2021 Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown Leg 1 and Ladies Only Tournament
January 2021
Story by: Steve Hargett
19 January 2021
Location: Los Sueños Resort and Marina
Playa Herradura | Costa Rica
GeoLoc: 9.6569° N | 84.6610° W
Los Sueños 2021 Ladies Only and Triple Crown Tournaments
Los Sueños Billfish Tournaments are known for beautiful vessels, the best fishing teams, gorgeous amenities and, of course, a bite that is off the charts. They also offer a lifestyle that makes this destination one of the premier venues for IGFTO members.
Sure, we were all hoping that by saying goodbye to 2020, the New Year of 2021 would usher in renewed optimism, vaccines for all, a lifting of travel restrictions, and a resurgence of social gatherings. Well, it did not happen. It’s not all roses. BUT…
The Lifestyle is Alive and Well
The 2021 Los Sueños Ladies Only and Signature Triple Crown Series were held in spite of the pandemic. Granted, they may have seemed subdued due to social distancing and the absence of social functions. Nevertheless, the currents of excitement generated throughout the marina by the fishing teams and observers were the same as in the past. The lifestyle is alive and well!
Tuesday, January 19, kicked off the 2021 season with the Ladies Only Tournament. Twelve teams of women competed and released 159 Sailfish and 1 Marlin for the day. Fish Tank released 20 Sails and took home the Ladies Only Championship.
An Exciting Triple Crown
Wednesday, January 20, marked the start of the Los Sueños Triple Crown, beginning with the meeting of Captains and Observers. Traditionally a social event, this year’s virtual Zoom call created some challenges, but the exceptional team of Tournament Director Ashley Bretecher pulled it off without a glitch.
Thursday, January 21, thirty-eight vessels and teams headed offshore on the first of the 3 days of catch-and-release fishing. The bite was on and at the end of the day, the vessel Grand Slam, a 60-foot Paul Mann, held a commanding lead releasing 23 Sailfish and 1 Marlin.
On Friday, the second day, Goose, a beautiful, new 72-foot Viking, flexed its muscles winning the daily and taking 3rd place by releasing 23 Sailfish. Saturday, day three, proved just as exciting with a down-to-the-wire late surge by Fish Tank (the Ladies Only Champion). At the end of the day, Grand Slam held on for a wire-to-wire win of the Los Sueños Triple Crown Series Leg 1. A total of 953 Sailfish and 48 Marlin were released over the 3 days.
Plan On It
The Los Sueños Ladies Only and Triple Crown Series continue to provide a great tournament experience for IGFTO members. I encourage all members to put these tournaments on your list of destinations. Even in the midst of a pandemic, the life style is special and lives on.
