Courtesy of: The Morning News
This past weekend, Aruba and the Varadero Marina again hosted an official event on the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) circuit, the Chivas Regal Aruba Caribbean Cup. Returning to judge and MC the event was Captain Dan “The Mouth of the South” Kipnes, who has consistently promoted Aruba an ideal location for this tournament. It drew ardent billfish anglers from around the world, who enjoyed ideal conditions during this fourth edition of the popular tournament. A notable number of billfish were caught and released, as conservation and appreciation of the great fish is a constant theme of the IGFA events.
Captain Dan is also an ardent promoter of the Adopt-a-Billfish White Marlin Tagging Program from the BillFish Foundation, which is also a supporter of Aruba’s Catch and Release tournament. Such programs, which are monitoring billfish populations around the world, are now being conducted in 30 countries. Each year, they auction some valuable items at the Chivas Regal Cup to raise funds. This year featured the sale of some exceptional art carved of shed elk and deer horn antlers created by Captain Don.
Main sponsors of the event include Aruba Tourism Authority, Balashi and Renaissance Aruba Resort as well as Surfside Marina, where the final dinner and award ceremonies are conducted. In appreciation for their continuing support, they were gifted with stunning lithographs by the tournament’s official artist, Rick Bogart.
The First Place Boat purse of $10,000 went to the crew of the Naira, owned by Ruben “Bincho” Mansur, Jr. His crew consisted of Bancho Mansure, Yilson Ikiate and Jose Guanipa, who was the top angler for Day 1, and also won Overall Third Place. They caught a total of five blue marlin and two sailfish for the top score of 1,700 points.
Second Place Toroa Team won a $6,500 purse in their first time fishing the Aruba Caribbean Cup. They had a grand slam on the final day, catching one of each of the great game fish, white and blue marlin, and a sailfish. Crewman Theo Bougie also made the last catch of the tournament at 3:55 PM on Sunday, and took home the trophy as the Second Place Angler.
Aruban charter boat Driftwood, owned by Herbie Merryweather, places consistently in the Caribbean Cup. This year they claimed the Third Place trophy. Crew included Hans Kaspersetz, Ed Arnold and Jim McCord.
The First Place Angler Award went to Eric Mansur Jr. fishing on his father’s boat, the Alina.
A total of 21 blue marlin, five white marlin and eight sailfish releases were observed by the official referee team. All were caught on 30 pound test line, which Captain Don expressed as “an amazing accomplishment,” using non-effect circle hooks. Captain Don reports this policy of the Presidential Challenge Conservation Series is having a very positive impact on the large game fish populations in the areas where the tournaments are conducted. 17 boats and 70 anglers participated in the event.
Finally, the tournament’s organizers expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Eric Mansur, who prompted the event’s move to Aruba from their former Venezuelan venue, and his wife Diane, who plays a large role in organizing the congenial social events and other important aspects of the annual tournament. They were also awarded a coveted Rick Bogart print.
Those interested in participating in one of the many Presidential Challenge Conservation Series fishing tournaments can sign up at www.preschallenge.com. Anyone interested in supporting the conservation efforts of the International Billfish Foundation can find information at www.billfhish.org.
