Last updated: March 31, 2023
Marina Casa de Campo and Fly Zone Fishing recently hosted a billfish catch and release tournament. See the results below.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2023
Contact: Robert “Fly” Navarro,
561-310-9214; fly@flyzonefishing.com
Builder’s Choice Repeats as Marina Casa de Campo Open Champion
Builder’s Choice, a 64 Jarrett Bay, hasn’t fished the Marina Casa de Campo Open for two years, but the team never missed a beat. The boat led the field of 14 boats from the start to win the 2023 Marina Casa de Campo Open, which concluded last weekend in the Dominican Republic. With Capt. Brent Gaskill at the helm, the team claimed both dailies with two blue marlin releases the first day and three the second. The last fish was hooked and reported at 3:58, with two minutes to go until lines out. Builder’s Choice won the Open two years running in its previous appearance.
Blackhawk, another previous back-to-back Open winner, claimed second place after releasing two blues and one white marlin. This year’s event was dedicated in memory of the boat’s former skipper, Captain Joey Lyall, who passed away unexpectedly last summer at the age of 43. Fittingly, his brother, Capt. Bill Lyall, now runs the 76 Viking.
Bondolera, a 66 Spencer Yacht, was the third-place team. Captain Paco Vela and his anglers released two blue marlin and a sailfish for the honors.
Builder’s Choice also scored the top game fish, a 55-pound yellowfin tuna. Delta Dawn boated a 52-pounder and also hosted two junior female anglers.
Set at the world-class Marina Casa de Campo in La Romana, Dominican Republic, the Open is a billfish release team event. Tuna, dolphin and wahoo are eligible game fish. The tournament is presented by the Marina Casa de Campo and Fly Zone Fishing and was held at the Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.
“What a tournament,” said Director Robert “Fly” Navarro. “The Dominicans know how to throw a party. Casa de Campo is just such a nice place to bring a boat and host an event. The folks there really know how to welcome people to their resort and it’s become like a family gathering.”
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