Competition kicked off with 45 international fishing teams competing for the coveted ring.
Teams paraded out of Marina Pez Vela on day one of the 2019 Costa Offshore World Championship.
A fleet of 45 charter boats carrying some of the world's top tournament fishing teams paraded out of Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica this morning. Today kicks off the 2019 Costa Offshore World Championship (OWC), the 20th anniversary of the world's premier saltwater fishing championship. No other elite fishing tournament has the skill level, diversity or unique qualifying format that makes up the Offshore World Championship.
During four days of tournament fishing, 216 masterful anglers from at least 24 countries will target sailfish (worth 200 points per release) and elusive blue, black and striped marlin (worth 500 points per release). Gamefish weighing at least 25 pounds— yellowfin tuna, wahoo and dorado—also score team points and count for individual prizes. The bite was hot days before the Costa Offshore World Championship, with some teams having success with blue marlin and sailfish while pre-fishing.
Following each day of fishing, competitors can unwind at evening dockside socials while they check-in their release videos for scoring at Marina Pez Vela. Competitors can enjoy complimentary Flor de Caña rum, Heineken beer, food and entertainment each day.
Final awards for top teams, anglers and boat captains—plus prizes for heaviest fish—will be presented during the awards gala on Friday, May 3. Anglers are fishing for the chance to win highly coveted championship rings by VanMark Jewelry and prizes from industry-leading fishing companies.
2019 Offshore World Championship Sponsors
In addition to title sponsor Costa Sunglasses, the tournament is sponsored by Visit Costa Rica, Costa Rica Tourism Board, Yeti, Lucas Oil, Marina Pez Vela, VanMark Jewelry Designers, Guy Harvey, Garmin, AFTCO, Flor de Caña, King Sailfish Mounts, Parador Resort and Spa, Maverick Costa Rica, IGFA, Sevenstar Yacht Transport, 2Costa Rica Real Estate, Soundview Millworks, IWS Scales, Heineken, Shimano, PENN, Accurate, Big T Lures, Marlin magazine, Sport Fishing magazine, Salt Water Sportsman magazine and Pacifico Travel.