western outdoor news los cabos tuna jackpot review
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western outdoor news los cabos tuna jackpot review
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Azusa Ave. (562) 929-4056 10246 Indiana Ave. (951) 351-1190 2085 Montiel (760)741-1570 (310) 214-8724 (626) 858-8948 WE BUY SELL & CONSIGN USED & ESTATE GUNS! November 17, 2006 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS_ 800-MERCURY mercurymarine.com ® © 2006, Mercury Marine, All Rights Reserved. The promotion is only valid at participating dealers in the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii. Excludes Mercury Racing® engines. *MSRP value of MPP extended service contract on same model, for same duration. 3 4 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS _ November 17, 2006 / WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS LOS CABOS TUNA JACKPOT REVIEW Big fish dominate hearts and minds of WON/Mercury Tuna Jackpot anglers BY RICH HOLLAND WON Staff Writer CABO SAN LUCAS, BCS — Rumors of big fish are a dime a dozen at most tournaments, but Cabo is a place where rumor is often reality and it seemed likely the talk of a 310-pound tuna on the Gordo Bank the day before check-in was true. And who better to ask than Chame Piño, the La Playita panguero who was part of the winning team the very first year of the Western Outdoor News/Mercury Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot, and happened to be close by talking with Owner’s Dennis Yamamoto. Chame just nodded when asked if a big tuna was really caught on a panga, then smiled smugly and pointed to his chest when asked who caught the fish. When told he was a couple days early, Chame simply said, “No problem.” There was no doubt it was going to take a giant tuna to top the eighth annual Tuna Jackpot and that affected many a game plan. As perennial competitor Tom Rogers put it: “We knew there was one big fish coming off the Gordo every few days, so we made the commitment to put in the time.” Yet if the boat that catches that one big fish isn’t in all the daily jackpots, opportunities for big cash can be found in the smaller school fish that can be found under porpoise offshore of Cabo in any direction. The Gaviota X team of Richard Barth, Robert Wilkinson, Gary Dalton and William Briske seemed to have lucked into both big fish and big money when a lure they won the night before trolled up a 127.1-pound tuna in the midst of the dolphin on the Pacific side of Baja. If the fish held up, they could expect a tidy sum from the $500 and $2,000 daily pots they entered. “Now all we have to do is sweat,” said one team member. Of course, that left the $1,000, $3,000, $5,000 and $10,000 purses up for grabs and the Pisce’s Fleet’s Adriana quickly jumped into the $1,000 void with a 97.6-pound yellowfin for Julia Lake and James Lake of Debeque, Colo. They were fishing with Pisces Fleet manager THE 126 SPORTFISHERS CHARGE out from the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, looking for the big fish that will win the top money. Record-sized fish and purses highlighted the eighth annual tourney. PHOTO BY LUIS DUHART CELEBRATING their record-breaking 318-pound yellowfin came easy for the anglers of the Ni Modo team. WON PHOTOS BY RICH HOLLAND THE TURNER’S OUTDOORSMAN team of Juan Antonio Avilo, Mark Lampson, Gunnar Coffman and Mark Lemons scored the most cash. PLAN NOW FOR IT! Next year’s TUNA JACKPOT event slated for Nov. 7-10 It’s official! The WON/Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Tournament will be held in 2007 on Wednesday, Nov. 7 through Saturday, Nov. 10. “The dates were kept in the same time frame so our event continues to run the week immediately following the Bisbee’s so that the town keeps its tournament frenzy going with the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament, the Bisbee’s and then the Tuna Jackpot,” said Director Pat McDonell. “We also recognize that many returnees each year have timeshare dates that first week of November and we like to keep people in the same time frame each year.” Also confirmed is the use of the Cabo Wabo Cantina for the Mercury Cabo Wabo Rock and Roll party Friday night. “It was a big hit, and it was one of the first things we confirmed when we got back,” said McDonell. Details, rules and entry form for 2007 can be seen on the Web site www.loscabostunajackpot. com. Mario Banaga and Capt. Ricardo Agundez. Then the Piranha team of Greg Rifkin, Bob Schad, Scot Fine and James Powell weighed a 75.1-pound tuna. While not the biggest of the day, it was the only one so far to be weighed in the $3,000 pot. While many teams were pulling big lures and casting big live baits, Vince McKinley said he and team members Scott Coffini and Ted Hooper used sardinas on the LaLeona to catch a tuna “I don’t know will even weigh.” The little yellowfin did weigh, beating the 40-pound minimum with a weight of 46.2 pounds to take the lead in the RECORD-SETTING/next page WORN OUT AND HAPPY, Jamie Greer, Dave Dunton, Dave Greer and Lance Gildner can barely lift their 318-pound tourney winner. A CALCULATED RISK paid off when the Turner’s Outdoorsman team cut off one tuna in order to land this 204 pounder. November 17, 2006 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS_ 5 / WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS LOS CABOS TUNA JACKPOT REVIEW Record-setting tuna, purse … Continued from previous page whose Dreammakers Charters and Smoke House crew shuttles the fish to the scales. Word quickly spread and a crowd began to build around the weigh scales. Down at the boat, an exultant Jamie Greer explained how his team of father Dave Greer, Lance Gildner and Dave Dunton got the fish in after a 4-hour battle. “We took advantage of the rules and everybody pulled on this fish,” said Greer, who hails from Dayton, Ohio. Later at the awards dinner, Greer told the crowd the fish was hooked on a 50-wide with 80-pound test and 130-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon and a 10/0 Super Mutu hook pinned to a skipjack. “All we had was a Sailfish belt and we fought it standing up. At the end we were passing the rod every couple minutes and it seemed like after a minute you couldn’t get a turn. I guess once you get past 40 all things go to hell.” The massive tailfin of the tuna hovered high above the crowd as it was wheeled to the scales and it took a while to adjust the scale to make it high enough to accommodate the fish. There was plenty to cheer about when the fish was finally hoisted up, as the scales read 318 pounds and the Tuna Jackpot had a new record fish. Ironically, the next two biggest fish of the day were wiped NI MODO, REEL N DEAL/next page Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot 2006 Payouts Awards Overall Winning Team: #25 Boat Name: Ni Modo YFT: 318 lbs. Anglers: Jamie Greer, Dave Greer, Lance Gildner, Dave Dunton Bonus Side Jackpots won: ($500, $1,000, $2,000) Day #1 Overall winning: $41,820 (1st place) plus (side pots) Total winnings: $152,620 Second Place Overall: #84 Boat Name: Reel ’N Deal YFT: 204 lbs. Anglers: Mark Lemons, Jose Antonio, Mark Lampson, Gunnar Coffman Bonus Side Jackpots won: $164,800 Day #2 pots ($500, $1,000, $2,000, $3,000) winning $4,920 (2nd place) plus (side pots) Total winnings: $169,720 Third Place Overall: #123 Boat Name: Eureka YFT: 140.5 lbs. Anglers: Mike, Shrosbree, Rich Ruffini, Mike Arujo, Jay Richardella Bonus Side Jackpots won: $5,000 day #2 Overall winning: $2,460 (3rd place) plus (side pots) Total winnings: $52,460 Notable Side Jackpots: Team #101 Boat Name: Piranha YFT: 75.1 lbs. Anglers: Greg Rifkin, Bob Schad, Scot Fine, James Powell Bonus Side Jackpots won: Day #1 $3,000 Total winnings: $54,000 Notable Side Jackpots: Team #21 Boat Name: LaLeona YFT: 46.2 lbs. Anglers: Vince McKinley, Scott Coffini, Ted Hooper Bonus Side Jackpots won: Day #1 $5,000 Total winnings: $50,000 Notable Side Jackpots: Team #122 Boat Name: Spicey Tuna Dorado: 55.3 lbs. Anglers: Angel Carbajal, Ricardo Isreal Barrientos, Cerrado Corbojaz Bonus Side Jackpots won: Dorado Total winnings: Avet reels, G. Loomis rod combos THE PIRANHA GOT A BITE of the first day cash, AN ALL OR NOTHING entry into the $5000 daily but team captain Greg Rifkin wouldn’t say where. paid off in $52,460 for Eureka. THE $3000 DAILY was mined by the team and crew of the Piranha. WON PHOTOS BY RICH HOLLAND A BIG PAYOUT FOR A LITTLE FISH made the day for the LaLeona team. Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot Weigh-In Qualifiers over two days Day 1 Team # Team Name #25 Ni Modo 2 #84 Reel N Deal 2 #123 Eureka 1 #3 Gaviota X 1 #59 Adriana 2 #40 Baja Dawg 2 #83 Katiusha 1 #101 Piranha 1 #101 Piranha 1 #83 Katiusha 1 #33 Vaquero 1 1 1 #12 #21 #53 Cabo Magic DOS LaLeona Picante Dream Anglers Jamie Greer, Dave Greer, Lance Gildner, Dave Dunton Mark Lemons, Jose Antonio, Mark Lampson, Gunnar Coffman Mike Shrosbree, Rich Ruffin, Mike Arujo, Jay Richardella Richard Barth, Robert Wilkinson, Gary Dalton, William Briske Julia Lake, James Lake, Mario Banaga, Ricardo Agundez Joe McGinnis, Steve Santa, Mike Helms, Joel McGinnis John Schue, Robert McIntyre, Hector Armanta, Eligio Baron Greg Rifkin, Bob Schad, Scot Fine, James Powell Greg Rifkin, Bob Schad, Scot Fine, James Powell John Schue, Robert McIntyre, Hector Armanta, Eligio Baron Pete Hanson, Tony Phillips, Shane Martin, Skip Lindsey Mark Streahle, Carrie Streahle Vince McKinley, Scott Coffini, Ted Hooper Sal Catania, Joe Catania Dan Roberts, Robert Fisher Weight (lbs.) 318 Overall Winnings $ 41,820 Total Winnings $ 152,620 204 $ 4,210 $ 169,720 140.5 $ 2,460 $ 52,460 $ 54,000 $ 50,000 127.1 97.6 90 83.1 76.6 75.1 69.2 64.6 59.7 46.2 40.3 HONOR MARINE COMMUNICATIONS Now You Can Get The Same Sales and Service as Almost All of the Southern California Sportfishing Fleet! 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The Cabo Magic Dos team of Mark and Carrie Streahle weighed a 59.7-pound tuna, but they were only in the $500 daily. A 64.6-pound tuna on Vaquero caught by Pete Hanson, Tony Phillips, Shane Martin and Skip Lindsey posed no challenge to the big fish earlier in the day that sewed up the three lowest pots. John Schue, Robert McIntyre, Hector Armanta and Eligio Baron on the Katiusha ran up against the same wall with their 69.2-pound yellowfin. The sun started to set behind Cabo and the only question seemed to be whether any of the 14 teams entered in the $10,000 could come up with a 40-pound qualifier. The little tuna on the La Guerita wasn’t going to cut it. Then the Pisces charter boat Ni Modo swung to back into the dock near the Puerto Paraiso Mall and an open door in the transom gave a glimpse of a hulking tuna back. “Oh my gosh, they have a really big fish,” said Grace Cote, 6 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS _ November 17, 2006 / WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS LOS CABOS TUNA JACKPOT REVIEW Record-setting tuna, purse … Continued from previous page off the slate by Ni Modo’s catch, since Greer’s team was in the first three jackpots and their monster tuna earned $110,800 in daily cash. Another record was set when the 46.2-pound fish on LaLeona became the smallest to earn a Tuna Jackpot payout with $50,000 from the $5,000 daily. And the Piranha held onto 54 HIGH HOPES were rewarded with big money, including $15,262 for Ni Modo Capt. Jobe Villerencia. SOLOMON’S LANDING: The right spot for Cabo’s best marina-side dining, drinking ■ Answers the question of ‘Where’s the best lobster dinner in Cabo?’ SOLOMON’S LANDING is on the water side of the hotel that used be called Plaza Las Glorias. You can call the restaurant while in Cabo at 143-3050. S olomon’s Landing, the Official Cabo Restaurant of the Tuna Jackpot, has been a local and tourist favorite ever since it opened after a hurricane 10 years ago. It’s not just the food, it’s also the location. Because it’s perched on the Cabo marina’s edge and because the bar is built in a circle, Solomon’s Landing is a great place to sit and watch the people go by, and to meet both the locals and the tourists as they return from their fishing trips. Great fish stories abound around the bar. Owner Brian Solomon, a sponsor of the Tuna Jackpot since its inception eight years ago, is nearly always on hand to talk to guests and to make sure they’re well taken care of, whether ordering food or some of their trademark drinks. Solomon’s has gained a reputation for delicious shrimp, chicken, fish and carne asada tacos, with fresh salsas made every day. Oh, and Brian is justly proud of his hamburgers, enchiladas, sashimi, fish ceviche and assorted surprises. He is a gourmet chef, and he runs a professional kitchen. “Many people ask the Tuna Jackpot staff, ‘Where’s the best lobster in Cabo?’” said Pat McDonell, director the Tuna Jackpot. “Hands down, we feel it’s Solomon’s.” As regular patrons know, Solomon's offers the real, cold water, full-bodied, sweet lobster, not the warm water black lobster species that can often be chewy and stringy. Solomon’s serves cold water lobster he brings in from the north in two sizes: the 20-ounce for 350 pesos (about $31) and the 35-ounce for 500 pesos (about $44). Solomon’s lobsters come with your choice of mashed potatoes, rice or baked potato, and, oh yes — his famous warm garlic bread. Brian claims the preparation makes a difference also. In and out of that pot in a big hurry assures the perfect lobster at Solomon’s. Everything on the menu is outstanding at Solomon’s, especially the steaks. There is a wonderful filet mignon with mushroom sauce accompanied with mashed potatoes, rice and veggies al dente, and the corn-fed, aged, 2-pound porterhouse t-bone is superb. grand with their 75.1 pounder in the $3,000 pot. No boat claimed the $10,000 pot and it rolled over to the second day, meaning $112,000 was on the line for a single daily jackpot. The growing money in the Tuna Jackpot — the overall purse of $590,000 was the biggest in tournament history — attracted some topflight teams of anglers from across North America. Anglers from as far as Alaska and Florida took part and there were even a couple of Puerto Vallarta’s top tuna skippers on hand. Of course, it’s hard to beat the talent already in Cabo, as Captain Jobe Villercio of the Ni Modo proved the day before with his eighth tournament score. It’s also hard to keep a secret when everyone is watching. What this boiled down to was a race to locate the spot of spinner dolphin outside the Gordo Bank that held the tournament’s reigning big fish. But like some funky reality show competition, some boats first had to make big baits on the bank itself. The Turner’s Outdoorsman team of Mark Lemons, Jose Antonio, Mark Lampson and Gunnar Coffman on the 55 Viking Reel ‘N Deal won the race and the reward was a triple hookup. In the ensuing chaos, a 100 pounder hit the deck, but the other two fish started to tangle and it was decision time. They chose to cut off one fish and fight the tuna that took line at will off a Penn 130. The tuna proved to be a tough customer, but the 200-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon and 9/0 Super Mutu hook held up, although the shredded leader attested to the wear of a 3-hour fight. Richard Ruffini was in the gyro binoculars on the Eureka as the 46-foot sportfisher was the next to race to the scene. At the helm was Mike Shrosbree, who, like Ruffini, is a former Bongos Sportfishing captain. Also aboard were Cabo charter captain Mike Arujo (a name familiar with SoCal bass anglers) and Jay Richardello. “We could see them fighting their fish,” noted Ruffini,” and tuna and dolphin were still foaming in a tight pack.” Ruffini said he dropped back a skipjack on heavy tackle and was rewarded with a solid bite that zipped line for a full three seconds before a scratched-up skippie was spit out. Another pass and Richardello opted to go light, pinning a grunt onto a 5/0 Owner hook on 50-pound Berkley line. That got the bite and it proved to be a catchable fish. Both boats had a long ride home. Meanwhile, back at the docks, the first fish weighed was Joel McGinnis’ first tuna ever, a 92 pounder. But the Baja Dawg wasn’t in any of the jackpots and with word of big fish on the way it was doubtful it would hold for third place overall. That became abundantly clear when the Reel ‘N Deal arrived and the Turner’s Outdoorsman team weighed in a beautiful 204-pound yellowfin that nailed down the $500, $1,000, $2,000 and $3,000 jackpots for a whopping $165,510 in cash that combined with second overall would give them the top payout of the event, $169,720. The team on Eureka had more than one winning strategy up their sleeve, however. Instead of signing up for several of the smaller pots, they had put all their cash in the $5,000 daily and that meant Richardello’s 140.5 won the $50,000 in that pot. They also got to celebrate the third overall spot in the jackpot, seeming to enjoy the victory over the Gaviota X and its now worthless 127 pounder as much as the $2460 that went with it. A 55.3-pound dorado on the Spicey Tuna secured the Avet/G. Loomis combos for Angel RECAP FOR JACKPOT/next page CASTING FOR CASH paid off in $580 and a new Avet reel and G. Loomis rod for Steve Murphy. THE PUERTO PARAISO MALL once again played host to most of the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot events. WON PHOTOS BY RICH HOLLAND November 17, 2006 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS_ 7 / WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS LOS CABOS TUNA JACKPOT REVIEW Plans already underway for ninth edition of Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot EDITOR’S NOTES By Pat McDonell T he mix of tequila and red blood cells is no longer 50-50, down to something like 90 percent blood and 10 percent margarita mix, but I’m hanging on to the memories of an epic 2006 Tuna Jackpot as long as I can. Believe me, the work of putting on a tournament is spread out over 12 months and reaches a crescendo in a span of 5 days and then — poof — it’s over. It’s both a relief and a little depressing for me to start my car in the airport garage for the drive home. There’s something about Cabo that old Baja die-hards hate, the sort of civilization that many old-timers run from. But it is the perfect place for a jackpot tournament. I recognized it covering the Bisbee’s years ago, and I saw it competing in it, knowing one good strike on a bait or lure could pay off my mortgage. It’s a thrill, but more than that, Cabo is a place to forget about all that other stuff on the other side of the border. I’m already working on next year’s event and as we announced at the 700-person awards dinner on Saturday night, while we may have the new dates and a new wahoo/dorado jackpot to spice things up, the 2007 version won’t have my fellow co-director Kit McNear at the helm. He’s retiring from running this tourney and the West Coast Jackpot tournaments, concentrating on his schools program, travel trips and other projects. Tournaments are stressful, especially when you are dealing with large amounts of money, and Kit has never had a controversy in all his years. Pretty good track record, I’d say. My most important lesson is this: No rule can be bent for anyone, and if a rule needs tweaking, change it for the next year. By the same token, no decision about the event Changes for 2007 will be competing for what I predict will be a $50,000 payday. The entry will remain at $700 a team, making it possible for anyone to compete, and that’s been our goal in the event. It’s all about the fun. Rest assured, I had my share in Cabo over nine days, with some great memories to last me until we all meet again at Land’s End. was made without us being in agreement as co-directors. No, I take that back. We disagreed about the Pat McDonell is editorial director of Western Outdoor beach weigh-in three years ago, but after one day of Publications and is the director of the Tuna Jackpot for that sandy mess in front of the Hacienda, Kit declared, 2007. The tourney Web site is being updated over the next “There’s no way we’re doing a beach weigh-in next week and can be seen at www.loscabostunajackpot.com year.” That was a tough, tough event physically for Kit. He’s a tough, wiry dude, and he’ll be missed. He may respond to begging to come back. We’ll see. He seems pretty content to get on with his plans. How will 2007 turn out? What changes are there in store? The venues will remain the same and the dates will adjust a few days, to Nov. 7-10. The Puerto Paraiso mall by the marina is the prime facility to host the big events, and Cabo Wabo Cantina on Friday night turned out great as the venue for the Mercury Rock and Roll Party, even though Sammy Hagar didn’t show up. But Milton Zemunek from Eat Me Lures wowed the crowd as he ripped on an impromptu rendition of “Sweet Home Alabama.” The major change, one that I hope will attract more boats and anglers, is the addition of a $500 a day ($1,000 total) optional jackpot for dorado and wahoo. Biggest fish of either KIT McNEAR, right, with former marina manager Enrique species wins the money. Small, slower boats Fernandez and Pat McDonell at the awards dinner announcing with captains not quite up on big tuna tactics McNear is stepping down as co-director of the Tuna Jackpot. Recap for Jackpot … Continued from previous page Carbajal, Ricardo Israel Barrientos and Cerrado Corbojaz, but the $10,000 daily was still up for grabs as time slipped away on the 2006 Tuna Jackpot. Word was a boat across the boards in the jackpots was on the way in with a qualifying fish. It turned out to be Mel and Judy Ostberg on the Cisco, but the biggest of their handful of yellowfin weighed only 35.8 pounds. They would end up winners anyway when they made the top bid for David Wirth’s wood tuna sculpture. The jackpot was refunded to the participating teams according to the tournament rules. The Ni Modo team of Jamie and Dave Greer, Lance Gildner and Dave Dunton added $41,820 in first place overall jackpot money to bring their total to $152,620. Skipper Villercio earned $15,262 of those winnings. See you at the scales next year. Apparel Choice of Tournament Anglers and Recreational Sportfishermen Throughout California & Baja CASTING CONTEST FINALISTS Ed Phillips, Sam Gilstrap, Dick Ostrop, Mike Shrosbree and Scott Overholtzer. supp11.17.06 THIS 55.3-POUND DORADO won Avet reels, G. Loomis rods and Berkley line for the Spicey Tuna team made up of Cabo locals. 8 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS _ November 17, 2006 / WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS LOS CABOS TUNA JACKPOT REVIEW Party all the time at Cabo Tuna Jackpot BY RICH HOLLAND WON Staff Writer ROCK AND ROLL was the theme of the Mercury Cabo Wabo party Friday night at Sammy Hagar’s famous Cabo San Lucas club. Sammy didn’t show, but there were plenty of prizes, food, drinks and willing rock and rollers. WON PHOTOS BY RICH HOLLAND CABO SAN LUCAS, BCS — Party time all the time. That’s the foundation the Western Outdoor News/Mercury Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot was built upon and the eighth annual event reached new heights in getting down and getting up again. Tournament director Pat McDonell literally lived the theme of the event, getting to Cabo early in time to enjoy the final festivities surrounding the Bisbee and laying the groundwork for Tuna Jackpot anglers. McDonell actually started months before when he began negotiation with Cabo Wabo for the centerpiece Friday night Mercury Rock and Roll Party. It’s that kind of planning that sets the Tuna Jackpot apart from all other tournaments. Everything started this year, as usual, with the Wednesday check in at the Puerto Paraiso Mall, where every team member was given a goodie bag stuffed with the official hat and shirt. For the second year in a row there was a casting contest, this time sponsored by Avet Reels, G. Loomis Rods and Berkley Line. While the nearby beer tents were crowded, the casting event only drew moderate response. Ed Phillips, Oroville, Sam Gilstrap, Beaumont, Texas, Dick Ostrop, Portland, Oregon, Mike Shrosbree, Laguna Niguel, Scott Overholtzer, Brea and Steve Murphy of Irvine all qualified for the final by casting into the target. Murphy was the best of the final four — who all won Avet reels, Berkley line and G. Loomis rods — and took home $580, the sum total of the $10 a cast entry fee. That was just a drop in the bucket as more than $60,000 in prizes was on tap from the sponsors following the captain’s meeting. This year Kit McNear held a separate session for the captains to go over the rules in order not to bore the rest of the PARTY/10 Congratulations to all of the winners at the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot from ELSA JONES scored Furuno electronics the first night. MEL AND JUDY OSTBERG enjoying the Cabo Wabo party. PULL HARD, WIND EASY, GO AVET! SCOT FINE loaded down with Awards Dinner swag. November 17, 2006 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS_ 9 10 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS _ November 17, 2006 / WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS LOS CABOS TUNA JACKPOT REVIEW Available at the Following Southern California America’s Tire Locations THE CROWD WAS BOILING IN THE CORNER as the prizes started to flow the first night of the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot. TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR Pat McDonell welcomes everyone to the Eighth Annual WON/Mercury Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot. A HOT BUFFET catered by Ruth’s Chris for the Awards Dinner is included in the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot entry fee. WON PHOTOS BY RICH HOLLAND SPORTING THEIR NEW MERCURY HATS this Tuna Jackpot team secured a prime location at the Cabo Wabo party. Party… and t-shirts. When the captains returned, Maxa and the WON staff went into high gear and the prizes flowed like Cabo cerveza. Costa del Mar sunglasses easily lived up to its boast that it provided heard products like each team’s supply of Owner hooks were being given away, but they should have just stayed put as McDonell and Rockcod Rick Maxa of Let’s Talk Hook Up! warmed up the crowd with hats Continued from page 8 crowd with the necessary details. Some were drawn to the meeting, anyway, when they FLUORO CARBON Takes 1st Place 318 yellowfin worth w/ lb. $152,620 enough of its prized 580 model to give away a pair every 15 minutes. Thursday night’s partying was left to the staff and sponsors as anglers rested up from a strenuous day on the water to get ready for one more dash for offshore cash. Let’s just say we did our best at Justa la Gusta. By Friday night all that was left of fishing were the stories of victory and the ones that got away as anglers lined up outside Cabo Wabo in order to get prime seats for the party. Mercury Tuna Jackpot hats and drink vouchers were handed out at the door and waiters soon passed around free tostadas, chicken fingers and taquitos. “Women! I better see you out here on the dance floor,” exhorted McDonell as he introduced Cabo Wabo’s house band. While several couples cut the rug, it took a few rounds of both drinks and more free prizes to get everyone going, and by the next set the house was rocking. McDonell announced the Ruthless team of Kevin Jones, Elsa Jones, Mark Laines and Matias Torchio won a trip to Alaska with Phil’s Smiling Salmon Guide Service for pointing to the WON decal on their boat at a predetermined time on the first morning of the event. PARTY/12 Takes 2nd Place 204$169,720 w/ lb. yellowfin worth 11-17-06 BIG MONEY & BIG TUNA — TRUST SEAGUAR HAPPY WINNERS Mark Lemons and Mark Lampson at Cabo Wabo. 18702 PIONEER BLVD ARTESIA, CA 90701 • 562-865-9575 8780 ROSEDALE HWY BAKERSFIELD, CA 93312 • 661-587-9537 6561 WHITE LANE, SUITE A BAKERSFIELD, CA 93309 • 661-832-0015 323 CARMEN DRIVE CAMARILLO, CA 93010 • 805-484-7237 6515 TOPANGA CANYON BLVD CANOGA PARK, CA 91303 • 818-347-3887 20741 S AVALON BLVD CARSON, CA 90746 • 310-324-2560 69275 RAMON RD CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234 • 760-770-0671 11925 CENTRAL AVE CHINO, CA 91710 • 909-590-9746 13141 PEYTON DRIVE CHINO HILLS, CA 91709 • 909-548-6709 600 BROADWAY CHULA VISTA, CA 91910 • 619-426-2001 1562 S AZUSA AVE CITY O INDUSTRY, CA 91748 • 626-839-8093 2915 BRISTOL ST COSTA MESA, CA 92626 • 714-979-0859 1001 BROADWAY EL CAJON, CA 92020 • 619-442-6689 2887 JAMACHA RD EL CAJON, CA 92019 • 619-660-0931 2010 NORTH IMPERIAL AVE EL CENTRO, CA 92243 • 760-353-3862 107 N EL CAMINO REAL ENCINITAS, CA 92024 • 760-634-2592 550 N BROADWAY ESCONDIDO, CA 92025 • 760-741-9950 209 S ESCONDIDO BLVD ESCONDIDO, CA 92025 • 760-741-3974 9880 WARNER AVE FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CA 92708 • 714-964-6175 1321 S EUCLID ST FULLERTON, CA 92832 • 714-680-9591 10101 CHAPMAN AVE GARDEN GROVE, CA 92840 • 714-534-7217 705 S GRAND AVE GLENDORA, CA 91740 • 626-335-4632 600 WEST FLORIDA AVE HEMET, CA 92543 • 951-929-3203 15790 MAIN ST HESPERIA, CA 92345 • 760-956-7364 15672 SPRINGDALE ST HUNTINGTON BCH, CA 92649 • 714-901-8709 81124 HWY 111 INDIO, CA 92201 • 760-775-5687 8867 GROSSMONT BLVD LA MESA, CA 91941 • 619-463-4436 22765 ASPAN ST LAKE FOREST, CA 92630 • 949-472-8053 44616 VALLEY CENTRAL WAY LANCASTER, CA 93536 • 661-940-0425 6883 FEDERAL BLVD LEMON GROVE, CA 91945 • 619-286-2795 7251 CARSON BLVD LONG BEACH, CA 90808 • 562-429-2708 28592 MARGUERITE PARKWAY MISSION VIEJO, CA 92692 • 949-364-1215 24512 ALICIA PARKWAY MISSION VIEJO, CA 92691 • 949-951-2034 8995 CENTRAL AVE MONTCLAIR, CA 91763 • 909-625-2079 23160 HEMLOCK AVE MORENO VALLEY, CA 92557 • 951-242-1803 24680 MADISON AVE MURRIETA, CA 92562 • 951-698-1683 1309 PLAZA BLVD NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950 • 619-474-6724 1443 HAMNER AVE NORCO, CA 92860 • 951-272-9981 10235 BALBOA BLVD NORTHRIDGE, CA 91325 • 818-831-3722 1037 S COAST HWY OCEANSIDE, CA 92054 • 760-439-8546 3836 PLAZA DRIVE OCEANSIDE, CA 92056 • 760-724-8982 2281 EL CAMINO REAL OCEANSIDE, CA 92054 • 760-967-8897 4583 MILLS CIRCLE ONTARIO, CA 91764 • 909-484-2924 1900 S PROFORMA #B ONTARIO, CA 91761 • 909-673-1679 2320 E VINEYARD AVE OXNARD, CA 93036 • 805-983-6040 72820 DINAH SHORE DRIVE PALM DESERT, CA 92211 • 760-324-5930 1917 E COLORADO BLVD PASADENA, CA 91107 • 626-584-6850 12651 POWAY RD POWAY, CA 92064 • 858-486-3601 10350 MAGNOLIA AVE RIVERSIDE, CA 92505 • 951-785-1875 3553 MERRILL AVE RIVERSIDE, CA 92506 • 951-683-0574 29529 S WESTERN RNCHO PALOS VRD, CA 90275 • 310-519-9382 6155 MISSION GORGE RD SAN DIEGO, CA 92120 • 619-284-4364 4355 GENESEE AVE SAN DIEGO, CA 92117 • 858-279-4783 5860 MIRAMAR RD SAN DIEGO, CA 92121 • 858-587-0262 2724 GARNET AVE SAN DIEGO, CA 92109 • 858-581-9009 3935 CONVOY ST SAN DIEGO, CA 92111 • 858-278-7905 6131 MISSION GORGE RD SAN DIEGO, CA 92120 • 619-282-6663 3112 MIDWAY DRIVE SAN DIEGO, CA 92110 • 619-224-4619 6155 MISSION GORGE RD SAN DIEGO, CA 92120 • 619-284-4364 780 GRAND AVE SAN MARCOS, CA 92078 • 760-891-0143 26475 BOUQUET CANYON RD SANTA CLARITA, CA 91350 • 661-263-1232 9750 MISSION GORGE RD SANTEE, CA 92071 • 619-258-1156 2383 FIRST ST SIMI VALLEY, CA 93065 • 805-579-7987 685 SAN RODOLFO SOLANA BEACH, CA 92075 • 858-481-6772 40885 WINCHESTER RD TEMECULA, CA 92591 • 951-296-5352 22910 S HAWTHORNE BLVD TORRANCE, CA 90505 • 310-791-1208 2026 TORRANCE BLVD TORRANCE, CA 90501 • 310-328-6467 1099 E FOOTHILL BLVD UPLAND, CA 91786 • 909-946-7211 4640 TELEPHONE RD VENTURA, CA 93003 • 805-639-0179 12287 MARIPOSA RD VICTORVILLE, CA 92392 • 760-241-1320 1007 SERVICE PLACE VISTA, CA 92083 • 760-724-7914 6872 WESTMINSTER BLVD WESTMINSTER, CA 92683 • 714-890-8295 November 17, 2006 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS_ 11 / WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS LOS CABOS TUNA JACKPOT REVIEW 12 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS _ November 17, 2006 / WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS LOS CABOS TUNA JACKPOT REVIEW WELL-KNOWN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA tackle rep Richard Hightower (Seaguar, Yo-Zuri) helps hand out the Turner’s Outdoorsman Los Cabo Tuna Jackpot duffel bags. WINNING TEAMS had tables reserved close to the stage in order to make it easy to get their cash. EVERYONE ATTENDING the Awards Dinner received one of the Turner’s Outdoorsman bags. THE CABO WABO PARTY was a big hit with the couples who annually attend the Tuna Jackpot. THE RUTHLESS TEAM won a trip to Alaska with Phil’s Smiling Salmon Guide Service in Kasilof. Big Game Hi Test Strength per Diameter Momoi® Diamond® Sufix® Superior Big Game Hi Test Shock Resistance Momoi Diamond Sufix Superior 75 100 125 CABO WABO’S HOUSE BAND gets things rolling at the Mercury Rock and Roll Party. WON PHOTOS BY RICH HOLLAND THE ROCK WAS STEADY all night as Cabo Wabo’s regular customers joined the party. Party … Continued from page 10 By the time the last of the next $60,000 batch of prizes was handed out, regular patrons joined the party as those were only there for the swag left. A raucous rendition of Sweet Home Alabama by Eat Me Lures’ Milton Zemunek is sure to be featured on Luis Duhart’s tournament video. The tables filled early for Saturday night’s awards dinner at the Puerto Paraiso Mall and once again staff was prepared. Waiters took drink orders and the Tuna Jackpot’s other direc- tor, Kit McNear, announced Ruth’s Chris eight banquet tables were ready to start serving the fish, barbecued ribs and filet dinner 20 minutes before the party’s actual start time. Another incredible array of prizes was handed out before and after the awards and charity auction of Dave Wirth’s tuna sculpture, topped by a trip for two for 3 nights and 4 days to Waterfall Resort in Alaska won by Dan Reising of West Linn, OR. Finally it was time for the staff to pack up and start plan- ning next year’s event. It’s going to take a lot of work to make it better than this one. Thanks go to tournament directors Pat McDonell and Kit McNear and their crew of Jerry and Donna Puglisi, Bob McCurdy, Mike and Carla Packard, Dale and Grace Cote of Dreammaker Charters, Dave Wirth, Judy Passerello, Carolyn Collet, Chuck Buhagiar, Scott Nagle, Mike Bohn, Rod Halperin and Rick Maxa. Special thanks go to the great staff of the Puerto Paraiso Mall. November 17, 2006 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS_ 13 / WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS LOS CABOS TUNA JACKPOT REVIEW Sponsors provide prizes, but also attend the event and help with production of the Tuna Jackpot I n addition to title sponsor Mercury representative Joan Schaad, there were several attending sponsors who helped produce the Cabo Tuna Jackpot and who contributed to the more than $180,000 in prizes. “Some come down to fish, watch the fun, dance, golf, show off their products at check in, while others come down to compete. Others are there with tools, working right alongside the staffers putting up banners and setting up the stage and helping any way they can,” said Tournament Director Pat McDonell. “After all the years, many of us have become good friends and we appreciate all they do to make this event happen.” Among the many sponsors attending the Mercury/WON Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot were Harry and Sarkis Alojiwan and Rick Ozaki of Avet reels, Bob Hoose of Berkley and Sevenstrand, Pat Meany and Steve Wolf of Boot Barn, Dave Bolthius of Costa Del Mar sunglasses, John Boyer and Milton Zemunek of Eat Me Lures, Lawrance Quigley of Fishworks clothing, Bart and Ginny Hall of Fred Hall Shows, Ken Matney of Hi-5 Lures, and Leonard Johnson and Steve Bradburn of Furuno electronics. Other sponsors in attendance were Bruce Buckels of General Tire, Phil Oliva and his wife Del Rae Oliva of G. Loomis rods, Victor Castenada of Mexicana Airlines, Dennis Yamamoto and Kat Shitanishi of Owner Hooks and Mike Curtius of Pelagic. Also on hand during the week was John DeVries of Seaguar. Mark Lemons and Mark Lampson of Turner’s Outdoorsman were on one of the winning boats, while Chuck Baird of Waterfall Resort and Paul Michele of Yo-Zuri Lures gave away great prizes. For a full list of sponsors of the Tuna Jackpot, check the sponsors page for their names and what they provided. BOB HOOSE made sure there was plenty of Berkley line. TOURNAMENT STALWARTS Joan Schaad of Mercury and Dennis Yamamoto of Owner Hooks are a big part of the success of the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot. Costa Del Mar congratulates Team Reel ‘n Deal, the top money boat at the 2006 WON Tuna Jackpot. The entire team wore their new Costa blue mirror 580 sunglasses, helping them to “See What’s Out There”and win $169,720. Congratulations to Team Reel ‘n Deal from your friends at Costa Del Mar. SEAGUAR LEADER captured the top two fish. 11-17-06 14 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS _ November 17, 2006 Thank You! Thank You! Western Outdoors Publications and all of our 500 plus anglers who participated in the 2006 Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot applaud your generous support! See you next year! Official truck tire of W.O.N. Big Game “The Leader in Marine Electronics” Honor Marine Communications Fred Hall Shows East Cape’s Finest Sportfishing Charter SPORTFISHING Tom Woolard’s “Senorita Bonita” 32’ Blackfin East Cape's Finest Resort cabo 11-17-06 November 17, 2006 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS_ 15 Thank You! Thank You! Seaguar Fluoro Premier The Official Reels of the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot "THE BEST HOOKS IN THE BUSINESS" CUSTOM LURES cabo 11-17-06 16 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS _ November 17, 2006 / WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS LOS CABOS TUNA JACKPOT REVIEW LINED UP WITH LURES and rods are Paul Boyer of Eat Me Lures and Phil and Del Rae Oliva of G. Loomis. THE WEIGH STATION was right on the boardwalk between the launch ramp and Puerto Paraiso Mall. “I’M HAPPY” said Brett Boulton of Tofino after he won an Avet 50 two-speed the first night of the event. Sponsors make it happen! LEONARD JOHNSON of Furuno and Victor Castaneda of Mexicana were on hand at the check-in. A FURUNO SOUNDER made Paul Fernando of Tampa, Fla., so happy he gave Leonard Johnson a hug after the Furuno rep drew his name. ROCKCOD RICK Maxa did a fantastic job of moving swag. THE MAYOR OF CABO, otherwise known as Dennis Yamamoto of Owner Hooks, enjoys handing out swag at the Awards Dinner. ZACH HOLLAND of Batavia, Ill., has his hands full. PHIL OLIVA presented Angel Carbajal, Ricardo Cabraros and Israel Barrientos G.Loomis rods for the big dorado. They also won Avet reels. LOCALS LOADED up on the free lures and tackle, too. SMILES WERE AS ABUNDANT as the free 580 Costa del Mar sunglasses. Brett Camarillo gets his pair from Dave Bolthius. November 17, 2006 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS_ 17 / WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS LOS CABOS TUNA JACKPOT REVIEW Sponsors make it happen! THE LIVE BROADCAST of Let’s Talk Hook-Up featured Pat McDonell, Rick Maxa and David Wirth. YO-ZURI SHOPPING SPREES worth $1,000 apiece were awarded to Scott Gaynor and Joe McGinnis by Paul Michele, center. SOCAL LOCALS were well-represented, including Berkley’s Bob Hoose, artist David Wirth and angler/captain Mike Shrosbree, right. CAPT. JOBE Villerencia of the Ni Modo is congratulated on the 318-pound yellowfin by Tracy Ehrenberg of the Pisces Fleet . CHECKING OUT THE WEIGH-IN with the rest of the Cabo crowd are Del Rae and Phil Oliva of G. Loomis rods. WON PHOTOS BY RICH HOLLAND FISHWORKS’ Lawrance Quigley had some great new designs for the official clothing of the Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot. BERKLEY STEPPED UP with a pyramid of fishing line. BERKLEY’S BOB HOOSE reads off the name of one of the many lucky winners at the Awards Dinner. Gricelda’s Smokehouse and Charters PISCES FLEET MANAGER Mario Banaga shows off the Eat Me lure he won that temporarily put the Adriana on the leader board. GENERAL TIRES is a new Tuna Jackpot sponsor and Bruce Buckels handed out 4 sets of tires worth up to $2,000, plus 1,800 shirts. American owned and operated Gricelda’s Charters offers a full range of charter fishing services. A full range of charter boats from 22’ to 50’ are available for 1 day and multi-day fishing excursions. Charters are also available for whale watch, sightseeing and scuba tours. Gricelda’s Smokehouse After you catch it, Gricelda’s Smokehouse can fillet, clean, vacuum pack and freeze your catch for easy transport back to the states. For smoked fish, you are in for a real treat at Gricelda’s. The secret marinade and smoking process creates the best smoked fish south or north of the border! Gricelda’s Smokehouse and Charters have a new location on the waterfront in the Tesero hotel (previously Hotel Plaza Las Gloria), local F-10, next to Baja Cantina and the Amazon Bar. We can can be reached at (01152624) 143 72 76. Our phone number from U.S.: 01152-624-143-72 66 VHF Ch 71 Visit the web site at www.dreammakercharter.com or E-mail: [email protected] 11-17-06 Gricelda’s Charters 18 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS _ November 17, 2006 / WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS LOS CABOS TUNA JACKPOT REVIEW THE HEART OF A PIECE OF LIVE OAK now contains a piece of David Wirth’s soul. Judy and Mel Ostberg bid $7,000 for Wirth’s carving of a jumping tuna. AUCTIONEER PAT McDONELL tells the Awards Dinner crowd about the piece of jewelry donated to the auction to benefit Los Niños del Capitan. Charity auction gives back to the city of Cabo ■ Three items and cash donations provide $21,000 to local children’s center The highlight of the awards dinner the final night came when Tournament Director Pat McDonell auctioned off wood sculptor David Wirth’s yellowfin tuna carved from a piece of live oak. It was one of three items and cash donations to the children's center Los Niños Del Capitan in Cabo. CHARITY AUCTION/next page ARTIST DAVID WIRTH said he could see this tuna in the piece of coastal live oak before he ever set about carving the sculpture. WON PHOTOS BY RICH HOLLAND LONGTIME FRIENDS Judy Ostberg and David Wirth embrace after the auction. The Ostbergs also have an extensive Chuck Byron collection. November 17, 2006 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS_ 19 / WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS LOS CABOS TUNA JACKPOT REVIEW WAHOO/DORADO $1,000 daily optional offered in 2007 At $1,000, or $500 each day, smaller boats will have a shot at some serious money and no boat will be out of contention with lures in the water BACK TO ALASKA is where Curt James is headed. The Whittier resident is a Waterfall Resort regular. Pictured are resort G.M. Steve Cockerel, head guide Scott McKelvey, James and manager T.J. Heiser. JAMIE GREER, Patricia Barreda, Enrique Fernandez and Mark Austin after a piece of jewelry raised $8,000 for a Cabo charity. Charity auction … Continued from previous page McDonell had toured the facility several days before with its director Patricia Barreda and told the audience the nonprofit facility established in 2000 provides medical, dental and psychological services for over 120 children from the ages of 1 to 5, nearly all who have single working mothers. Wirth also addressed the crowd, pointing out eloquently that the oak in its life fed a lot of people over 500 years being in Indian country in the back hills of Temecula, Calif. “This tree fell over in a storm and died, but now I feel like I’ve brought it back to life in another form,” he said. “And now it will provide food and shelter for others in its new life.” The money will be used to buy milk throughout the year for the children, and to build a small playground. The magnificent sculpture earned a record bid of $7,000 for the children’s center Los Niños del Capitan, thanks to Mel and Judy Ostberg. A luxury trip for two donated by Chuck Baird of Waterfall Resort in Ketchikan, Alaska earned another $5,000 when Curt James stepped to the plate. The first item to be auctioned off was a piece of jewelry provided by Minerva and Bob Smith at Minerva’s Tackle, and it actually earned $8,000, the most money for the charity as Jamie Greer’s Ni Modo team, which weighed in that 318-pound tuna and won over $152,000, kicked in $5,000. In fact, Greer just gave the piece back for another auction, and Mark Austin’s bid topped out $3,000. The $19,000 raised in the auctions turned into $21,000 by the time individuals at the dinner had walked up to the table where Los Niños del Capitan officials sat and gave cash donations. One rule change instituted in 2007 for the Nov. 7-10 WON/Mercury Los Cabos Tuna Jackpot will be the addition of a separate wahoo/dorado $1,000 optional, $500 a day. “For eight years we’ve given away rods and reels to the anglers who caught the biggest wahoo or dorado, primarily because the two species are backups to tuna in case no one catches a tuna over 40 pounds. This year, it’s a cash optional, and what we hope this will do is create a bigger field and give more teams a shot at the optional money,” said 2007 Tuna Jackpot Director Pat McDonell. “This will actually create a third event under the Tuna Jackpot umbrella. First, we have the overall tuna tourney that everyone is in, in which a team can place first, second and third over two days to get $400 of the $700 entry fee. Then there’s the daily tuna optionals, and for next year we added a daily $500 optional for $1,000 total for the biggest wahoo or dorado. This will open the event up to teams on a slower sportfisher or panga, plus we’ll have more participation by local teams.” Teams must still enter the Tuna Tourney for $700, then add the wahoo/dorado optional for a total of $1,700. They can also enter any tuna optionals as well. The total possible entry fee for overall, tuna optionals and dorado/wahoo is $23,200. McDonell said, “This is our way of bringing boats of all speeds and sizes into the fun of the event. If 100 teams enter that dorado/wahoo optional, we’re talking $40,000 each day for winning. I’ve had friends who come down, book a Cabo charterboat unseen and don’t feel they have a shot at winning the tuna jackpots, but with dorado and wahoo money, just dropping a lure in the water in the middle of nowhere will put them in contention for that optional money.” It will also make the event more reasonably priced as teams can book less expensive charterboats for the first time, even pangas, and see how fun the event is, and be in contention for some big optional money, said McDonell. Look on the Web site at www.loscabostunajack pot.com for the new dates, rules and signup sheets. 20 _WESTERN OUTDOOR NEWS _ November 17, 2006 After 33 years of awards, how can our Fishfinders get any better? Go digital with Furuno and find out! NEW! FCV620 - 600W Dual-Frequency 50/200 kHz 5.6˝ Sunlight Viewable LCD NEW! FCV585 - 1kW or 600W Dual-Frequency 50/200 kHz 8.4˝ Sunlight Viewable LCD catch even more fish with our new dsp technology! You’ve probably heard about digital fish finders, but aren’t quite sure what the difference is. The main difference is the filtering capabilities and auto adjustments. Our new DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology adjusts the picture by filtering out items that you don’t need to see, while enhancing the fish targets! But even the best digital filter won’t help unless you start with a solid base, such as Furuno’s renowned fish finder technology. Anyone who knows fishing will tell you that if you want the best fish finder, you need to go with Furuno. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it! FURUNO is proud to be the exclusive electronics sponsor of the 2006 Western Outdoor News Tuna Jackpot Best of luck to all the anglers! 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