Recap of the Second Annual IGFA Open

Quepos Delivers World-Class Fishing—All in Support of Billfish Conservation

The second annual IGFA Open at Marina Pez Vela, Quepos, Costa Rica,  picked up right where last year's event left off with more than 1,200 fish caught and released! After an intense competition, Team Pura Vida claimed the top spot with 7,600 points and an incredible 38 fish on day one alone. Captained by Rudy Arguedas, Team Pura Vida's anglers, Aileen Gonzalez, JC Gonzalez, Ericka Sandi, Sebastian Delgado, Armando Delgado, and Evan Alonso finished the tournament with a total of 72 sailfish and 1 blue marlin to claim the top spot. 

Congratulations to the winners of the second annual IGFA Open and a heartfelt thanks to every participant!

Team Tarheel, captained by IGFA Tommy Gifford Honoree, John Bayliss, finished in second place with 7,300 points. Anglers Paige Bayliss, John Bayliss Jr., Jorge Carrillo, IGFA Trustee Mike Criscola, Burro Gonzalez, and Mike Kelly released a total of 73 sailfish. 

Team Galati (above), captained by Tony Carrizosa, with anglers Sean Dooley, Thomas Garmany, Justin Healey, IGFA Gill Keech Heavy Tackle awardee Pat Healey, Lance Hightower, and West Rivers finished in third place with 67 sails and one blue marlin, including an amazing performance on day one of 4,600 points, eventually finishing the tournament with 7,100 total points. 

Below are other great moments from the tournament that deserve recognition.  The heaviest dolphinfish (below left) was caught by Team Salt Shaker angler Nani Reyes, a 40.9-pounder, and the heaviest yellowfin tuna (below right), caught by Team Scarlet angler Eduardo Carbone Maffio Ruiz, weighed 42.1 pounds. 

Congratulations to top angler, Aileen Gonzalez (Team Pure Vida), Mike Kelly as second place angler (Team Tarheel), Lindor Jimenez as third place angler (Team Trailer Trash), and top Junior Angler, Stratton Slovick (Team Pelagic/Love and Luck ). 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 2026 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 22-25. 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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