Calendar of ROLEX/IGFA 2005 Offshore Championship Qualifying Tournaments

Team List for the ROLEX/IGFA 2005 Offshore Championship

Schedule of Events for the ROLEX/IGFA 2005 Offshore Championship

Rules for the ROLEX/IGFA 2005 Offshore Championship

Sponsors of the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship

First of all, thank you to all our sponsors who make the 2004 Offshore Championship the biggest and best ever. We had 66 teams from 28 countries and territories. All but two teams put points on the board. The winners, Texas Women’s Anglers Billfish Tournament, 2 nd place Tobago Game Fish Tournament and 3rd place Nantucket Anglers Club Billfish Tournament. The top 3 anglers Edgar Artecona of the Texas Women’s Anglers Billfish Tournament, Jamie Diller of the White Marlin Open and Roy Santolucito of the Nantucket Anglers Billfish Tournament. The top 3 female anglers Maria Henrique of the Trofeu Clube Nautico de Tavira 2003, Grace Canfield of the New Smyrna Beach Billfish Tournament and Gene DuVal of the IWFA Annual Billfish Tournament. Tournament anglers released a record 297 striped marlin plus one blue marlin and a sailfish. They also caught wahoo up to 97 lbs, dorado up to 61 lbs and one yellowfin tuna of 67 lbs. For complete details of the tournament results see attached file.

Looking forward to the 2005 Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship we already have 93 qualifying events. Last year our qualifying events were in 35 countries and territories. We would like to welcome two new countries to our list of qualifying events for the 2005 championship. They are Cameroon, 16 th International Challenge and Indonesia 2 nd Series 1 st President Cup.

We have tentative dates reserved with the beautiful Finisterra Hotel, which is our headquarters in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The dates will be May 15-21, 2005. The kick-off party will be Sunday, May 15. Fishing days are May 16, 17, 18 and 19 with the awards party on Friday, May 20 and guests departing on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22.

Back by popular demand in 2005 will be the optional roosterfish tournament for guests fishing from pangas close to shore. The competitors released close to 70 roosterfish plus numerous other species in a half-day of fishing.

The popular shopping tour (including lunch) on a comfortable air-conditioned bus to quaint and historic Todos Santos will again be available for guests.

We currently have 105 qualifying events for the 2005 championship with 20 tournaments remaining to be determined. The qualifying events cover 37 countries and territories plus 13 states. We also have five past winning teams that are automatically invited to participate in the championship.

The dates for the 2005 championship are May 15 to 20, 2005. Headquarters will again be the beautiful oceanfront Finisterra Hotel in Cabo San Lucas. With 299 billfish released in last May's championship plus wahoo, dolphin and tuna, we expect an excellent turnout for the upcoming championship.

Confirmed sponsors are Rolex, AeroMexico, Costa Del Mar, Finisterra Hotel, Guy Harvey Inc., Mexico Tourism Board, Penn Fishing Tackle, Blue Water Boats & Sportfishing, Eagle Claw, Mold Craft, Nautical Jewelry Originals, Hook & Tackle, Momoi Hi-Catch, Aftco, Bodo Muche (sculptor for gorgeous bronze trophies) and IWS Scales, the official scale of the Rolex/IGFA Offshore and Inshore championships. We are in the process of renewing all our other corporate sponsors and will keep you posted on our website.

Once again this year all anglers will be required to use only Momoi IGFA class 30lb hi vis line. Do not confuse Momoi IGFA class line with Momoi “ Diamond” line which has a higher breaking strength than stated on the label. We have found this line to be very reliable, and received no complaints about the line at the last championship. It also insures that all anglers are on an even playing field as far as their line is concerned. We encourage anglers to fill their reels with the official Momoi line prior to arrival in Cabo San Lucas if you plan to bring your own tackle. However, if you can't obtain the line in your area, Minerva's Tackle in Cabo (a short walk from the Finisterra Hotel) will have a supply of the line. If you don’t plan to carry your personal rods and reels to Cabo, every charter boat in the tournament will have four 30lb rods aboard with the official Momoi 30lb IGFA line.

By the way, we encourage tournament directors of championship qualifying events to consider using Momoi line. Momoi and IGFA have a conservation partnership and if your tournament chooses to uses Momoi exclusively, your tournament will benefit immediately by:

• A $1,000 contribution made to the IGFA Conservation Fund in your tournament’s name
• Your $200 registration fee waived as a Rolex/IGFA qualifying event
• Tournament Listing on www.igfa.org as Conservation Partner
• Tournament Listed in International Angler as Conservation Partner
• $250 worth of Momoi product donated for tournament fundraising

The qualifications are as easy as:

• Become a 2005 Rolex/IGFA Offshore Qualifying event
• Provide Momoi with a full-page ad in your tournament publication
• Use Momoi line as the “official” fishing line of your tournament. Reduce line hassles with one approved line -  it works at the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship, let it work for you. For more info call Ron Morgan at 800-525-4327 or Lynda Wilson at 954-927-2628

The contact information for reservations at the Finisterra Hotel is 800-347-2252, fax: 520-529-4549, email: yvette@bajahotels.com. They have committed to hold the same group rate as last year, which is $99 per room plus tax.

Once again AeroMexico is the official airline of the offshore championship. They will offer a 20% discount off fares in J/Y/B/M class of service and 10% discount off all other published fares. The reservation telephone numbers from the USA is 800-237-6639 and outside the USA dial Mexico City +52-55-5141-4000, Ext. 3164. AeroMexico is a member of the sky team alliance that code shares with Delta. When booking reservations please refer to the following booking codes for applicable discount: G/USA/CON/MAY.

Registration Fee and Boat Draw - The registration fee for a team of up to four anglers is $5200. This includes the cost of four days fishing aboard local charter boats. Teams will be assigned a different charter boat each day as determined at the boat draw at the kick-off party on Sunday, May 15. Additional anglers can be added for $400. Only 4 anglers per team are permitted to fish each day, but team members may rotate days. The registration fee also covers stuffed angler bags for each team member as well as all official social events (of which there are many) and continental breakfast in the hotel lobby on each fishing day. You will also receive complimentary drink tickets and we expect plenty of free Corona beer.

The registration fee for non-fishing guests is $250 which covers all social events, drink tickets, and the Shotgun “Bloody Mary” start boat trip and photo op on the first morning of fishing.

Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior (April 14, 2005) to the start of the championship tournament after which no refunds will be made.

Back by popular demand will be the optional shopping/sightseeing and lunch trip on air-conditioned bus to Todos Santos for guests of tournament anglers.

Also back again for the second year will be a half-day Roosterfish Tournament for guests. Fishing will be from pangas on light tackle close to shore. Last year 67 roosterfish were released plus several other species. Trophies will be awarded to the winners.

All billfish caught in the tournament must be released. Last year most of the 299 released fish were striped marlin in the 80 to 150 lb range. Dolphin, wahoo and tuna (minimum 25 lb) may be weighed in and will count 1 point per pound.

Fishing in Cabo San Lucas is done by trolling lures or dead bait. Often, marlin are seen tailing on the surface at which time a live bait may be cast to them, or dropped back in front of the fish. Live bait is purchased from bait boats after the team leaves the dock each morning. In order to assure live bait for all, the rules limit each boat to 10 pieces of live bait. Dead bait is allowed, but availability may be limited. We are working on that.

It would be a good idea for anglers to practice flipping baits to fish if you are not familiar with the technique. Circle hooks are required for all live or dead baits and will be provided.

The Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship has completed 110 of their qualifying events with only 2 tournaments left to finish in 2004. We currently have 43 teams confirmed with deposits and numerous additional verbal confirmations. Click here for continuous team updates. If you would like to see your team photo on the website and in the championship program, send your photos to Lynda Wilson at Lwilson@igfa.org or via mail to IGFA, 300 Gulf Stream Way, Dania Beach, FL 33004.

Thirty-seven countries and territories plus 13 U.S. states are represented by qualifying events.

Teams that participate in the championship in Cabo San Lucas on May 15-20, 2005 may become TV stars. The championship will be made into a one-hour special on the Outdoor Channel which is a new sponsor of the offshore championship.

IGFA also welcomes Viking Yachts as a new sponsor of the event. Renewing sponsors not mentioned in update #2 are Murray Products, manufacturer of some of the world’s finest fighting chairs and other products and King Sailfish Mounts will be providing some of the lifelike gamefish trophies to some of the lucky tournament anglers. (along with some beautiful bronze trophies by renowned sculptor Bodo Muche.)

With 42 teams confirmed it is not too early to reserve your accommodations at the spectacular Finisterra Hotel which will be our headquarters. Please contact Yvette at 800-347-2252, fax: 520-529-4549, email: Yvette@bajahotels.com. Our preferred rate remains at $99 per room plus tax. Don’t delay. Last year some of the late comers were disappointed.

We also recommend contacting AeroMexico for your preferred rates on airfare. The reservation number from the USA is 800-237-6639 and outside the USA dial Mexico City +52-55-5141-4000, ext 3164. The booking code for the championship rate is G/USA/CON/MAY.

Click here for the tentative Schedule of Events. Monday, May 16 the social event for the evening, back by popular demand the Ultrafemme cocktail party. This highly popular extravagant affair promises to be more extravagant in 2005.

Click here for the Tournament Rules. If any minor changes are made to the rules you will be notified.

May is prime time for striped marlin in the 75 to 150 lb range. At the 2004 championship 66 teams in four days fishing released 296 striped marlin, 1 blue marlin and 2 sailfish. Wahoo and dolphin (dorado) over the tournament 25 lb minimum size were also quite numerous along with a couple of nice tuna. We hope this gets you as excited as we are at IGFA about the 2005 Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship. We promise to do everything in our power to make the championship one of your most memorable weeks of fishing ever.

UPDATE #4 ( February 9, 2005 )

We already have 58 teams confirmed with deposits and more pending. They represent qualifying events in the following countries, territories and states: Mexico, Ecuador, Australia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Indonesia, Mauritius, Bahamas, New Zealand, Tobago, Papua New Guinea, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Malaysia, Panama, Cuba, Bermuda, Senegal, Spain, Turks & Caicos, Portugal, Jamaica, Canada, Croatia, Kingdom of Tonga, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, Massachusetts, Alabama, Maryland, Louisiana, New Jersey, and New York.

For more information as new teams are added, check our website: www.igfa.org.

Good news! The championship is going to be televised on the Outdoor Channel. This will bring even more recognition and prestige to all our international anglers.

Roosterfish Tournament . We are planning an optional roosterfish tournament for any and all non-competing guests of the championship on Tuesday morning, May 17 from 7:00 am until 11:30 am . It will be near shore fishing from pangas with 2 or 3 anglers per boat. We can pair up single anglers if needed. Captain, bait and tackle provided with awards presented to the winners at Thursday's dubious achievement awards/dinner/auction at the Finisterra. Don't miss it. Cost will be $250 per boat including your fishing license.

Todos Santos . Back by popular demand we are offering an optional day tour to the picturesque and historic village of Todos Santos on Wednesday, May 18. You will be picked up at the Finisterra at 9:00 am for a one hour scenic ride northward along the Pacific coast to the town of Todos Santos . This old town was founded as an oasis and is blessed with a rare charm and serenity. Browsing time is spent discovering artcrafts in the Casa de La Cultura and visiting artisan's shops. It is also the home of the famous "Hotel California" where the Eagles were inspired to create their hit song. Lunch at one of the authentic Mexican restaurants is included Bus returns to the Finisterra at 3:00pm in time for the weigh-in. Cost of this trip is $70 per person. This is a great experience not to be missed. Seating is limited so sign up early!

Join the tournament staff on a party boat to watch the opening day and sea lions Monday, May 16 Bimini start of 56+ teams. It will be a great photo opportunity with Cabo's world famous arch as a backdrop. The boat will leave promptly at 6:30 am and return shortly after the 7:00am start fishing.

We are tentatively planning an optional scramble golf tournament for those anglers that would like to try their skills on the links on Friday, May 20.

Casting Seminar . IGFA will host a casting seminar for anglers interested in learning casting techniques used in Cabo. Ninety percent of all billfish caught in Cabo San Lucas are caught on the surface. The seminar will be held on Sunday, May 15 at 11:00am at the registration tent. Two accomplished local captains will conduct the seminar. We recommend you take advantage of this seminar.

Important!! Enclosed is your team's registration form. Please return them to us as soon as possible. Also enclosed is your team's invoice and guest activities sign-up sheet.

Registration fee for up to 4 anglers $5,200

(includes 4 days charter boat fishing,

continental breakfast at the Finisterra on

fishing days, angler bags, all social events

drink tickets and fishing license)

Each additional angler above 4 $400

Non-fishing guests $250 (includes all social events and drink tickets)

Please notice full payment is due not later than April 4, 2004 .

Cancellation policy. If you cancel anytime within two weeks of the event for any reason we must withhold the charter boat fees. The balance will be refunded up to May 6. After that, no refunds.

Saturday, May 14 Arrival of teams and Hotel Check-In

Practice fishing day. Tournament store open

IGFA retail store located in Finisterra Hotel near lobby open at 9:00am

Sunday, May 15

10:00am - 3:00pm Team Registration - Hotel Finisterra

12:00pm - 2:00pm Optional Spouse Activities sign up

5:00pm - 6:30pm Rules Briefing & Boat Draw - Hotel Finisterra

6:30pm - 8:30pm Reception sponsored by Penn Fishing Tackle Mfg. Co . &

Hotel Finisterra - Hotel Finisterra Palapita

Monday, May 16 Day One Fishing

5:30am Continental breakfast -Finisterra lobby

5:30 - 6:30am Shuttle teams to pier and load boats at pier

Guests wishing to see the shotgun start will board spectator

boat. A great photo opportunity!

7:00am Shot Gun Start - Start Fishing

3:00pm – 6:00pm Stop Fishing - Weigh-Ins Pier

3:00pm - 6:00pm Corona refreshment tent open-complimentary

6:00pm - 8:00pm Rolex extravaganza cocktail party at Ultrajewels

Tuesday, May 17 Day Two Fishing

5:30am Continental breakfast- Finisterra lobby

5:30am - 6:30am Shuttle teams to pier and load teams on boats at Pier

7:00am Start fishing

7:00am-11:30pm Optional ½ day Roosterfish tournament for guests and non-competing anglers

3:00pm – 6:00pm Stop Fishing - Weigh-Ins Pier

3:00pm - 6:00pm Corona refreshment tent open-complimentary

6:00pm - 8:00pm Margaritavilla cocktail party sponsored by Hook & Tackle

Wednesday, May 18 Day Three Fishing

5:30am Continental breakfast- Finisterra lobby

5:30am - 6:30am Shuttle teams to pier and load teams on boats at Pier

9:00am-3:00pm Optional day tour with lunch Todos Santos

3:00pm – 6:00pm Stop Fishing - Weigh-Ins Pier

3:00pm - 6:00pm Corona refreshment tent open -complimentary

3:30pm - 8:00pm Social event to be announced sponsored by Momoi

Thursday, May 19 Day Four Fishing

5:30am Continental breakfast- Finisterra lobby

5:30am - 6:30am Shuttle teams to pier and load teams on boats at Pier

7:00am Start fishing

3:00pm – 6:00pm Stop Fishing - Weigh-Ins Pier

3:00pm - 6:00pm Corona refreshment tent open-complimentary

6:30pm-10:00pm "Dubious Achievement Award" , Rooster Fish Tournament

Awards: festive buffet, silent and live auction sponsored by

Chevrolet at the Finisterra Hotel-Palapita

Friday, May 20 Free day to enjoy Cabo

7:00am-3:00pm VIP Fishing Tournament sponsored by AeroMexico

5:30pm - 6:00pm Buses depart for Awards Banquet

6:30pm & 10:00pm Gala Awards Dinner Party. –Marquis Los Cabos

Sponsored by Mexico Tourist Board

10:00pm - 10:30pm Buses depart to Finisterra Hotel

May 21 Saturday, Teams pack up your trophies and memories and head back to reality

To make reservations at the Finisterra Hotel the contact information is is 800-347-2252, Fax: 520-529-4549, email: yvette@bajahotels.com .

Don't delay--it's possible the hotel will be sold out.

AeroMexico is the official airline of the championship. They will offer a 20% discount off fares in J/Y/B/M class of service and 10% discount off all other published fares. The reservation telephone number from the USA is 800-237-6639 and outside the USA dial Mexico City +52-55-5141-4000, Ext. 3164. AeroMexico is a member of the sky team alliance that code shares with Delta. When booking reservations please refer to the following booking codes for applicable discount: G/USA/CON/MAY.

Stay tuned to our website and the next update to arrange your transportation from Los Cabos Airport to Cabo San Lucas and your hotel.

We are working on the championship program and we need winning team photographs with identification of those persons in the photograph. Send either a hard copy or e-mail jpeg 300 dpi to Lwilson@igfa.org no later than March 1st.

Tournament rules were listed on update #3 and can be found on our website : www.igfa.org or email Lwilson@igfa.org to receive a copy.

Visas . International anglers, please be aware if your country requires a visa for travel to Mexico . I will be happy to provide your embassy with an invitation letter for your team.

Thank you again to our great sponsors that make the Rolex/IGFA OffshoreChampionship Possible.

Rolex IWS Scales

AeroMexico King Sailfish Mounts

Aftco Bluewater Sportswear Mexico Tourism Board Bodo Muche Studio-Foundry Mold Craft Products, Inc.

Chevrolet Momoi Hi-Catch

Costa Del Mar Sunglasses Murray Products Fighting Chairs

Eagle Claw Nautical Jewelry Originals

Finisterra Hotel Outdoor Channel

Guy Harvey Pacifico/Corona Rods & Reels

Hook & Tackle Penn Rods & Reels

Viking Yachts

Rolex, the Mexico Tourism Board and everyone at IGFA are looking forward to seeing you in Los Cabos in May. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, contact Lynda Wilson , International Programs Coordinator at IGFA, phone: 954-924-4233, 800-442-4665, fax: 954-924-4220, email: Lwilson@igfa.org or Sue Vermillion, Tournament Director at 808-329-7371, fax: 808-329-7360, email: hdc@aloha.net

Please support the sponsors of the Rolex/IGFA Offshore Championship.

ROLEX/IGFA OFFSHORE CHAMPIONSHIP 2005 UPDATE #5

( March 14, 2005 )

Sixty-seven teams from twenty-nine countries and territories are now confirmed for the championship in Cabo San Lucas. As far as we know, this is the most international teams ever to compete in a single fishing tournament.

Sunday May 15 at 11:00 Minerva will be conducting a pitch bait seminar with two of Cabo's experienced local deckhands next to the registration tent. The seminar will last approximately 1 hour and will give the anglers a nice idea of how to fish in Cabo.

To start the first day of fishing on Monday, May 16, is a bloody Mary cruise and photo opportunity aboard a party boat to watch the shot gun start. You can sign up for this during the team registration on Sunday. The boat will depart at 6:30 near where the teams board their boats. Don't miss it! You will get close to the famous arch and may even spot a sea lion or two.

The Roosterfish Tournament is Tuesday, May 17 from 7:00 until 11:30 . Fishing will be from pangas with up to 3 guests plus captain. Be sure to register for this fun event. The cost for the panga is $250 and includes fishing license, bait, tackle and water. Registration is on Sunday from 10:00 until 3:00 . Awards will be given for 1, 2 & 3 most roosterfish released and 1, 2 & 3 longest roosterfish. This is a release tournament.

Suggestion to teams with more than 4 anglers. Why not have the "extra" team members that day enter the Roosterfish Tournament? The rules for the tournament are simple. Catch a roosterfish, measure it, write down the time and length and let it go. IGFA staff will be on the dock to collect your catch reports and awards will be presented at the Thursday evening Dubious Achievement Award dinner party.

The optional day trip to Todos Santos on Wednesday, May 18 is also a very enjoyable activity. The cost is $70. which covers transportation from the Finisterra Hotel in an air-conditioned bus on a scenic route and lunch at the famous Santa Fe restaurant in Todos Santos? Plan to depart at 9:00 and return at 3:00 . Great shopping opportunities abound in this quaint, artist town. Space is limited, be sure to sign up early.

Friday, May 20 is an optional scramble golf tournament at the beautiful Palmilla Golf club at the One&Only Palmilla resort. Bring your fellow anglers to team up and play on the links at the signature Jack Nicklaus course, rated as one of the top 100 in the world. The cost is $150 per participant and includes roundtrip transportation from the Finisterra, greens fee, golf car and unlimited practice balls prior to play. Awards will be given to the top team, longest drive and closest to the pin. Sign your team up early as space is limited.

Ultrafemme is offering a make over for the ladies on the 17, 18, and 19 by a Channel make up artist . Appointments can be scheduled from 10:00 to 8:00 at registration on Sunday, May 15 from 10-3.

A reminder if you are bringing your own tackle, the tournament required line is Momoi Hi Catch IGFA 30-lb class line (fluorescent yellow) not Momoi Diamond line. There will be plenty on hand at Minerva's Baja Tackle in Cabo.

The Wednesday after fishing cocktail party sponsored by Momoi will be at the Sea Queen restaurant from 6:30 to 8:00 and is a short walk from the Finisterra on the way to town.

The festive awards party will be held on the grounds of the beautiful Marquis Los Cabos on Friday night May 20. Sponsored by Mexico Tourism Board it will be an event long remembered. Transportation will be provided to and from the awards party from the Finisterra Hotel.

Enclosed is the flight and hotel information form for your team. It is important to return the arrival information so that the transportation company and the hotel can prepare for your arrival. Please complete it and either mail, fax or email to Lynda Wilson, fax: 954-924-4299; e-mail: Lwilson@igfa.org.

Everyone at IGFA is looking forward to a great championship week in Cabo. If you have any questions, please contact Lynda Wilson, International Programs Coordinator at IGFA, Lwilson@igfa.org or Sue Vermillion, Tournament Director at hdc@aloha.net .

See you in Cabo!

Don't forget our great sponsors.

Rolex IWS Scales

AeroMexico King Sailfish Mounts

Aftco Bluewater Sportswear Mexico Tourism Board Bodo Muche Studio-Foundry Mold Craft Products, Inc.

Chevrolet Momoi Hi-Catch

Costa Del Mar Sunglasses Murray Products Fighting Chairs

Eagle Claw Nautical Jewelry Originals

Finisterra Hotel Outdoor Channel

Guy Harvey Pacifico/Corona Rods & Reels

Hook & Tackle Penn Rods & Reels

Viking Yachts