2025 31st El Salvador Observer Report
November 9-13, 2025
When I joined the IGFTO, I did not think that four years would pass before I would observe in my first tournament. Captain Barbara Evans, a longtime observer and team member of the Pink Ladies Breast Cancer Fishing Team provided me with the courage to overcome my nervousness about observing. She encouraged me to go on an adventure with people who would become lifelong friends and “partners in crime” as observers.
When you form an immediate bond with people the first time you meet, you know you will be developing life-long friendships. Sharing a love of fishing and a belief in the conservation of this incredible resource makes the experience special.
An Early Day of Fun Fishing
Four of us decided to attend the tournament early to get in a day of fun fishing and a little training on my part. Fellow observers Tony and Tim picked me up, and the three of us headed to Miami, where we met Barbara. Then the four of us were off to observe in the 31st El Salvador International Billfish Tournament.
Joan Vernon and her team - from transportation and accommodations to food and beverages- planned for every travel consideration. I never once worried that they might overlook any planning detail for this large-scale tournament in another country.
The Costa de Sol Hotel and Marina was the perfect venue for this event. Barbara, Tim, Tony and I fun-fished on day one, and each of us released at least four sailfish. With the help of these three, my confidence about being an observer grew over the entire day. “I can do this!”
Because of the relationships that Barbara built after attending over fifty tournaments, we were invited to pre-fish with the Brazilian team, Los Hermanos. Barbara and I released nineteen sailfish and a nice dorado by 2:30 in the afternoon.
The rest of the amazing group of twelve total observers started filtering in over the next days. We ate together, raised a few glasses, and truly enjoyed being around each other.
Tournament days
My first day was cut short by engine issues. I felt so bad that the family was not going to be able to fish this three-day tournament.
Day 2: My assignment was on The King II with Paco Saco, who started this tournament thirty-one years ago. It was a family affair with Paco, his sons, and his grandchildren on board. What an amazing day to hear stories about the thirty-first El Salvador Billfish Tournament and share the day with the family.
Day 3: The Don Juan was another family affair. So nice to see the El Salvadorian families work and play together through the generations. We were only able to get one blue marlin to the boat, but it was exciting as they always are.
After three days of intense competition, the winners were announced at one of the most lavish awards dinners that I have ever been to, complete with live music and fireworks. Team Los Hermanos was the winner of the sailfish division. Barbara and I were thrilled when we were invited on stage to celebrate with the team.
This was my first time as an observer, my first time to El Salvador, and my first time pre-fishing with a winning tournament team. However, it will not be my last time as an observer. It was a truly remarkable experience.