finish with twelve total releases and a tournament best 1,200 points.
First place tuna was awarded to “Lo Que Sea”, top wahoo to the “Floridian”, and outstanding dolphin to the “Bid Time”. Top female angler was awarded to Suzanne Grantham on the “Knot My Problem”, while top male angler along with WBS overall angler award went to Rudy Poselli Jr. aboard the “Rude Awakening” which qualifies him for the WBS Championship in Costa Rica.
The crew of “Boneshaker” is now qualified to represent the New Smyrna Beach Billfish Invitational next year in the IGFA Offshore Championship in Cabo San Lucas.
This year’s New Smyrna Beach Billfish Invitational sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Daytona Beach paid out over $92,000 cash and prizes while continuing an eleven-year tradition of raising funds for Volusia County High School Scholarships.