Cuidado

[blueh2oboy]

I've been asked by Virgili to bring our conversation of the last few months public and on the forums.
This is not only my opinion but those of many and I would like to think we are looking out for the good of our sport worldwide.

Hi Cameron,
I guess you red the info about the 1st CR open 09...
It would be great if you could take part to the tournament, your experienced presence is obviously welcome.
I plan to invite guest divers during the ( Dec 2009 or Jan 2010 ) 2nd edition wich will gather about 40 spearos . I would like that you be one of the 3 or 4 guests; in this event we take care of your whole stay and your entry is free.
I can't afford this proposition for the 1st edition because of a to tighed budget.
Despite the open will be held in 7 months, about 3/4 divers are soon "in".
Anyway let me know if you are interested, Philippe

Phillipe




Phillipe,
I appreciate your invitation and would love to have the opportunity to spear all of those species of fish but feel very strongly about the problems that will arise from such a tournament in Costa Rica.
I sent you an email a while back and have forwarded it here:

I got this email from GR Tarr and like the idea of the
tournament in Central America but am very worried
about one in this location and the species you have
listed.
Costa Rica is the strongest proponents of Catch and
Release fishing in the World and we have been very
lucky in that we are still able to shoot Tuna there
for the past fifteen years. Anyone that has ever
speared there has passed up countless opportunities to
shoot world record Marlin and sailfish but due to the
fragile nature of the Spearfishing reputation down
there with the charter Captains has let them swim by.

I speak for a large group of divers who would very
much like to see this fishery continue and keep the
Fishing community off of our back so that we can enjoy
shooting these big tunas.
Trolling for billfish with a seasoned captain and then
shooting them off of teasers from the surface is a far
cry from the reward of spending 100+ days in the
bluewater and finally having and encounter with one of
these great fish and using your innate skill to bring
them close enough for a well placed shot.
Best of luck with this event but we urge you to
seriously think about the repercussions shooting and
advertising shooting of billfish will have with the
spearfishing community.
Regards
Cameron Kirkconnell




Cameron,
Did'nt get your e-mail?
Thank,s for your pertinent remarks
Feel free to open this stimulating debate in the Open thread.
As you know, there are not any sfishing reg in CR.
I chose a specific spot in Costa Rica: an about 80 miles coast relatively isolated where there are not any marina. To find sport fishing boat was a headache. Paradoxically it is the best CR spot and, in my opinion, the best central america bwh/ fishing spot
Closest marina are far away: north flamingo and south los suenios at 3- 4 hours boat.
Prior organizing the open I have been making for years several discussion with the local pro fisherman who do fishing pelagic/ bilfish there and I got a positive feedback, they support us.
I could not obviously organize something without the local pro/ population support. They are pretty more worried/ angry about the huge cargo which do drifnet fishing at 40 miles off the coast...
Catching billfish by trolling during the open will be discussed with the participants during the cpt meeting and I will probably suggest to organize this technic only during one of the 5 days comp (or not) and after I get the Sheri and Roberto experienced opinion...
I met on the place half of the about fifteen marlin encountered by using flasher and making some repetitive noise with the bands of the gun...
This spot is incredible!
I'm not sure this annual event should have a bad impact on the perception of bwh.
Thank's for giving me back your feeling about this
Philippe