Cap Cana, Dominican Republic. – In whatbecame a single day shootout due to the threat of Hurricane Mathew, Florida’sAuspicious held on during the third and final leg of the 2016 DominicanBillfish Triple-Header tournament series to emerge as the series winners.
The series, which started in early Aprilduring the elegant and highly competitive Casa de Campo International BlueMarlin Classic (coincidentally won by Auspicious), continued in Cap Cana at the22nd annual International Billfish Shootout, finally came to a close at the CapCana Classic tournament on October 2nd.
“Our entire team, anglers, Captain DannyLombardo and mates did a fantastic job staying focused on the business at handduring each of the legs and it ultimately paid off” explained a very happy JoeRahman, owner of the 74’ Viking, Auspicious.
The team fishing aboard Auspicious came outwith the lead over the other five series participating boats after the firstleg but was strongly challenged during the second leg by another Florida boat,Black Gold, as well as Venezuela’s Amazing Grace, holding on to a narrow leadafter leg two, thus setting the stage for an exciting series finish.
However, as it turned out the three top boatsscored exactly the same amount of points at the third and final leg resultingin no change in the standings and Auspicious’ final series victory. In fact, there were five boats with identicalscores at it pertained to the Cap Cana Classic with Puerto Rico’s Picarawinning the tournament on time although they were not competing in theTriple-Header series.
Auspicious’ name will be added to the series’perpetual trophy, an original design by famed Dominican Master Metal Sculptor“El Artistico” Jose Ignacio Morales, and will continue to reside at Marina CapCana six months of the year and Marina Casa the Campo the other six months ofeach year.
Team Auspicious received the elegant step boxtrophy by series sponsors Release Marine, along with prizes from Mustad Hooks,Mojo, Fish Monkey gloves, rods by Tycoon Tackle, this year’s series take-hometrophy sponsored by Executioner Baits along with some of their shirts plus abait gift certificate and last but not least, a little bit of cash.
Special thanks go out to the Management andstaffs of Marina Casa de Campo and Marina Cap Cana for their support andcooperation in 2016.
Final 2016 Series Standings
1 Auspicious 7,180
2 Black Gold 6,570
3 Amazing Grace 3,300
4 Sea Wish 1,230
5 Lady Lola 820
6 Shark Byte 410