Congratulations to Ursula and Hennie!
Say Hello to Gabriella Marais!
(photo: Daddy)

NOVEMBER:

The 2nd Annual Tropic Star Tournament took place over the Thanksgiving Holiday and has fast become a favorite. As a result, the 3rd Annual Tropic Star Tournament is already fully booked. There is still availability for private boat entries. Due to the growth and popularity of this event, an additional tournament will be held in July 2004, to benefit the CONAMAR Foundation. Check our website for details.

The Winner of the 2002 Tournament was “Team Zonians,” with Renee Nellis and Laurie and Mark Robinson. Renee also took First Place Angler and Best Lady Angler. She is the same “friendly voice” you hear when you call our Orlando reservation office, when she occasionally helps out Bonnie. Early this season, she also assisted Betsy and Brendan in Piñas.

Team Zonians
Tropic Star Tournament Winners!

DECEMBER:

Zane Grey Reef continued to live up to its reputation, with all three types of Marlin, big Sails and huge Dolphin. Raleigh Werking even got to play with a Swordfish and caught a bunch of Sails. Captain Armando, lead the way by giving anglers Harland Miller, Sr. and Jr., two Blue
Marlin releases – on the same day!

Richard Grost’s Big Snapper
(photo: Dave Vedder)

December guests, Ray Smith and first time visitors, Gary & Sheryl Meyer, plus veteran guests, Nelson & Vivian Perez and Tom and Kelly Fisher, ALL scheduled a return trip this season!

Mark Robinson’s Grande Dorado
(photo: Renee Nellis)

By the end of the month, on 6 boats in 6 days our guests landed 8 out of 15 Blacks, 3 out of 11 Blues, 3 out of 3 Striped Marlin, 190 Sails and 99 Dolphin. One of the Blacks lost was estimated at over 1000 lbs. Many Sails were reported in the 120 to 130 lb. range and the Dolphin were AVERAGING 50 pounds!!!

It took globetrotters, Dr. Hal Carpenter and his son Montri, 27 hours to travel from Thailand to the Lodge, but it was worth it! They booked again for 2004.

Sails Were Everywhere!

JANUARY:

The first week, Safari Club member, George Brimhall, reserved the entire lodge for his family and friends. They managed to catch 7 Blacks, 2 Blues, 3 Striped Marlin and over 250 Sails. There were 11 “first” Marlin and 21 “first” Sailfish, and they still had the energy to hike over to White Beach EVERY DAY!!!

Annual guests, Martin and Elaine Hirsch and Bruce and Carol Schorr had great fishing. Martin had a Grand Slam: a Black and