By Pete Gray
Covid has changed all our lives, and many of us are missing traveling to great fishing destinations. So if you fall into this category. Please know the east cape is back and ready to welcome you to one of the great fishing destinations of the world.
We postponed our June 24th Annual Rancho Leonero Spring tournament to run at the same time as our 26th Annual Palmas de Cortez Fall Spectacular, and those that came down had a fun time. I stayed at Palmas de Cortes but was able to get over to Rancho Leonero a couple of times to hang out with our group there.
Our Rancho Leonero tournament was run by Pam and Phil Bensimon. The tournament is normally run by Bob and Carole Blum, but sadly, the week prior to the event, Carole passed away. Carole was always an enthusiastic part of our ranch tournament. She brought so much happiness and fun to the event. She made sure everyone was having fun and always had a beautiful smile. She is and will be missed by many who knew her. We certainly hope Bob will carry on with us, but I know he will miss his best fis
hing partner.
The results of the Rancho Leonero tournament:
1st Place: Dos Gringos, Deb & Joe Hashey
– 128.3 points- They won a trip to return to defend their title next June at Rancho Leonero.
2nd Place: G-Pa & the kid, Jim Heatherington– 125.4 points- They won 2- $75 gift cards to Fishermans Landing Tackle
3rd Place: Markham Homes, Brian Markham & Sonny – 97.5 points. They won 2- $50 gift cards to Fishermans Landing Tackle
Most Billfish Released: G-Pa & the kid, Jim Heatherington – They won a pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses
El Zorillo: BWC, Randy & Daryl Brauckman–Won 2 LTHU hats and a Makaira Pulling Lure
Largest Dorado, 14.3 lbs., $250 from Statewide Stripes: BSK Boys, Kyle Berreth
Largest Tuna, 55.3 lbs., $250 from Statewide Stripes: Prestige Worldwide, Thomas Arreola
Everyone had a great time and all these teams are booking for next June! Next years tournament will be dedicated to both Lou Duchene and Carole Blum
The results of the Palmas de Cortez tournament:
1st Place- Go Ugly Earlier with Dave and Curtis – 202 points-They won a trip to return to defend their title next October at Palmas de Cortez and 2 Makaira Pulling Lures
2nd Place- The Doctor is In- Gary and Linda- 98 Points- They won 2- $75 gift cards to Fishermans Landing Tackle and 2 Makaira Pulling Lures
3rd Place- Desperados- Mark and Felix- They won 2- $50 gift cards to Fishermans Landing Tackle and 2 Makaira Pulling Lures
Most Billfish Released- Mark and Felix won a Pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses
Largest Tuna- Team Peggy with Rich and Larry 43 pounds- $250 from Statewide Stripes
Largest Wahoo- Dave and Curtis 24 pounds- $250 from Statewide Stripes
The weather was ideal for both tournaments. Flat calm except for one afternoon a bit of wind came up but still very fishable. Fishing was challenging- tuna were abundant but light line and small hooks was key. Not many billfish and very few dorado and wahoo The hospitality at both resorts was fantastic. John and Jen Ireland at Rancho Leonero made sure everyone had a great time and the food and accommodations were off the charts fantastic.
At Palmas de Cortez Eddie VanWormer made sure everyone had fun and treated everyone to a free tournament t-shirt and great spread of chip, salsa and beer at the check in and awards party.
Mark Weir and John Textoris assisted me at the Palmas de Cortez tournament, and Anabal the boat “chief” helped with the weigh in and organization. A big thank you to them.
Pam and Phil did a great job at Rancho Leonero and Eddie -the boat “chef” helped with the weigh in and organization. We thank them too!
Our tournaments are always free to enter, and so much fun! You are invited to next years tournaments, but I need to warn you- both are just about sold out. Those that decided not to come this year due to Covid rolled into next year at both resorts, so not much left- hurry and make your reservations! Our 25th Annual Rancho Leonero tournament will be June 5 to 9, 2021. Make your reservations by calling 800- 646-2252.
Our 27th Annual Palmas de Cortez tournament will be October 7 to 11, 2021. Make your reservations by calling 877-777-8862.
We hope to see you there!
