The World Billfish Series Grand Championships are scheduled for
Dec. 9-11 in Mazatlan, an event that is expected to draw offshore
anglers from all over the world.
The El Cid Marina Beach Hotel and Yacht Club is hosting this
year’s event.
“We are very excited to bring this event to the El Cid resort,”
said Jim Simons, World Billfish Series president and chief
executive officer. “This will be the perfect location for the Grand
Championships, one that our anglers will want to visit again in the
future.”
The fishing tournament is sponsored by the World Billfish Series
Anglers Club, a membership-based organization for billfishing
enthusiasts. Anglers qualify for this event by competing in seven
divisions on the World Billfish Series world tour, which includes
more than 40 tournaments. An estimated 30,0000 anglers participate
throughout the year.
Anglers accumulate points at the world tour events for a shot at
the title of World Champion of Billfishing. The winner this year
will also receive a new Mercedes-Benz, the gold championship ring,
the Grander Marlin trophy, and a custom bronze sculpture by marine
artist Geoffrey Smith.
The coastal waters off Mazatlan are fertile with Pacific
sailfish as well as blue, black and striped marlin. The Grand
Championships are a 100 percent release event, with points scored
by each angler based on the species of billfish, line-class and
bait or lure type.
The El Cid offers Mediterranean-style accommodations overlooking
either the marina or the ocean. The resort is designed to reflect
the atmosphere of a yacht club. One- and two-bedroom suites are
available, as well as junior suites (one bedroom with two double
beds) and presidential suites (three bedrooms), all with private
balconies and some with kitchenettes.
Visitors who come by yacht will find 90 full-service slips,
including wireless Internet access and 24 hours security. Two types
of all-inclusive plans are available one with golf and one without
as well as a European plan.
The El Cid resort offers fishing packages starting at $486 per
person, double, including accommodations in a junior suite with a
kitchenette, two days of deep-sea fishing and taxes. Special rates
are available for the World Billfish Series by calling
888-733-7308.
El Cid 727-319-3449
www.elcid.com
Tournament
www.fishWBS.com
