By Pete Gray
We just finished our 26th Annual Rancho Leonero Fun Tournament and the emphasis this year was certainly on Fun! The fishing was as tough as I have ever seen it due to cold green water and who knows what else, but there were still plenty of fish caught, beautiful weather and most of all- lots of fun. There were so many new faces in the group this year. Many long-time listeners that finally came to see what this beautiful resort that John Ireland has talked about for years is all about. There were also many regulars…overall a fantastic group…lots of couples and families too!
The weather normally for our late spring tournament is starting to get a bit hot, but this year I would say it was perfect. Highs in the low 80’s and nighttime were very comfortable. Sea conditions were interesting. Flat calm mornings and the south wind would pick up about 1pm, that made the ride home a bit uncomfortable but still very fishable. The fishing on Day 1/Sunday was probably the best. A couple of wahoo hit the Rancho Leonero dock, several stripe marlin were caught and released, a few small tuna and one nice tuna caught by Pam Bensimon- the tournament director- at 17 pounds. There were also a few dorado, including a beautiful 31 pounder that was caught by “ Team M and M”. By the end of the day, there were several of the 18 teams in contention for the great prizes and cash!
Day two was much of the same. Plenty of marlin released, a few small tunas and a nice 19-pound dorado caught by last year’s winners “Team Grandpa and the Kid”. Most teams fished, but a few teams took the day of and enjoyed the ranch and the surrounding area. Out format is a 3-day tournament and you throw out your lowest day, or elect to take a day off. Just makes it more fun and enjoyable.
Day 3 was also much the same. Lots of stripe marlin released, plus the first blue marlin and sailfish of the year. Not much tuna around, and a few small dorado and bottom fish. Jackpot for the day was a 13 pound dorado. There was an optional $10 jackpot each day that most anglers joined and added to the fun and excitement. Overall- 41 billfish were released over the 3 days…quite impressive! 
First place went to “Team Hot Rods” – Greg and his team have been coming to the tournament several years and always seem to come in 2nd…so this was their first big win. They took home a beautiful custom trophy, $200 from Statewide Stripes, and a return trip to Rancho Leonero to defend their title next year. 2nd Place was “Team Tuna Makers”. Chris and Kim and regulars at the tournament and took home the trophy, $200 and 2 x $75 gift cards to Fishermans Landing Tackle. 3rd Place went to last years winners, “Team Grandpa and the Kid” They took home a trophy, $200 and 2 x $50 gift cards to Fsihermans Landing Tackle. The award for most billfish released went to “Team Hot Rods” and they received a trophy and a pair of Costa Sunglasses. Largest dorado went to “Team M and M” and they took home $200. Largest tuna was Team Whiskey Tango” and they also took home $200. All the money prizes were sponsored by Dave at Statewide Stripes, and we thank him for the support.
Thanks to John Ireland and his staff for their amazing hospitality. Thanks to Pam Bensimon for her hard work as tournament director. Thanks too to all the great people who attended. Many first timers and it was great to see so many dedicated Let’s Talk Hookup listeners come and enjoy the fun.
Next year will be our 27th Annual tournament, and you are invited! Dates are June 3 to 7, 2023. Call now to book your favorite room and boat. 800-646-2253. Check rancholeonero.com
