The 28th Edition of the Bertram Hatteras Shootout held at Boat Harbour in Abaco, Bahamas set a tournament record for the most releases during the event, while participants and spectators were treated to one of the most spectacular finishes in the 28-year old history of the tournament.
Catch and Release
Shootout 2007 broke records with a total of 44 releases during the three-day event with 25 Blue Marlin releases, 19 White Marlin releases and 4 sailfish releases. Twenty-nine of the participating boats scored releases, with 10 boats having multiple releases.
Hooking The Prize
The competition was extremely close entering the final day of the competition. Only 400 Points separated the leader, Bertram, from Hatteras in the overall Manufacturer’s points. However, on the final day, and taking into account the magnificent performance by “Fish Tales”, the “red hot” Hatteras team prevailed over the gallant blues from Bertram 9,700 points to 7,000 points.
The remarkable team from “Fish Tales”, a 60′ Hatteras owned by Oscar Vazquez of Miami, Florida released an incredible three blue marlin in the last hour of the last day of fishing. The three blues released included a double header. The three releases earned “Fish Tales” a dramatic come from behind overall win for the tournament. The releases occurred at 2:00 PM, 2:37 PM and 2:52 PM. Fishing stopped at 3:00 PM. Oscar Vazquez released two of the three blues.
Second place in the tournament went to “Hatterascal”, the Hatteras Yachts factory entry with 1,400 points. “Hatterascal” released two blues and two whites. Third place was earned by “Matrix”, a 51′ Bertram owned by Billy Perez of Jacksonville, Florida. “Matrix” accumulated 1,200 points by releasing 2 blues and 1 white.
About The Bertram Hatteras Shootout
The Bertram Hatteras Shootout is rated every year one of the top five billfish tournaments in the world. The tournament is renowned for its superb organization, first class meals and top rated entertainment, all under the careful tutelage of Kaye Pearson. The owners are also wooed, dined and wined by the top echelon executives of Bertram Yachts/Allied Richard Bertram and Hatteras Yachts/Marine Max.
The dates for the 2008 edition have been set and they are May 6th thru May 10th, 2008. Owners are urged to register early in what promises to be a sold out event.
