| The following report is from the World
Billfish Series press release: KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII, July 15, 1999 -- Nine year old Brandon Llanes, the youngest angler participating in the World Billfish Challenge Light Tackle Shootout in Kona, landed a 150 lb. Pacific blue marlin on 30 lb. test line after a 1 hr. 28 minute fight. "Brandon's family is well known for their fishing expertise and Brandon is a great example of his family's next generation of big game anglers", said Mike Nelson of Ocean Sports Productions, producers of the World Billfish Challenge underway in Kona through July 20. It came down to the final minutes. The leading team "Legends Sportfishing" was first to weigh in their array of Ono (wahoo) caught on 20 and 30 lb. test line in hopes of clinging to the lead. Their total score for the three days came to 251.5 points. Then it was time for Puka Kai to weigh in. Tensions mounted and Kay Kolt, the only wahine (woman) weighing in a tournament fish brought her spearfish to the scales, edging the "Flying Fishermen" team into a solid second place. All that was needed now was Brandon's marlin to exceed 142 lbs. to overtake first place. As the Pacific blue marlin was raised to the scales the large crowd which had gathered at Honokohau's weigh station quieted. Then as IGFA's Chief Judge/Weighmaster Al Bento announced the official weight of 150 lb., the dock burst into a thunderous roar of cheers. Puka Kai had squeaked by the leader Legends and Brandon was the hero of the day. At the conclusion of the awards ceremony Nelson presented Brandon a 24-carat gold marlin pendant with a diamond eye, compliments of Big Island Jewelers as the outstanding angler of the tournament. Nelson also announced a Bodo Muche Bronze Marlin and Opal prepetual trophy will be displayed in Hawaii Big Game fishing club in Brandon's name for setting the Junior Angler record in the World Billfish Challenge's Light Tackle Shootout. In addition, Brandon will receive special recognition from the International Gamefish Association Junior Angler program. Final results for the event: 1st - "Flying Fishermen Team" on Puka Kai,
Captain Bomboy Llanes For more information about the World Billfish Series e-mail info@worldbillfishseries.com Visit the World Billfish Series website at www.worldbillfishseries.com |