2005 Recap & Results
The sailfish bite in South Florida has been red hot this January. Expectations were high for the 2005 edition of the Mayor’s Cup and teams were not disappointed. 83 teams and nearly 400 anglers competed for over $135,000 is cash prizes.

The kickoff party set a new standard for tournament parties. Hundreds of anglers, friends and family enjoyed the Dewar’s 12 open bar as well as wonderful food. Spirits were high for this second annual event. All of the top South Florida teams were in attendance as well as teams from across the country including Connecticut, both Carolinas, Georgia, New Jersey, and all over Florida; each of these teams vying for The Cup.

On Saturday morning teams were met with 20 knot winds, but this did not deter them as they headed out for the day. Fishing began at 8:00 a.m. and by 8:04 a.m., a double-header had already been released. “We knew we were in for a high-number day,” explains Tony Albelo tournament director. He was right. By the end of fishing on Saturday 196 sailfish had been released. The team aboard the Mercury-powered “Fillamagilla” led the pro division with 1800 points while “Fulunga” led the amateur ranks with 1200 points.

On Sunday the weather was much different as the wind slowed down and so did the fishing. Only about half the fish were released on Sunday for a total of 292 total releases for the tournament. “Fillamagilla” kept picking away at fish the entire day to pad their lead as they ended up 800 more points for a total of 2600 points. “Get Lit” took 2nd place with 2000 points, the Verado-powered “No Mercy” placed 3rd with 1800 points, and the Miss Britt rounded out the top four pro teams with 1600 points.

On the amateur side “Fulunga” didn’t post a catch on Sunday and their lead slipped away to the Mercury-powered Sea Vee “Hooked-Up” who ended up with 1600 points and first place. “Fulunga” managed 2nd place with 1200 points, “O2” posted 1200 points for 3rd place and “Uptight” took 4th place with 1000 points.

Last year’s top team was from Chicago therefore The Mayor’s Cup trophy spent its first year of existence in the Windy City. South Florida fishing teams were redeemed as “Fillamagilla” was fishing for Miami and the Cup was returned to Miami’s City Hall.

The Mayor’s Cup also marked the end of the Dewar’s 12 Billfish Championship Series. This first-year series started last month with the South Florida Sailfish Kickoff. In the end the “Get Lit” team took home the Dewar’s 12 trophy, the championship rings and an additional $15,500.00. In total “Get Lit” walked away with $58,000.00 in prize money. Other notable cash winnings were “Fillamagilla” with $17, 525.00, “No Mercy” with 15,225.00 and “Jichi” with $11,500.00 (for a 32 pound tuna!).

The 2006 Dewar’s 12 Billfish Championship will add a 3rd event to its Triple Crown series. For more information on any of these events, please check their respective websites: www.mayorscuptournament.com, www.sailfishkickoff.com, or www.billfishchampionship.com.