All recorrds were shattered at this year's Pelican Yacht Club Invitational Billfish Tournament, the third and final leg of the three tournament Treasure Coast Championship.   Anglers fished three of four days of their choosing between the 4th and 7th of January.    Twelve boats of the 29  boat fleet elected to remain in port on the 4th and the seventeen that did fish released an astounding 143 sailfish.  Bone Shaker with anglers Joe Lehner, Van Wichers, and Skyler Wichers took the lead with 13 releases.  Outlaw with anglers Brian Schmidt, Tom Wichers, Bob Peloisi, and Frank Applegate were right behind with 12.  Five other boats released 11 for the day.   The second day saw alll of the 29 boat fleet depart the Pelican.

Bone Shaker added another 21 releases for the day, breaking the Pelican record of 19.  Cowpoke was runner up for the day with 15 releases by anglers Cruiser Crews, Christy Crews, Dave Myer, and Chester Chambers.   The fleet released and incredible 259 sailfish.   Day three again saw the entire fleet offshore. Captain Scott Fawcett broke his own record and the PYC record with 23 releases, but after slow start, Lo Que Sea with Captain Glenn Cameron and anglers Tony Huerta and Billy Gingell shatter the record with 27 releases for the day.   The fleet released an even more amazing 269 sails.  Only twelve boats could fish on Saturday, but Captain Scott Fawcett with a tournament record 57 was not onf them.    "With fishing like this," he said "it's strange to feel nervous, but anything can happen."  Captain Mike Brady aboard Cowpoke was the only boat in position to threaten and he was fishing on Saturday.   His anglers did manage to add eight more to their 28 releases, but this fell short of the 57 by the leader and 41 releases for Lo Que Sea.  Van Wichers was top angler with 25 releases and Tony Huerta finished second with 24.   What is even more incredible is that all of these fish were caught using dead bait by trolling.  Live bait is not permitted and only conventional tackle is permitted.   These are indeed some of the best anglers and crews on the water today.  The Pelican put on its usual unsurpassed southern hospitality as anglers and crews enjoyed their daily hot breakfasts buffet every morning in the clubhouse as well as two huge buffet dinners and the fabulous buffet awards banquet.   Dates for next year's event will be 8-12 Januray 2013.  Mark your calendars!   www.pelicanyachtclub.com