By Pete Gray
Having just concluded our 22nd Annual Palmas de Cortez Fall Tournament, I reflect on the fact that while other areas in southern Baja have been overrun with big hotels and thousands of people, not a lot has changed in the quaint town of Los Barriles. Sure there are a few more restaurants and shops, but the small town still exists. This is certainly one of the fun advantages of staying at Palmas de Cortez- you can spend all your time at this beautiful resort, or simply walk a couple of blocks and explore the town. Another advantage is the variety of rooms available- two bedroom condos, newly remodeled suites with granite countertops and a small kitchen, or the remodeled garden rooms. Add in the huge Palmas sportfishing fleet as well as the incredible value, this is truly a paradise for anglers.
We had 42 participants and 14 teams in our two day fun tournament, which is the perfect size to keep it fun and give opportunities for all to win. Thanks to Rick 
Jensen from Sportfishing Financial for sponsoring the largest dorado or wahoo category with $500 in cash. The winner was 
“ Team Luigi” with Ellie, Sharon and Shelly- all girls team! The tournament was dedicated to our friend Lou Duchene, who fished in almost every one of our tournaments until his passing a couple of years ago. Only fitting that Ellie, Lou’s wife, won this prize. We also had another $500 cash prize for the largest tuna donated by Dave at Statewide Stripes. The winner was “Team Sons of Go Ugly Early” with David and Steve for their 34.3 pound yellowfin tuna. Taking first place and a return trip to defend their title in 2017 was “Team Nini” with Woody, Linda, Bill and Gail. They ended up with 336.9 points and their catch included a 47.7 pound grouper, a 34.8 pound wahoo and several snapper and pargo. They also won two custom made Makaira Pulling Lures. Second place went to “Team Mamma and Pappa” with Mark and Barbara who 
accumulated 214.5 points including 3 wahoo and a 24 pound tuna in the two day tournament. They won 2- $75 gift cards to Fishermans Landing Tackle and two custom Makaira Pulling Lures. Third place went to “Team Lou’s Tomadachi” with Curt, Gary and Tim. They had 197.7 points including 2 released marlin and a 26 pound wahoo. They collected 2- $50 gift cards to Fishermans Landing Tackle along with 2 custom Makaira Pulling Lures. They also tied with “Team Salty Dogs” with
Brian, Al and Jason for the most billfish released, and “Salty Dogs” won the coin flip for a pair of Maui Jim Sunglasses. We also had a fly fishing division this year and the winner was “Team Loco Motion” with Mark and Jennifer. They won a $100 gift card to Fishermans Spot in Van Nuys and a 3 year membership to the Federation of Fly Fishers. All teams took home t-shirts and the winners also received custom made trophies, and all have tons of great memories. Thanks to Rick from Sportfishing Financial for hosting our awards “Pig Roast” with delicious food and beer at the Palmas de Cortez palapas. Big THANK YOU to Eddie Dalmal from the Palmas de Cortez reservation office for making all the arrangements as well as our tournament directors- Mark Weir, John Textoris and Rich Topp.
We have our dates set for our 23rd Annual Tournament- October 12 to 16, 2017. All our listeners and friends are invited to join the fun and participate in our free tournament with the great prizes. Reserve your favorite boat and room soon by calling VanWormer Resorts 877-777-TUNA or check www.vanwormerresorts.com. All the details are on the “Trips” page of www.letstalkhookup.com. I hope to see you there!
