Newcomers and old-timers mingled as the line grew with some teams in small huddles debating about which jackpots to enter, as well as the different species they should focus on – billfish, dorado, and yellowfin tuna, or the release categories for billfish.
Teams gathered early for the Registration, and the Bisbee Team opened precisely at 3:oo p.m. The staff was ready and waiting for the line of old-timers who shared their history's participation in ECO of their years past and were prepared with the answers to the many questions from the newcomers. There was more camaraderie among the teams and the Bisbee staff as they eagerly welcomed the opportunity to renew their friendships, and laughter and happiness flowed.
The line continued to grow throughout the afternoon. As Registration continued, teams huddled into groups to decide which jackpots to enter, ranging from individual categories, which included Billfish, Dorado, and Yellowfin Tuna. The amounts varied, and the teams huddled to discuss their options.
Team 55, "Keep It Reel," one of the eighty teams competing aboard Buenavista Resort's "Alegria," has participated for the past seven years. During the ECO, Maureen Kays, wife of "Scot Kays," dedicated their entry to honor her deceased husband. They won a $480k jackpot in 2022. Aboard were team members Manuel Marcus, boat Captain Juan Garcia, Team Captain Manuel Peralta Bocardo, and Oscar Ramero Vargas, anglers.
Throughout the hot afternoon, the crowd continued to grow. Wayne welcomed the 80 teams competing for approximately $1,675,000 (U.S.) and explained the rule changes regarding billfish in the release category. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Axel Valdez, who volunteers to work at Radio Control year after year, assisted by Jill Christensen, observed that his father, Chuy Valdez, founder of Buenavista Resort, would be astonished at the success of the East Cape Offshore after the humble beginning of the first East Cape Offshore event he and Robert (Bob) Bisbee held a quarter of a century ago.
Day One: On Wednesday, the 80 teams were out early before the 6:30 a.m. start. The VHF radios crackled as the teams checked in and jockeyed for position at the front of the line.
Wayne Bisbee counted the time down to 6:30 a.m., and the boats of all sizes roared to life, speeding to the location of their choice in hopes of hooking a big one – and ALL convinced that they would be the lucky team!
Team Private Reserve with Erick Smith Angler Released a Blue @ 7:54 a.m., and the race was on!!!
…Stay Tuned!
