The 2010 Billfish Expo presented by www.RUMBUM.com was held February 13, 2010 at the Biscayne Marriott in Miami, Florida.
With more than thirty experts covering every species of Billfish, not one of them held back any information! A special thanks to our host and all the speakers: Mark Sosin, Capt Dave Fields, Capt Ron Hamlin, Capt Ray Rosher, Capt Bouncer Smith, Capt Peter Wright, Professor Arthur Mariano, Raleigh Werking, Capt Bubba Carter, Paul Spencer, Rob Ruwitch, Capt Steve Lassley, Capt Peter Groesbeck, Capt Kevin Nakamura, Capt Gene Vander Hoek, Capt Mike Lemmon, Stephen Jenyns, Capt Matty Tambor, Capt Karl Anderson, Chris Fischer, Capt Jody Whitworth, Capt Brett McBride, Capt Richard Stanczyk and Capt Josh Brown.
Other major sponsors present were Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, Shimano, Tropic Star Lodge, Smith-Merritt Insurance, Travelers, Marlin Magazine, Dockwise, Momoi, Diamond Fishing Products, Custom Rod & Reel, IGFA, TBF, Gray Taxidermy, Pompanette, American Custom Yachts and many others who offered financial support for the event.
The highlights of the event were: The electronics presentation showing the advantages of a sonar and a good depth sounder, presented by Captain Steve Lassley and Captain Peter Groesbeck. Also the six Captains on the Blue Marlin panel that talked about their favorite lures, hooks, trolling speeds and more. Professor Arthur Mariano impressed everyone with all the recent Sat Tag info and other data that he worked so hard to put together for this event.
Other highlights were the boat builders who fish and build boats that shared quite a few fishing tips like "you need to buy a new boat every two years." Those who attended were Roy Merritt of Merritt Boat & Engine Works, John Bayliss of Bayliss Boats, Rich Scheffer of Tribute Performance Boats, Paul Spencer of Spencer Yachts, Dominick Lacombe of American Custom Yachts and Pat Healey with Viking Yachts. Listening to Raleigh Werking and Rob Ruwitch sharing their angling techniques and experiences was priceless.
Finishing up the event was Chris Fischer with his NatGeo show "Expedition Great White." Chris gave us a sneak peek from their future series that showed us awesome footage of the great white sharks and the research they are doing.
Everyone attending the event had a great time as we received the following emails and comments:
- "The best seminar I ever attended. Never went to lunch. Hope you can put it together again for next year. I told 10 people and they are ready for next year. The dredge sail fishing was my target for attending." - Capt. Dave
- "I just wanted to let you know what a spectacular program you put together. I truly enjoyed it, the best event I have ever attended.
- I also wanted to know how to obtain a copy of the DVD, when available. Thanks again." - David
- "I was thoroughly impressed by the talent you were able to assemble there. I was going to be there just for the opening, but wound up staying thru most of the day to listen to the guys. You did an excellent, excellent job of keeping it light but very informative. Congratulations on a job well-done." John
The grand prize, a 3 day 4 night trip to Tropic Star Lodge was won by Tyler Sudbrink (above with Mark Sosin and Skip Smith) from Greensboro NC.
According to Tom Fitzpatrick, the co-producer of the event, "Despite the slow economy the event was a tremendous success due to the sponsors, the attendees and the speakers that shared their knowledge. It was lots of fun and a great way to benefit the IGFA and TBF."
As soon as the DVD is ready, it will be available through www.billfishexpo.com
