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2007 La Paz Gold Cup Results & Banquet
The
2007 La Paz Gold Cup Marlin tournament that was held on October 4-7th
was the largest and most successful fishing tournament in the history of
La Paz. Seventy nine boats competed for more than $150,000 in prize
money, and the winning fish of 395 pounds caught by angler Mark Rayor of
Buena Vista was only five pounds short of him winning a brand new Ford
Lobo truck. He did manage to walk away with a check for $100,000 USD.
Click here for information on how to enter the 2nd Annual La Paz Gold Cup Oct 2-5, 2008
The billfish action was fast and furious with more than 14 qualifying fish being caught. Second place winner Jesus Castro rushed to the weigh station by 11 am with a Blue Marlin of 343 pounds, and he took home $35,000 for his effort. The smile on his face as he held up his winning check was priceless.
Third place honors was won by veteran angler, Ray Novelli aboard his classy 73 foot Buddy Davis yacht fisher Rama III. Ray graciously donated his winning check back to the Ortesis Prosthetic Center that was organization that will receive the proceeds from this event.
There was a dramatic finish to the tourney as tournament control
received a radio message from a boat just before the lines out of water
signal, saying that they were on their way back to the weigh station
with a fish that they said would weigh in an more than 500 pounds. A
crowd of more than 100 people waited for more than two hours
anticipating the arrival of what everyone believed would be the
tournament winning fish.
As the boat approached the weigh in station and the fish was hauled to the scale, it was apparent to veteran marlin anglers that the fish was not going to be over 500 pounds, and they were correct, it weighed in at 277 pounds and did not place in the money at all.
On Sunday evening, the La Paz Gold Cup finished off with a classy awards banquet held on the beach at Marina Costa Baja Resort. More than 500 people showed up to enjoy the fine cuisine prepared by Dennis Catering of Los Cabos, on a picture perfect evening in La Paz.
One
of the highlights of the party was an exciting auction of many items
donated by local businesses. Jeffrey Curtiss of Playa de La Paz donated
a brand new smart car, which was purchased by his friend Ray Novelli.
Quite a variety of items were auctioned and raffled off, including day
trips aboard luxury charters and helicopter tours of Baja Sur.
Entertainment was provided by a local blues and rock band by the name of The Barking Dogs.
Chris Snell of Snell Real Estate who was one of the major sponsors of the event, was in attendance with his friends and family, and not only did he offer for auction a sunset cruise on his personal yacht, but also rounds of golf at Palmilla. Chris not only donated generously, but also purchased many items from the auction as well.
The
Master of Ceremonies, Robert Hefner the developer of La Concha Pearl
Condominiums in La Paz, and James Curtiss of The Cortez Club, kept the
crowd entertained throughout the evening, and did a remarkable job
keeping the action moving at a fast pace.
The tournament, raffle, auction and other fund raising portions of the event will benefit the Balandra Rotary Club’s prostheses clinic and was the result of a collaboration between major developers in La Paz including Bahia de Los Suenos, CostaBaja Resort & Marina, La Concha Pearl, Maravia Country Club Estates, Playa de La Paz, Snell Real Estate
The La Paz Gold Cup 2007 was the largest and most successful fishing tournament in La Paz history, and judging from the initial success it will certainly be one of the featured events every year in southern Baja
. 
