Everyone couldn't wait to fly into Piñas Bay where Tropic Star Lodge is situated among a lush tropical forest. A total of 196 sailfish were caught and released in 3 days. We enjoyed the food, fishing and friendship at the lodge. Carey and Ben, the lodge managers oversaw the entire group and made us feel very welcome. Wayne, the dockmaster, was very helpful with our varied requests in getting ready for the tournament. One shocking revelation were the earthquakes that we experienced one day. There was no damage, but they caught our attention. Evidently, earthquakes happen daily in Panama.

 

Day one of the tournament started out slowly with lots of sunshine. Molly Fleming was in first place on time with Lorraine Francis. Grace Canfield was in third place on time with Joan Vandergriff. A total of 27 sailfish were released.

 

Day two started out with a separation of boats. Some headed to the north and some headed to the south. Well, this new strategy of heading to the south certainly paid off for some of the ladies. Those of us who stayed to the north ended up in a 2 to 3 hour constant downpour. Grace Canfield and Lisa Everett each released 12 sailfish. Grace was the top angler on time. Grace was the leader with 1500 points, Lisa was in second place with 1400 points and Lorraine was in third place with 1200 points. Darlene, Molly and Joan were in fourth with 1100 points.  A total of 77 sailfish were released.

 

Day three started out with all boats heading to the south. Lorraine and Gwen each released 14 fish. Joan released 11 fish. A total of 92 sailfish were released.

 

 

1st.  place angler   Lorraine Francis   2600 points

2nd. place angler   Lisa Everett        2300 points

3rd. place angler    Joan Vandergriff  2200 points

4th. place angler    Gwen Hahn        2100 points

 

 

Thanks for your interest and help,

 

Fran McKelvey