ENSENADA –  The yellowtail season has been going full bore at the Coronados, and believe it or not, the tuna season is getting closer. Combine that with the fact that Mexico is no longer checking for the phantom visas on boats (just insurance, registration and fishing licenses if you are actually stopped) this is time to think about two new WON events out of Ensenada slated for Sept. 5-7.

"The Yamaha/Hotel Coral & Marina Tuna Jackpot  is a whole new animal for 2013, with a  two-day inshore bass/rockfish  Jackpot  paired with a two-day offshore Tuna Jackpot patterned after the hugely successful Cabo Tuna Jackpot," aid director Pat McDonell, who coordinates for WON the Catalina, Ensenada and Cabo tournaments. "The Marina Coral is a fantastic venue and perfect for these two tournaments to run at the same time, at the same venues."

There were several suggestions for the event after the last two years,” said  McDonell. “One was to bring back or create an inshore jackpot division including rockfish and bass. We did that. The other was to have it later in the summer, away from the July winds and people’s vacations and more into a tuna season that gets later and later. The early September dates are perfect."

Also, he said, some teams said that Ensenada is a commitment and a great destination, so why make it a one-day tourney?  They  see the tourney as a destination event, whether you stay in a marina slip or  book a hotel room. The new format is unique and answers all those needs.

The Jackpots will draw from teams on both sides of the border Sept. 5-7. Thursday through Saturday.  Both inshore and offshore jackpot tournaments  offer optional kickoff points on both sides of the border.   Thursday evening, followed by  fishing and weigh-ins  Friday and Saturday afternoon.

”The concern with a two-day tourney and getting to Ensenada  for some teams has been answered,” said McDonell. “Teams  will have a great  option of checking in and being released from San Diego or Ensenada that Thursday evening. You have a choice depending on your schedule, where you want to start fishing from.  Teams  can check in at San Diego at Shelter Island  on Thursday evening between 5 and 8 p.m. or at the tented tournament area at the Hotel Coral Marina at the same times.  

THE TUNA JACKPOT 

Entry to the Tuna Jackpot is  $800 for up to four anglers, with 50 percent payback, first through third places. You want more than four anglers? No problem. Additional anglers beyond four anglers (up to eight total) are an added $100 with $50 going into the payout pot. For reference, the 50 percent payout for both events is higher than last year’s 33 percent. The idea is make it more lucrative for all teams. The remainder of the entry fee goes to WON for tourney expenses and profit. That’s not all, of course, There are free gifts, drawings at two parties and several optional jackpots that really expands your chance to win serious money.

How to win the Tuna Jackpot: While the event is called a Tuna Jackpot, yellowtail and dorado are also targeted and can make up the aggregate weight of three fish.  The win is based on the combined weight of any combination of the three over two days. Teams can weigh in up to three fish per day, and biggest three fish over two days make up the final total for the standings.  The payout for the Overall money, after two days, is first, second and third, 60 percent, 25 and 15 percent, respectively. The math is easy. Multiply $400 times the number of teams.

“It’s a like Cabo, but also a little like a professional freshwater bass tourney,” said McDonell. “After one day, teams will know who  is in the lead and  what they have to do to knock off the leaders, or if there is some monster fish the first day by a team, they can just go after the optional money, hoping for a single big fish to win all the money.”  

THE OPTIONALS: Daily Tuna Optionals are $200, $500 and $1,000 (Half each day is paid out). The single daily Dorado Optional is $200, and the Yellowtail Optional is $200.   As in all WON events, there is 80 percent payback on all optionals. Optionals are won by the single biggest fish in each category. You compete only against those teams with you in those optionals. 

“With the two days of fishing, instead of one, there is more fishing, more competition, and more money. And more weigh-ins. The first   weigh-in is on Friday is at the Coral scale  from  3 to 6 p.m,. followed by MANDATORY cocktail party/fiesta with music and sponsor drawings at the tent area at 7 p.m. and  teams weighing in. As teams from both Jackpot events weigh-in  on Friday afternoon, all teams  will receive  their welcome bags and clothing from sponsors and WON. 

“It should be exciting to have all that activity Friday afternoon and evening at the tent and the scale, and the bar will be open,” said McDonell.  

THE INSHORE JACKPOT

Inshore Jackpot Schedule: Last year there was no inshore division. This year, it is a separate event.

The  TWO-day Inshore Jackpot Tournament costs   $100 a person with no limit (must be two or more) to the number of anglers on a team. Of that fee, 50 percent goes to the payout pot. Targeted species requested by teams last year are rockfish (including lings), calico and sand bass. The 3-fish aggregate weight decides first, second and third, with 60 percent for first place, 25 percent for second place and 15 percent for third place.

Inshore Optionals: There are FOUR  daily inshore optionals. $200 each for sand bass, calico, lingcod and white seabass.   The single biggest fish wins the money in the optional pot, with an 80 percent payback.

While the white seabass is not part of the overall payouts due to their size differential, by popular request, there will be a  white seabass optional, $200, which pays out half the money each day. In other words, if you pay in at $200, you are entered both days.  So, a two-man team would pay $200, then another $200 for the optional and just fish for white seabass and compete only for the jackpots each day. 

“One question will be this: Can teams enter both Jackpot Tournaments?” said McDonell. “Yes. You can enter both tourneys.  For example, a team of four to eight people in the  Tuna Jackpot  would  pay $100 a person for the Inshore Jackpot, and could enter any of the jackpots, too. There’s a lot of time to fish, inside and out, so some teams will hedge their bets, especially those coming down from San Diego able to fish the islands and coast on the way down.”

Here's two scenarios:

Senario One:  trailerboater competing in the inshore tourney drives his rig to the  Coral, registers and parks his rig free of charge, and drops it in the water and puts it in a slip for two days. When he checks in and adds jackpots at the tent at the marina by the weigh scale, the inshore or offshore tournament he's entered in begins Thursday at 8 p.m. he can relax and have dinner, hit the town, sleep and get up and start fishing, or he can start fishing right away. He fishes all day, weighs in his three that afternoon, and enjoys the cocktail party and drawings at the huge tent by the scale, and watches the weigh-ins as he drinks a few cocktails. After the party where he finds out who won the first day optionals (and gets all his welcome gifts and maybe wins the drawing or the casting contest on the grass, he can fish after 8 p.m., and is not due back at the scale until Friday with the rest of the boats. Then he attends the party Friday evening and enjoys a great Mexican fiesta, before hitting the nightlife in Ensenada, or going to bed, or driving home. That scenario can be changed by the team checking in with staff at Shelter Island Thursday afternoon/evening (4 to 8 p.m. at a site to TBA) and start fishing Thursday night or wait until Friday morning (your choice) to compete in familiar fishing grounds up north before heading to the Coral for weigh-in Friday. Check-in, attend the party,  get released to fish on Friday evening and weigh-in  Saturday.... and so on.

Scenario Two: A larger sportfisher starts at ShelterIsland on Thursday afternoon after checkin and starts fishing tuna and yellowtail and dorado at the upper tuna banks, finishes off at the 1010 Trench, and heads into weigh-in Friday at the Coral. Checks in at the marina or hotel, attends the party, etc, and fishes Saturday. Stay until Sunday, fish for tuna Sunday for fun and head home. Three days, three days fishing, two days of offshore fishing during the tourney, partying. The other option is to come down Thursday morning, fuel up for 30 percent fuel costs at the marina, get a slip or room, and check-in Thursday at the tourney tent at the scale.  Enjoy the event and win some money before heading home.

   Ensenada  Inshore/Offshore Jackpot Schedule:

Thursday,  Sept.  5: Optional-site Check-in for  both Jackpots, 5 to 8 p.m. at Shelter Island (site TBA)  or at the Coral Marina,  5 to 8 p.m. Teams will be able to add to jackpots by cash and credit card at both sites. The Yamaha welcome bag and clothing pickup will be ONLY at the Friday cocktail party. There will be a random boat check at both sites.

Friday, Sept. 5:  Weigh-in at WON/Hotel Coral scale area is from  3 to 6 p.m. Welcome bags and clothing for  both Jackpots will also be distributed under the tent at the tourney site next to the  weigh-in area from 2 to 7 p.m.  All teams  will be released to fish inshore and offshore after the welcome party and drawings, no later than  8 p.m.  

Saturday, Sept. 6: Weigh-in for all teams, inshore and offshore, 3 to 6 p.m., Yamaha awards, music and dinner runs at 7:30-9 p.m. Music and bar opens at 6 p.m.

JOIN WON AND THE HOTEL CORAL AND MARINA Sept. 5-7, 2013 for the WON/Hotel Coral Jackpot Tourney presented by Yamaha Outboards. This year  offshore and inshore events will run parallel with weigh-ins and all activities based at the Hotel Coral Marina scale area near above the fuel dock where it was held last year. Two days of offshore fishing and optional jackpots and one day of inshore jackpots and fishing will be offered with prizes, money and prize drawing and the Tecate Girls.

 Team Profish wins $3,720 and Rickdiculous scores $3,040 to pace big winners; Team Its 4 Reels takes home $5,000 Coral Blind Bogey

BY GARY GRAHAM

WON Staff Writer

            ENSENADA -- The gentle breeze confirmed it.  The most-recent weather report promised a let-up from the relentless winds that had been blowing for several weeks.  And the colorful sponsor banners that were hung on Friday morning confirmed it.

            Everything was in place for the 2012 WON/Yamaha/ Hotel Coral Saltwater Championships.

            Staff and volunteer optimism grew as decorated tables were piled high with raffle prizes donated by a long list of sponsors – prizes to be given out during the Captains’ meeting on Friday as well as Saturday’s Awards ceremony.

            One team member standing in front of the display of raffle prizes turned to his buddies and said, “Man, I would come for the raffle alone!  I can’t wait to see if I win an Avet reel this year!”  Others around him agreed.  As it turned out, by the end of the event more than 40 participants were raffle prize winners with most taking home multiple items. 

            As the pre-registered teams began to arrive mid-afternoon on Friday, WON Tournament team veterans greeted one another and mixed with newcomers at the registration tent overlooking the fuel dock next to the weigh-station.  They debated which jackpots to enter and cautiously swapped recent fishing information with other teams. The number of teams taking advantage of the early-bird registration was similar to preceding years.  There were many familiar faces, with teams returning to enjoy camaraderie and fun they had experienced in the previous years.  Unfortunately, because the winds had blown for several weeks, many of the local teams who normally sign up on the day of the event, decided not to compete.

            Throughout the afternoon, music blared, enthusiasm grew, and the bar set up at the entrance did a brisk business as friends once again swapped past years’ fishing tales. The casting contest drew a crowd for the heated competition with a brand new Avet casting outfit the prize. Casters were given one practice cast and one try at the target. There was ample criticism and encouragement for each contestant, with plenty of hooting and hollering when the caster back-lashed the reel.

            Hitting the target was tough and casters had to adjust their casts to compensate for the brisk winds from the west, which had begun to strengthen throughout the afternoon. Finally, it came down to a cast-off between Chris Ortiz, Team 15; and Richard Beswick, Team 11. Ortiz, won the casting outfit by one foot!

            Tournament Director Pat McDonnell welcomed all the Captains, team members and guests at the Captains’ meeting, promising fun on land and water. He complimented the Coral Hotel and Marina for the new venue that allowed both the weigh-station and activities tent to be together in the same area. He also expressed his gratitude to the many event sponsors including Baja Naval, $700 gift certificate, local marine store Agencia Arjonas’ 100 T-Shirts, Marina Coral Marine store, special tournament event hats for all the angler welcome bags, Yamaha hats, Mustad Hooks, Avet Reels, Plano, Seaguar, Yo-Zuri special Sashimi 3D Magnum and Hotel and Marina Coral.

            McDonnell cautioned that the reports from arriving boats indicated the ocean was grumpy and everyone should take care, reminding each team that they had a shot at the money as long as they catch even one yellowtail or tuna. It would be a big mistake not to weigh in one of those two fish regardless of size.

            Hotel and Marina Coral donated $5,000 for the Blind Bogey.  Like all Blind Bogeys, a weight  randomly  with each angler submitting a possible ticket with a winning weight and type of fish.  One ticket would be chosen at the Captains’ meeting in a secret drawing. The team that weighed in a tuna or yellowtail with that weight known only to the director would win the $5,000. In case of a tie, there would be a drawing for the sole winner. If no fish with the exact weight was weighed-in, the two closest teams, the one just under the weight, and the one just above the weight, would be in a two-team drawing.

            McDonell closed the meeting by wishing everyone good luck fishing and reminding the Captains that the tournament staff along with the Tecate girls would be waiting at the scales on Saturday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.    

            After filling their bait tanks with fresh sardines and mackerel, many of the teams wisely decided to head out to their secret spot that night, allowing plenty of time to cruise out at a comfortable, slower speed.

            Saturday afternoon, the weigh-in station was manned early. Weight slips were ready to be filled out and the scales were checked and rechecked for accuracy long before the first boat returned. Spectators gathered to watch as lots of yellowtail and fewer tuna were wheeled up the dock . . . all under the watchful eyes of the Tecate Girls – Cindy Villegas and Evelyn Hidalgo from Tijuana. Both Cindy and Evelyn are Cheer Leaders for Tijuana’s Xolos Soccer team, one of the most popular teams in Baja. Their outfits were team colors…red and black. This was their first time to attend a sportfishing event and they cheerfully posed with all the lucky anglers who weighed-in qualifying fish.

            A steady parade of boats arrived at the dock to unload. Blair Lechtenberg and Sonia Haas, Castaic, Calif., on Salty Jack had three yellowtail, the largest being a 22-pound,

3-ouncer caught on an Avet reel that Sonia (one of only two lady anglers in the tournament) had won in the Friday night raffle. Somehow in the excitement of unloading the fish and tackle, Blair dropped the rod and new Avet reel over the side.  He dredged with a large treble hook for a half- hour before he managed to snag and recover his submerged outfit! 

            When the scale closed at 6 p.m., there had been 26 qualifying yellowtail, the largest 23.8 pounds and three tuna with the largest 27.3 pounds.

            While everyone acknowledged the seas were rough and it was tough fishing, they all had stories of larger fish lost among their good catches.  One winner, Mike Ricigliano, winner of the yellowtail division commented, “When we found the kelp patties we nailed ’em on sardines. Then we caught a few on lures; we had a dozen in the 18-pound range and three or four in the 10-pound range.”

            After a great carne asada buffet – Mexican comfort food – Pat McDonnell thanked sponsors, staff, and volunteers who had helped produce the event before he went on to the awards and  raffles.

            Excited chatter could be heard throughout the room and if you listened carefully, you could hear various comments coming from the tables. "I feel lucky tonight! We are going to win something . . .” and “Look at the pile of raffle items left on the table.  Looks like there’s enough for all of us to take home something.”  One table of participants, who had probably started early, was chanting, “Don't stand around, buy us a round!”  They seemed delighted to be on dry land and were definitely ready to party; it was obvious the grumpy seas had not dampened anyone's spirit. 

            Half the teams brought fish to the scales, filling the three slots in the Tuna and Yellowtail divisions with up to three fish (combined) and six single fish for the $100, $200 and $300 tuna and yellowtail optionals. 

            The top team on Profish, John Leonard, Phillip Faubert, Arthur Anderson and Vance Boucher,  with two bluefin  weighing 17.4 and 11.6 pounds won  the Tuna Division prize of $1,000; plus the three yellowtail optionals with a 23.8 pounder worth $2,560, for a total $3,720.

            The top money winner from last year, Team Rickdiculous, in spite of rough seas, headed out to the 238 Spot capturing a 27.3-pound bluefin that secured them the $1,000 Yamaha Big Fish Award, along with $600 for Tuna Division’s second place award, and another $1,440 for the three single-fish tuna optionals totaling $3,040. The team included Captain Rick Windbigler, Jim Dragoo, Nathan Whitney, Richard Beswick, Matthew Whitney and Steve Honn. 

            Captain Rick proclaimed, “We fish all the WON Tournaments except Los Cabos Tuna Tournament. This year we may enter that one as well.”

            Team Lady Grace with Robert McNerney, Mike Ricigliano and Mark Lewis won the Yellowtail Division with three yellows at 53.2 pounds for $1,000. Mike Ricigliano expressed his thanks and surprise. “The prize money was a bonus; we would have come just for the raffle.”

            Second place Yellowtail Division winner was the team of John Soria, Louie Prieto  and Eric Spalding with three yellows for a total of 41.8 pounds winning $600.

            The randomly selected weight for the Blind Bogey prize of $5,000 was 20-pounds, 2-ounces. Two teams competed as they were the closest to that weight and were entered into a two-team drawing:  Louie Prieto’s 4-pack charter boat, Its 4 Reels caught a 19.7-pound yellow and Team 8 which weighed-in a 20.9 pounder. Marina Coral Manager Fito Espinsosa drew the ticket and Prieto’s Its 4 Reels, nabbed the $5,000 Hotel Coral Blind Bogey. Sr. Espinsosa made the check presentation on behalf of the hotel, providing the cash award.  “We fish this event every year and are richer for not turning back because of the weather,” Prieto said.

            Another returning team Blackjack with Mike Kraus, Ed Day and Juan Cordona caught two yellows weighing 40.7 to finish third in that division for $400.

            Edgar Sanchez, Marina Coral Marine store, observed that the strong winds and rough conditions affected the turnout of many of the locals who normally compete. His assistant, Mariana Hammann, noted that, “The ongoing FMM situation is confusing and has certainly impacted the number of boats arriving from California that would normally have participated in the tournament this weekend.”

            But, in spite of the weather, the comments coming from the teams leaving the activities tent loaded down with raffle prizes, their winnings and smiles on their faces echoed the famous words of  a former governor,  “I'll be back.”

TEAM 4 JOHN LEONARD, SAN DIEGO, PHIL FAUBERT, Huntington Beach and Arthur T. Anderson, scored $1,000 for combined tuna catch plus yellowtail optionals across the board for grand total of  $3,720.

T

TEAM 11 RICKDICULOUS, made of up of Rick Windbigler, Jim Dragoo, Nathan Whitney, Richard Beswick, Richie Beswick and Steve Honn, caught a 27.3 bluefin tuna that won the Yamaha Big Fish $1,000 contest in addition to 2nd largest Tuna for  $600 and tuna optional jackpots across the board for a total of $3,040.

ONE WINNER, MIKE RICIGLIANO winner of the Yellowtail Division commented, "When we found the kelp patties we nailed ’em on sardines. Then we caught a few on lures. We had a dozen in the 18-pound range and three or four in the 10-pound range."

WON PHOTOS BY GARY GRAHAM

SPECTATORS GATHERED TO WATCH AS LOTS of yellowtail and fewer tuna were wheeled up the dock. 

                                         ENSENADA RESULTS

Team 4 Profish

John Leonard, Phillip Faubert, Arthur Anderson, Vance Boucher

2 bluefin tuna  of 17.4 and 11.6 pounds for 29.2-pound total. First place in Tuna Division, $1000

1 yellowtail of 23.8 pounds, sweeping the three yellowtail options for $1,180, $960 and $480 for $2,720.

Total winnings, $3,720

Team 11 Rickdiculous

Rick Windbigler, Jim Dragoo, Nathan Whitney, Richard Beswick, Richie Beswick, Steve Honn.

1 bluefin tuna of 27.3 pounds. $600 for second place in Tuna Division, and swept the three tuna optionals of $720, $480, $240 for $1,440. The 27.3-pound tuna was the big fish of the event, and won the Yamaha Big Fish Award of $1,000.

Total winnings, $3.0400.

Team 13 Lady Grace

Robert McInerney, Mike Ricigliano and Mark Lewis

3 yellowtail of 18.4, 17.5 and 17.3 for 53.2 pounds to win Yellowtail Division and $1,000

Total winnings: $1,000

Team 14 Its 4 Reels

John Soria, Louie Prieto and Ernie Spalding

3 yellowtail of 19.7, 15.9, 6.2 pounds for a total of  41.8 pounds and $600 for placing second in the Yellowtail Division. Also won the $5,000 Hotel Coral and Marina Blind Bogey.

Total Winnings: $5,600

Team 7: Blackjack

Mike Kraus, Ed Day, Lee Madding, Juan Cordona

Weighed in 2 yellowtail of 21.3 and 19.7 pounds  for a total of 40.7 pounds and placed third in the Yellowtail Division for $400

Total Winnings: $400

  Top 10 fish

1) 27.3-pound bluefin tuna, team 11

2) 23.8-pound  yellowtail, team 4

3) 22.6-pound yellowtail, team 2

4) 21.3-pound yellowtail, team 7

5) 20.0-pound yellowtail, team 8

6) 21-pound yellowtail, team 11

7)19.7-pound yellowtail, team 14

8) 19.4-pound yellowtail, team 7

9) 18.4-pound yellowtail, team 13

10)  17.5-pound yellowtail, team 13

other photos! 

Not signed up? Still working on a team or adding people? Don’t worry. Teams can sign up on site Friday at check-in and add teammates and add or enter optional jackpots.

“I was just at the Coral, delivering a shipment of prizes and tools and banners to the hotel, and going over the setup and planning, and everything is in ready to go. We’re planning a great event at the premier fishing resort on the coast,” said director Pat McDonell. “We’re anticipating a 40- to 60-team field evenly divided amongAmerican and Mexican teams. Those teams will be in for great fishing for yellows under paddies, plus tuna moving onto local banks, plus there’s a ton of prizes and ways to win money.”

Louie Prieto, who owns a local sports bar Tequila’s and who guides out of Ensenada on his boat Its 4 Reel out of the Hotel Coral, said “The timing of the tournament couldn’t be better. There was a boat that came into the marina two days ago that had 27 yellowtail for all the guys, 22 to 30 pounders they caught on paddies. The bite is at the 238, the 450, the 1140 and the lower 500 on the paddies.There are also tuna on the lower 500, and 238. Those are all within striking distance of the marina.”

So, besides having a great hotel and marina to fish out of 60 miles down the coast close to the best yellowtail and tuna fishing, how can you win? Why sign up?

— Welcome bag: First off, just by entering at $120 a person you get a pack of Mustad hooks, an Yamaha hat, an official Ensenada event hat, an official event t-shirt, a free carne asada dinner at awards, entry into the event, a free spool of Yo-Zuri Hybrid line a shot at some great drawing prizes.

— Casting Contest. A Calstar rod from WON and an Avet reel spooled with Yo-Zuri Hybrid Line goes to the winner during check-in.

— Paydowns in the overall, in two divisions, are first through third. That six chances to win money.

— The $1,000 Yamaha Big Fish Contest. Biggest overall fish, tuna or yellow, earns the team $1,000.

— The six optionals. $100, $200 and $300 for tuna and yellowtail, if you are entered into them. These jackpots are usually well into the thousands each. Biggest single fish wins the pop.

— The $5,000 Hotel Coral Blind Bogey. Catch a fish that matches the weight of a drawn fish, and your team gets a check from the Hotel Coral and Marina for $5,000. Sweet!

— Drawings: Two of them. 10 Avet reels, a dozen Plano tackle boxes, four Reactor sport watches, dozens Yo-Zuri lure packs, a $700 gift certificate from Baja Naval boatyard, Terrafin gift certificates, COSTA sunglasses, Seaguar flurocarbon and more.

“Besides the event being in a marina-side spot in a beautiful facility, the event will have a great setting with two bars, a covered tent in a wedding-style sit-down setting like last year, with cocktail tables set up along the railing above the weigh dock, with a big crowd expected at the weigh-in Saturday that unlike previous years that went on below on the dock will take place right up near the tent in front of a crowd, much like the Cabo Tuna Jackpot. Because of the $5,000 Blind Bogey, every team will weigh in fish, so while it take a little longer, it will be far more exciting.”

Notes:

Site: The new tourney area above the fuel dock will be tented, with covered tables, two bars (one was added at the request of teams last year), a live band, and is super conveniently located near the ramp and restrooms,the new marina clubhouse, and weigh area.

Fishing licenses: In other news, there will be a table set up at the check-in and Marianna from the Coral Marina store will be selling daily licenses for $12 or annual licenses for around $45. The store has all the ice and supplies and snacks you’ll need. Buy $50 of supplies at the store and get a free t-shirt!

Bait: The bait receiver in Coral Marina will be open 24 hours and is jammed with sardines and anchovies.

Tourist cards: They are not required. Land or sea. Just have a license and a passport.

Fuel Costs: At the fuel dock at the marina, it’s $3 a gallon for both diesel and gas. Rates for slips are $1.20 a foot, a bargain for staying at the marina with use of its facilities. A few blocked out rooms are still available, but not many.

Entry fee: It’s $120 per person, after July 25, and it’s also cash only, at check-in after that date.That applies to any new team members being added.

BLIND BOGEY Rules: Another $5,000 has been added to the jackpot winnings for the upcoming tournament. The Hotel Coral and Marina have tossed in another $5,000 for a special cash prize package and ANY TEAM has a shot at the money, no matter how they do. Like all Blind Bogeys, a weight will be selected before the competition with each angler submitting a possible winning weight, and one weight will be chosen at the captains meeting in a drawing, and kept a secret. The team that weighs in a tuna or yellowtail with that weight known only to the director, wins the $5,000. In case of a tie, there will be a drawing for the sole winner. If no fish with the weight is weighed in, the two closes teams under the weight, and above the weight, will be in a two-team drawing.

Contacts: McDonell, Director (949) 366-0030, ext 33 or pat@wonews.com. If you can't reach Pat call Lori at ext 26 or Denise at ext 25 and they will be happy to help you get signed up. Or go click on the events tab at the top of the page and then click on the Ensenada Hotel Coral Tournament icon. You can download an entry forms at or sign up immediately online via credit card. Optional pay-ins are cash only, at check-in. For hotel reservations, call the Hotel Coral and Marina at 1 800 026 3100; from Mexico, call 01-800-026-3100. Website is www.hotelcoral.com.

HERE’S THE SCHEDULE!

Date: Friday and Saturday, July 27-28, 2012

Check-in Friday, July 27, noon to 5:30 p.m.,

Captains’ Meeting 5 to 7 p.m., teams released at end of captains meeting

Weigh-in Saturday from 3-6, p.m. or until all teams in the harbor have had their fish weighed.

Yamaha Awards Party, prizes, drawings at 7 p.m. or as soon as results are tabulated. Live Music 6:30 p.m. to 7:30, buffet available at 7:15, awards at 7:30.

MORE ON THE EVENT..

Sign up now!

For more details on the two-day event or to sign-up CLICK HERE.

To download the entry form CLICK HERE

Hotel Coral Room Rates

Be sure to mention "WON ROOM PACKAGES"

Standard room: $122

Jr Suite $130

Coral Deluxe $181

Deluxe Suite $162

Master Suite $269

Standard deluxe Suite $143

(Tax is additional 11%)

Again, the hotel might not have some of these types of rooms available. But these are prices, which include breakfast buffet for up to two people, and launching.

2012 RULES

1. Participation & Eligibility — A waiver of liability must be signed by parent or legal guardian and be on file with WON prior to the tourney. All forms will be signed at check-in.

2. Cooperation with Media/Promotion — Within the framework of reasonable requests, all Tournament participants will cooperate with media representatives covering said event. Likewise, participation in the tourney grants WON the use of any pictures of participants, accounts, or interviews with contestants it gathers for the lawful promotion of the event.

3. Sportsmanship — The laws of good judgment and sportsmanship as well as courtesy toward others on and off the water will be adhered to at all times. Specifically, the use of obscene language or gestures is strictly forbidden at any time before, during, or after the event. Any verbal or physical abuse or threats from entrants toward the staff is cause for a team’s disqualification.

4. Alcoholic Beverages/ Narcotics — Misconduct from drug or alcohol abuse will result in disqualification.

5. Safety — All boats must have Coast Guard approved life jackets/vests and safety equipment. Anyone found operating a boat in an unsafe manner (in the opinion of the Tournament Director) is subject to immediate disqualification.

6. Insurance & Liability — It is the sole responsibility of the boat owner to carry and have proof of public liability insurance covering himself and passengers. All Tournament participants are required to sign a waiver absolving the tournament sponsors, co-sponsors and their employees from any responsibility for any damage or personal injury sustained as a result of their participation in the tournament or related activities.

7. All anglers must have their possession a valid and current fishing license. Anglers checked at weigh-in by the Mexican authorities who do not have a valid Mexican fishing license will cause their ENTIRE team to be disqualified from the tournament. They will likely be checking at the dock. Licenses are be available for sale online at bestbajafishing.com, at local shops and at the Coral Marina shop (Daily and annual).

8. Fishable Waters — Fishable waters in the event include any water reachable by boat that is open to all participants and which is not otherwise restricted by local restrictions. All fishing and landing of fish must be done from the boat. No participants are permitted to leave their boat.

9. Weigh-In — Teams cannot continue to fish after they weigh in their catch.

10. Practice/Pre-Fishing —There is no restriction on pre-fishing.

11. Polygraph Testing — All participants, by virtue of their entry into the Tournament, are subject to testing by polygraph (lie-detector) by authority of the Tournament Director.

12. Late Rule — Any participant/team that returns to the check-in point past the weigh-in time will not be allowed to weigh their catch .

13. Tackle/Techniques — Live bait and artificial lures are permitted. Fish attractants and chum buckets are also permitted.

14. Qualifying Fish — Any combination of any type of tuna or yellowtail. Up to three fish can be weighed in for an aggregate weight competition, first through third place wins money. Jackpots are decided by single biggest fish in each eligible jackpot.

15. Standings/Ties — The top three (5) teams win cash (checks).

In the event of a tie in fish weight, a coin toss will determine the winning team.

16. Protests — Protests regarding violation of these rules must be announced immediately to the Tournament Director and then submitted to him in writing within 30 minutes of the verbal protest.

17. The tournament VHF Channel is 72.

18. All anglers must operate their vessels in a safe manner.

19. The winners of all drawings MUST be PRESENT to win.

20. Each participant is responsible for having his or her own Coast Guard approved life jacket or vest.

21. All people on a boat must have paid the $100 (early) - $120 (late) entry fee, including any charter captains. Optionals are just that, optional.

22: The director’s decision, after consultation with other staffers, is final.

22: All boats/teams are released at the end of the captains meeting, but they can choose to begin fishing at any time.

23:The Hotel Coral and Marina has tossed in another $5,000 for a special cash prize package and ANY TEAM has a shot at the money, no matter how they do. Like all Blind Bogeys, a weight will be selected before the competition with each angler submitting a possible winning weight, and one weight will be chosen at the captains meeting in a drawing, and kept a secret. The team that weighs in a tuna or yellowtail with that weight known only to the director, wins the $5,000. In case of a tie, there will be a drawing among those teams for the sole winner. If no fish with the weight is weighed in, the two closes teams UNDER the weight, and ABOVE the weight, will be in a two-team drawing.

Yellowtail show up in solid numbers, sizes at Todos Santos Island

ENSENADA -— The yellowtail are in, the weather cooperated for the most part and anglers headed out to Todos Santos to get their share. It looks like a great season is getting underway in Ensenada; all we are waiting for now are the albacore.

“Just north of Isla Todos Santos and only five miles out from the Marina Coral was where they were getting them,” Mariana Hammann from the Coral Marina Store said. Hammann said trolling with Rapala lures and jigs were both working. Although the water temperatures are still low and we had 8- to 11-knot winds, it was a sunny day.”

“Saturday, the No Limitz 1 headed out to the south side of the island and at 35 feet they caught 5 yellowtail over 20 pounds, a whitefish and a medium-sized sheepshead,” Hammann said. “Now all we need are the albacore.”

Sammy Susarrey of Lily’s Sportfishing also got in on the bite. “We’re fishing for yellows at Erendira, the San Jose Reef, Todos Santos and also the San Miguel Reef,” Susarrey said. “Most of the yellows were 25 pounders and they been hit Tady 45s in any color.”

“The ocean has been calm and the temperature has been 62 degrees,” Susarrey said. “Also, there is a lot bait fish around and the color of the water has been good. All the fish we had have been breezing in nice schools.”

Needing a break from remodeling his Tequilas Sports Bar, Louie Prieto from Its 4 Reels Sportfishing decided to cash in on the local bite for yellows that started this past week. “Angel, Andy May, Wade Nichols and I headed out early to the north end of Todos Santos Island,” Prieto said. “The water was really sloppy, with a very tight mixed swell and maybe 10 mph of wind but we spotted terns dipping and diving midway to our destination so we tossed iron but found nothing.”

“We decided that the conditions were going to make it tough to spot breezing fish so we put a purple/black MirrOLure and an X-Rap in the blue mackerel pattern out,” Prieto said. “Twenty minutes of trolling produced a nice yellow on the MirrOLure. We continued trolling closer to the north end of the island than we have been in the past and ended the day with 4 yellows between 15 and 22 pounds.”

“All fish were caught on the troll using the MirrOLures, with three coming on black/purple and one in the blue mackerel pattern,” Prieto said. “The yellows did come up a few times but were hard to get to due to the pretty severe wind and waves. Water temperatures at the island were 60.4 and 62.8 further inside. We also metered lots of fish as well.”

PLAN NOW: July 27-28 Ensenada Saltwater Championship

Two divisions for yellowtail and tuna and a great venue, the Hotel Coral and Marina

ENSENADA — Summer is coming and planning for it is critical, especially the WON/YAMAHA Hotel Coraland Marina Saltwater Championship.

The tourney is slated for July 27-28, a week later than last year when it was reintroduced to the West Coast tournament calendar and drew 41 teams and 150 anglers despite bad press concerning the border, poor fishing and high gas costs.

Said Director Pat McDonell, “We were thrilled, the teams who came felt it was a great event, and the hotel simply hit a home run in hosting the tournament in an effort to get it back on the map. The hotel and marina as a venue was first class, and best of all, it is now scheduled in the heart of tuna and yellowtail season.”

This year, the event will focus on tuna and yellowtail in two divisions. Cost to enter either by credit card, bank check or cash will be the early bird fee of $100 per angler (the fee is $120 after July 25 which must be paid on-site in cash), which includes cost of entry, a hat, t-shirt, a carne asada dinner, tickets to drawings at both the captains meeting and awards, and paydowns to third place in both divisions will come from that entry fee and Yamaha.

Teams are encouraged to book the Coral Hotel soon as 35 rooms are blocked out. There are no other rooms available on a busy summer weekend, with two other events slated. The hotel is offering special rates that include launching and a discounted price for slip rental, plus breakfast coupons.

When calling the hotel, you don’t say you are with the tournament, you will be told the hotel is booked, so mention it. For hotel reservations, call the Hotel Coral1 800 862 9020. The marina and harbormaster Fito Espinosa can be reached from the U.S. at 1 (866) 302 0066; from Mexico, call 01-800-026-3100. The hotel website is www.hotelcoral.com.

Changes from last year include:

***Elimination of the bass division due to lack of teams last year. “I couldn’t keep giving a third of the money collected from 5 percent of the teams.The money will go to the yellowtail and tuna divisions in higher payouts

 *** The event will be held on the newly refurbished covered patio above the fuel dock next to the launch ramp and the marina office. The venue can include the captains meeting, the weigh-in, awards, local band, bar, and vendors tents. “It’s a perfect all-in-one venue for us,” said McDonell. “The tent was fine, but there was limited space and layout on the grass. There will be more room, and far more convenient, and the crowd at the weigh-in can have a place to sit up above, order drinks and relax in the shade.”

 ***The optionals, three for yellowtail and three for tuna for a total of six will be decidednot by the single biggest fish, but by the three-fish total of a team. Teams can enter both divisions. That was at several team’s request after last year.

*** Casting contest: With the new check-in and awards venue, WON will host a Costa/AvetCasting contest during check-in, the winner receiving a rod, Avet reel and a pair of Costas.

*** The entry fee: $100 for early birds, $120 onsite after July 25, cash only. “We had to institute a dual fee schedule after most teams signed up on site. We can’t plan a tourney like that without incurring big costs,” said director Pat McDonell.

*** There will be no overall champion now that there are just two divisions.The $1,000 Yamaha bonus will be for single biggest fish (tuna or yellowtail). 

Paperwork: Trailer down or run by water 

Paperwork: Teams from the U.S. by trailerboat via land will need passports and fishing licenses. You also need tourist permits, free at the border, from the office on the far right as you cross. Be sure to cross the border in the far right lane and park in the lot. If you choose to not stop for the free tourist permit, you can get them in Ensenada at the immigration office in Ensenada, but there is a $23 fee. That is for land travel and you must have it with you on your boat to confirm you came by land and not vessel. The new FMM sea travel permit for those who come by boat must be obtained if you plan to fish on the way down (www.mxtourassist.com) or buy at Dana (Mission Bay) or Fisherman’s landings (SD Bay) or at MXTourist Assistance office at Kona Kai, K-Dock, in SD Bay. Look at www.mxtourassist.com for details. If you plan on coming directly to the Hotel by water, you can obtain your permits in town. If you plan of fishing on the way down, have your FMM sea permit for each angler before you leave.

PLAN NOW: HERE’S THE SCHEDULE!

Date: Friday and Saturday, July 27-28

Schedule: Check-in Friday, July 27, noon to 5:30 p.m., Seaguar Captains’ Meeting 5 to 7 p.m., teams released at end of captains meeting, weigh-in Saturday from 3-6, p.m., Yamaha awards Party and casual carne asada taco buffet, prizes, drawings at 7 p.m. or as soon as results are tabulated.

Format: Two divisions (yellowtail, tuna). Top weight of three fish. Paydowns to third in each division. Optionals are $100, $200 and $300, cash only. Six optionals total. 80 percent payback.

Entry fee: $100-120 a person, two-man teams and larger. Fee includes hat, shirt, carne buffet at awards and payback monies. All boat passengers must be a team member. No exceptions. Early bird deadline is noon, July 25.

Contacts: Pat McDonell, Director (949) 366-0030, ext 33 or pat@wonews.com. Download entry forms at wonews.com and mail in, or sign up online via credit card. Optional pay-ins are cash only, at check-in. There are 35 rooms at the Coral reserved for the event. If you don’t say you are with the tournament, you will be told the hotel is booked, so mention it.

For hotel reservations, call the Hotel Coral1 800 862 9020, the marina at 1 866-302 0066; from Mexico, call 01-800-026-3100. Website is www.hotelcoral.com.

THE HOTEL CORAL AND MARINA is the official host of the event, and even during the downturn in business, has been refurbishing its rooms and common areas, and of course the marina is first class through the efforts of the new ownership and the longtime marina manager Fito Espinosa.The tournament will again be held under a huge event tent on the grass right above the marina. The hotel is offering fantastic room rates (starting at $210 for 2 nights, and includes launch fee andcontinental breakfasts each day (4 total). There are several hotel room options. You can also bring your boat by water and pay for a slip at $1.20 a foot per night and use the hotel facility.

A letter from the Davis team about the 2011 event

Baja Bound.....

We, the Davis family,six in our group, started our adventure at Shelter Island with our boat in tow. We met with Gary &Yvonne and Bob and Chris to caravan to our destination. We got on the road precisely at the scheduled time and headed for the border. Once we went through inspection the "Green Angels" were there waiting to escort us to our hotel. It truly gave of a sense of security being it was our first time.We arrived at our hotel safe and sound. Within 15 minutes the boat was launched and we were checking in. It was a breeze. Shortly thereafter we registered for the tournament and after signing up we were given gift bags full of cool things.

Saturday morning bright and early...Team Reelfishy, Robert Sr, son Robert Jr, son Andrew and good friend John, headed out for some fishing! Couldn't ask for better weather. After a full day of fishing we headed to the awards banquet where lots of prizes were given out and delicious food.

Sunday morning, once again we were escorted back to the border. Thank you Green Angels! A Big Kudos to the staff of WON! Everything was organized very well. Everyone involved were so kind and lots of fun. Without a doubt we will be doing it again next year and letting everyone know that it was an awesome time. Thanks again WON staff!

Sincerely,

Lori Walker

Our group

Robert Sr. & Gail, Robert Jr. & Lori,, Andrew, John

1. Participation & Eligibility — There are no restrictions as to race, creed or color. Those entered and under the age of 18 years must have written consent from parent or legal guardian. Further, a waiver of liability must be signed by parent or legal guardian and be on file with WON prior to the tourney. All forms will be signed at check-in.

2. Cooperation with Media/Promotion — Within the framework of reasonable requests, all Tournament participants will cooperate with media representatives covering said event. Likewise, participation in the tourney grants WON the use of any pictures of participants, accounts, or interviews with contestants it gathers for the lawful promotion of the event.

3. Sportsmanship — The laws of good judgment and sportsmanship as well as courtesy toward others on and off the water will be adhered to at all times. Specifically, the use of obscene language or gestures is strictly forbidden at any time before, during, or after the event. Any verbal or physical abuse or threats from entrants toward thestaff is cause for a team’s disqualification.

4. Alcoholic Beverages/ Narcotics — Misconduct from drug or alcohol abuse will result in disqualification.

5. Safety — All boats must have Coast Guard approved life jackets/vests and safety equipment. Anyone found operating a boat in an unsafe manner (in the opinion of the Tournament Director) is subject to immediate disqualification.

6. Insurance & Liability — It is the sole responsibility of the boat owner to carry and have proof of public liability insurance covering himself and passengers. All Tournament participants are required to sign a waiver absolving the tournament sponsors, co-sponsors and their employees from any responsibility for any damage or personal injury sustained as a result of their participation in the tournament or related activities.

7. Licenses — Each participant must have in his possession a valid and current fishing license. Anglers checked at weigh-in by the Mexican authorities who do not have a valid Mexican fishing license will cause their ENTIRE team to be disqualified from the tournament. They will likely be checking at the dock. Licenses are be available for sale online at bestbajafishing.com, at local shops and at the Coral Marina shop.

8. Fishable Waters — Fishable waters in the event include any water reachable by boat that is open to all participants and which is not otherwise restricted by local restrictions. All fishing and landing of fish must be done from the boat. No participants are permitted to leave their boat.

9. Weigh-In — Teams cannot continue to fish after they weigh in their catch.

10. Practice/Pre-Fishing —There is no restriction on pre-fishing.

11. Polygraph Testing — All participants, by virtue of their entry into the Tournament, are subject to testing by polygraph (lie-detector) by authority of the Tournament Director.

12. Late Rule — Any participant/team that returns to the check-in point past theweigh-in time will not be allowed to weigh their catch .

13. Tackle/Techniques — Live bait and artificial lures are permitted. Fish attractants and chum buckets are also permitted.

14. Qualifying Fish — Any combination of any type of tuna or yellowtail. Up to three fish can be weighed in for an aggregate weight competition, first through third place wins money. Jackpots are also decided by aggregate weight of up to three fish (it’s a rule change for 2012) so that it parallels the overall competition rules.

15. Standings/Ties — The top three (3) teams win cash and prizes.

In the event of a tie in fish weight, a coin toss will determine the winning team.

16. Protests — Protests regarding violation of these rules must be announced immediately to the Tournament Director and then submitted to him in writing within 30 minutes of the verbal protest.

17. The tournament VHF Channel is 72.

18. All anglers must operate their vessels in a safe manner.

19.The winners of all drawings MUST be PRESENT to win.

20. Each participant is responsible for having his or her own Coast Guard approved life jacket or vest.

21: All people on a boat must have paid the $100(early) - $120 (late) entry fee, including any charter captains.Optionals are just that, optional.

22: The director’s decision, after consultation with other staffers, is final.

22: All boats/teams are released at the end of the captains meeting, but they can choose to begin fishing at any time.