The Caicos Classic Release tournament delivered another exciting finish with 12 boats entered and 31 Blue Marlin releases in 4 days of fishing. The teams lost count of the missed fish and pulled hooks.

Day One proved to be the lucky day for the De-Bait Able a 65' Viking skippered by Eric Soderholm as they finished the day with three Blue Marlin releases, including one fish estimated at 550 lbs. Panoply, Reel Pushy, Out O' Bounds, Reel Escape, Luna and Trouble Maker each added a release to the score board.

Day Two saw a shoot out between No Excuse a 48' Viking, skippered by Tony Demoya and Strike Zone a 55' Viking skippered by Tray Pecor. Each had two Blue Marlin releases with Strike Zone winning on time to take the daily. De-Bait Able released their fourth fish to keep the lead, with Chucke 11 and Trouble Maker each adding a release to the score board.

Day Three, the gap started closing with Strike Zone getting an early release to make it their third fish. No Excuse stayed hot with two releases giving them their fourth fish and the daily on time. Out O'
Bounds, a 55' Hatteras skippered by Skip Soulek, released two more to give them their third fish. Panoply and Reel Escape each added another release to the board.

Day Four was a Pucker Day as Out O Bounds and Reel Escape, a 56'Viking skippered by Chris Martin released their fourth fish before 2pm. That left De-Bait Able, No Excuse, Strike Zone, Out O' Bounds and Reel Escape with four Blue Marlin releases each, with 2.5 hours until lines out. How tense can it get?

With clock ticking down De-Bait Able held on to the lead on time of release as no other fish were released prior to lines out. No Excuse placed 2nd, with Out O' bounds finishing 3rd. Just to add to the excitement, Reel Escape had a double hook up less than a minute after lines out, releasing one which could have turned the tables. You never know...

Capt. Eric Soderholm was also aboard the Luna, last years Classic winner owned by Bruno Ramos. The Turks & Caicos team competed against 63 teams and 30 countries to take third place in the IGFA Offshore World Championship in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in May. Looks like Eric and his team will be representing the Turks & Caicos again next May.

According to tournament organizer Art Pickering, plans are already underway for next year's tournament. "We'll be at the Miami International Boat Show in the Big Game Room again next February,"
said Art. "Come by and see us and learn why marlin fishing in the Turks and Caicos Islands is among the best in the world."

The Caicos Classic Tournaments are hosted by Turtle Cove Marina in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. The full service marina and international port of entry features a protected harbor with 65 deep water slips and all the amenities, including restaurants, bars, hotels, auto rentals and shops immediately on the premises. The events culminate with an outstanding awards ceremony and celebration hosted by noted sponsors and luminaries.

For complete details about the annual Caicos Classic tournament events, see the web site at www.caicosclassic.com