The year 2020 was one of defiance, learning and many first. Adding to the list of first is a first ever win for a New York fishing club.
On December 10-14, 2020, four members of the Brooklyn Fishing Club attended the Fifth Annual Guatemala Billfish Invitational. The members were Victor Lucia, Amal Salameh, Michael Fortinberry and Dan Rosenblatt and all proceeds benefited the Billfish Conservation Project.
This was the first tournament the foursome had ever entered and they were in great company with international anglers and professionals including Peter Miller and George Gozdz. Pacific sailfish can go up to 65 mph and grow to 220 pounds, making them larger and faster than the Atlantic sailfish. Three days on the water with challenges including lack of experience, boat breakdown and calm still waters, the team managed to demolish the competition by 13 fish.
Three days with a total of 63 sailfish, 17, 28 and 18 respectively, made it a landslide. The team also managed to reel in big mahi and tuna. The victory was not for the four anglers alone who represented the Brooklyn Fishing Club. This was a victory for all anglers in New York and all New Yorkers who defied and rose to all the challenges 2020 presented. New Yorkers have heart, soul, passion and a spirit that will not be underestimated. It is a reminder that you can be a new angler, new to competition and new to a team but have the advantage of New York in your blood.
Fishing to many of us goes much deeper than just catching fish. It is the bonds we make with family and friends. It is learning who we are and what makes us happy. This win made noise in the fishing community that New Yorkers can do anything together.
