This year Tropic Star Lodge hosted their 9^th annual TSL Tournament at Pinas Bay, Panama.  There was a record turnout of 105 anglers representing 35 teams entered in the tournament. The seas were calm and the beautiful weather made for a great three days of billfishing.

With 5 marlin releases (1,500 pts), John Crimmins, Phillis Crimmins and Mark Hayo of team La Ola Azul took First place (Bertram 31 division). Ray Chang, Andrew Chang and Peter Wong of team Trini to D Bone!, came in Second with 1,200 pts and John Chrisholm, Don MeKinnon and John Sheridan of team Pina Colada took Third place with 1,000 pts. Bertram Division, second place Trini To D Bone also caught 5 marlins for 1500 points, but first place team landed their fifth marlin first. Also the third place team scored 1100 points.

The highlight of the tournament came when angler Ray Chang of team Trini to D Bone released a Marlin on early on Day 3. He had released a marlin on both Day 1 and 2 of the tournament thus qualifying for a shot of the Grand Prize, a Hyundai Veracruz SUV.  Ray is the first angler in the tournament’s history to win the grand prize.

The top angler award went to Francisco Salerno. And Top Female Angler award was won by Phillis Crimmins.

Heaviest Dorado (30.3 lbs) was caught by Enrique Pretelt
Heaviest Wahoo (34.2 lbs) was caught by George Mc Fadden. 
Tony Berkman released his first Black and Blue Marlin both estimated at 400 lbs.
Geoff Kilburn released his first Black Marlin and Blue Marlin.
Andrew Chang and Ray Chang both released their first Black Marlin.
David Sheridan, Larry Salo, Jake MeKinnon, Troy Burke and Andrew McCartney released their first Pacific Blue Marlin.

Tight Lines!

Albert Battoo
DOCKMASTER