Recap of the Inaugural IGFA Open

Billfish Bonanza in Quepos Costa Rica

 

The IGFA Open made a spectacular debut at Marina Pez Vela, Quepos, Costa Rica, with over 1,000 fish caught, including 988 billfish! After an intense competition, Team Galati claimed the top spot with 8,100 points and an incredible 48 sailfish releases on Day 2 alone. Captained by Tony Carrizosa, Team Galati’s anglers—Sean Dooley, Carmine Galati, Thomas Garmany, Justin Healey, and Pat Healey—released a total of 81 sailfish to claim the top spot.

Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural IGFA Open, and a heartfelt thanks to each and every participant!

 

The top tournament team, Team Galati (above) finished with 8,100 points. Captained by Tony Carrizosa, anglers, Sean Dooley, Carmine Galati, Thomas Garmany, Justin Healey, and Pat Healey, released 81 sailfish overall, including 48 sailfish releases on day 2!

Team Tarheel finished in second place with 7,000 points. Anglers Mike Criscola, Frank Criscola Sr., Burro Gonzalez, Mike Kelly and Jorge Carillo captained by John Bayliss released 66 sails and a blue marlin. 

Team Sea Base (above), captained by Captain Wendell Black with anglers Xander Black, Tony Canha, Nate Alers, Ryan Tubbs, Anthony Rizzo, and Christian Giordani finished in third place with 69 sails, good for 6,900 points. 

Below are other great moments from the tournament that deserve recognition.  The heaviest dolphinfish (below left) was caught by Team Crush'Em angler Carlos Perez, a 53.3-pounder, and the heaviest yellowfin tuna (below right), caught by Team Gladiator angler Steve Kehoe, which weighed 128.5 pounds. 

 

 

Congratulations to top angler Jill Yates (Team Poco Ocho), JC Gonzalez, second place angler (Team Pura Vida), Maria Smith (accepted by husband Brooks Smith) third place angler (Team Uno Mas), and top Junior Angler Chris "Marlin" David (Team Catch 23). **Winners are listed from left to right. 

 

The IGFA extends its heartfelt congratulations to all participants for their grit and sportsmanship. A special thank you goes out to our sponsors, whose support was instrumental in making the tournament a reality. We’re also deeply grateful to Marina Pez Vela for providing a world-class venue and exceptional service. 

Thank you to all the sponsors of the 2025 IGFA Open

 

Coming Soon!

Right on the heels of this amazing event comes the IGFA Walkers Cay Shootout which will be held in Walkers Cay, The Bahamas from April 23-26. This 100% billfish release, multi-species format tournament will help drive the IGFA’s mission forward, funding essential billfish research, conservation initiatives, and youth-angling education programs. Sign up today! 

 

 

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