EPIC FINISH AT COSTA OFFSHORE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Scoring one of the most memorable tournament finishes in recent memory, the team representing the Watamu Fishing Festival from the East African nation of Kenya stunned the field in a come-from-behind victory during the Costa Offshore World Championship presented by Continental Tire. The event brought together a total of 37 teams and 168 anglers from 18 different countries to Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica, where they fished for four days in hopes of being crowned Offshore World Champions, one of the sport’s most prestigious titles. With tournament rules dictating a boat rotation each day as well as IGFA angling and tackle rules using video verification, each fish represented a critical scoring opportunity. And because the competing teams were required to earn an invitation to the event by winning or placing in OWC-qualifying tournaments, the talent level was extremely high.

Going into the fourth and final day of competition, Florian Biziere, Steve Harries and Geoff, one of the several Maverick Fly boats in the tournament, so the team knew they had a solid, knowledgeable captain and crew plus a known fish-raiser. Those following the tournament’s live scoring around the world were amazed to see the Kenyans start the day with multiple blue marlin releases to eventually release a total of eight, setting a new daily scoring record. In four days, the team released 14 sailfish and 11 marlin—a world-class performance in anyone’s book. The team received a veritable mountain of prizes and awards, including the gold-and-diamond OWC champion’s rings by VanMark Jewelry Designers, Bodo Muche bronze trophies, Guy Harvey limited-edition prints, Costa sunglasses, and additional prizes from Yeti, Garmin, King Sailfish Mounts, Penn, Flor de Caña, Big T Lures, and AFTCO. Harries was top angler for the tournament, releasing six sailfish and five blue marlin, with teammate Florian Biziere earning second-place angler honors, also releasing six sails and five blues. As 2022 champions, the team has the opportunity to fish in the Offshore World Championship for many years to come.