Plane Simple fishing team

BERMUDA — July 10, 2023 — The 2023 Bermuda Billfish Blast was won by the team fishing aboard Plane Simple, a 77-foot Spencer based out of Cape Canaveral, Florida, led by Jim Jensen and Capt. Chris Weeks with mates Derek Scherz and Anibal Moya. The team’s eight blue marlin and three white marlin releases gave them a total of 4,300 points, good for first-place honors, $115,275 in prize money and an invitation to the 2024 Costa Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica. 

A total of 37 boats and 218 anglers fished the 2023 Bermuda Billfish Blast, which offered a total cash purse of $506,850 plus an additional $360,000 as part of the Bermuda Triple Crown series. There were 139 billfish caught in the Blast, including 108 blue marlin and 31 white marlin over three days of fishing. All but four of the blues and all of the white marlin were released.

Plane Simple won first overall team, followed by Builder’s Choice in second, and Waste Knot in third place. Top Angler was earned by Jim Jensen on Plane Simple releasing six blues and two whites. The Top Junior Angler trophy went to Jack Ricks, releasing five blues on El Cazador, led by Capt. Paul Alderman and mate Scott Behrhorst. Laura Russell won Top Lady Angler honors aboard De-Bait-Able, captained by KJ Zeher, with three blues and two whites.

This year, the tournament added new optional jackpots including a Winner-Take-All Blue Marlin Jackpot and a new Daily Blue Marlin Jackpot, so teams are now allowed to boat one blue marlin per boat per day. As part of the Bermuda Triple Crown series, new series jackpots were also added, including the Bermuda Triple Crown Big Three Marlin Jackpot and the Heavy Hitter Winner-Take-All Largest Marlin of the series.

The tournament culminated with a beautiful gala awards banquet in the Harbourview Ballroom at the historic Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. 

About the Marlin Group:

The Marlin Group is the world’s largest network of big-game fishing brands. The group publishes Marlin Magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica, Los Cabos Billfishing Tournament, Scrub Island Invitational in the BVIs, and the Bermuda Triple Crown, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is an operating unit of Bonnier LLC, an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, boating, sailing, motorsports, hunting and travel.

Los Cabos Billfish Tournament

WINTER PARK, FLORIDA — June 29, 2023 — Bonnier LLC has been named the official operator of the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament for the next five years as part of an extended partnership with the Los Cabos Tourism Board. 

The Los Cabos Billfish Tournament has long been a hallmark event for sport-fishing enthusiasts from around the world. With a media and events portfolio that includes Marlin, Salt Water Sportsman, Sport Fishing, Bermuda Triple Crown, Offshore World Championship and Scrub Island Invitational, Bonnier is uniquely positioned to attract a larger and more diverse pool of participants and generate exposure for Los Cabos as a premier sport-fishing destination.

“We take great pride in Los Cabos’ thriving fishing culture,” said Rodrigo Esponda Cascajares, Managing Director of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. “The sport of fishing has always held a special place in our destination, attracting anglers from around the world who are enchanted by the abundant marine life and the thrill of landing trophy catches. Remarkably, in 2022, a notable 8 percent of the 3.7 million travelers who visited Los Cabos, totaling nearly 300,000 people, embraced the exhilarating experience of fishing. As we showcase the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament with Bonnier, our goal is to underscore fishing’s significance as a cornerstone of our identity. This prestigious tournament not only celebrates the sport, but it also highlights our unwavering commitment to conservation and sustainable practices, ensuring the preservation of our pristine waters for generations to come. Los Cabos truly stands as an angler’s paradise, inviting fishing enthusiasts worldwide to partake in the unrivaled excitement and bask in the natural beauty that our destination offers.”

Mauricio Salicrup of the Los Cabos Hotel Association added: “Bonnier’s extensive experience in managing global fishing tournaments aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing exceptional experiences for our visitors. We look forward to working closely with them to ensure the success of the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament.”

“Bonnier is incredibly grateful for the continued support of the Los Cabos Tourism Board. We have been managing this event for over 20 years, and are excited for the next phase in the tournament’s history,” said Jonathan Moore, Bonnier’s Executive Vice President of Events.

Bonnier and the Los Cabos Tourism Board will work collaboratively to further enhance the tournament’s appeal, engage participants, and ensure an unforgettable experience for all attendees. The next edition of the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament is scheduled for October 15-19.

Registration for the tournament is now open. Interested competitors can visit loscabostournaments.com for more information. Prospective sponsors can contact Bonnier directly at [email protected]

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Jennifer Dudas, Tournament Director
407-533-0123
[email protected]

About Bonnier: 

Bonnier is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, boating, sailing, motorsports, hunting and travel. Bonnier has the nation’s leading portfolio of experiential events and iconic media brands in the marine category and an extensive series of nationwide motorsports and hunting events. Bonnier publishes Salt Water Sportsman, Marlin, Sport Fishing, Boating, Yachting, Cruising World and Sailing World; produces the award-winning SFTV television series; and hosts world-class fishing tournaments, sailing regattas, and educational events across the US and in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia, and the Virgin Islands.

About Los Cabos Tourism Board:

The Los Cabos Tourism Board is an official independent body dedicated to promoting the region’s tourism facilities and assets, both nationally and internationally. The LCTB office provides visitors with information on the destination and its many facets, catering to the needs of the tourist or business traveler. The Meetings and Conventions team works with organizers and planners to structure meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions. The Los Cabos Tourism Board is ready to be your strategic partner and ensure that your event is unique, successful, and unforgettable for your clients.

Powersports Super Show

June 13, 2022 — WINTER PARK, FL — Get ready for a new adrenaline-filled extravaganza as The Powersports Super Show takes center stage at the Florida State Fairgrounds, Friday, November 17 through Sunday, November 19. Featuring the latest powersports machines, accessories, aftermarket products, wheels, tires, apparel, and much more. First of its kind, brought to you by Bonnier Events; organizers of the renowned Sand Sports Super Show, Off-Road Expo, 4-Wheel Jamboree, and more.

Florida residents, gear up for three action-packed days of thrills, excitement, and entertainment. The Powersports Super Show is not just any ordinary event; it is a groundbreaking experience that will leave attendees in awe. Whether you are a passionate off-road enthusiast, a motorcycle aficionado, or a watersports lover, this show has something for everyone.

Discover the cutting-edge advancements in the powersports industry as you get up close and personal with the latest ATVs, UTVs/Side x Sides, motorcycles, eBikes, personal watercraft, accessories, and apparel. Immerse yourself in a world of high-performance vehicles, top-of-the-line equipment, and innovative technologies that will elevate your powersports experience to new heights.

With its impressive lineup of exhibitors and industry-leading brands, the Powersports Super Show guarantees an unparalleled shopping experience. Explore the extensive array of products, from state-of-the-art machinery to trendy apparel and accessories, all under one roof. This is your chance to connect with industry experts, enthusiasts, and fellow powersports enthusiasts who share your passion.

“We at Bonnier Events, are excited to offer the largest powersports show in Florida. Tampa is a perfect fit for our first ever Powersports Super Show and we’re excited to see where this event goes in the future,” says, Tim Ramsberger, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development for Bonnier Events. “The Powersports Super Show will showcase all the top-of-the-line equipment and new technologies in the powersports industry, it’s a must-attend for all powersports enthusiasts this Fall.”

Mark your calendars! Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable adventure, filled with thrilling displays, interactive exhibits, and exclusive offers. Children under 13 are free! From now until October 1st, 2023 purchase discounted tickets in advance online!

For more information, visit our website powersportssupershow.com. Stay updated with the latest news and announcements by following us on Facebook and Instagram @powersportssupershow. #bonnierevents #powersportssupershow

April 27, 2022 — WINTER PARK, FL — The 2023 Costa Offshore World Championship presented by Continental was held Sunday, April 16, through Friday, April 21. A total of 29 teams comprised of 138 anglers converged on Quepos, Costa Rica, for one of the most prestigious tournaments in big-game fishing. In the end, the International Roosterfish Tournament Team representing Mexico took home the iconic championship ring.

Anglers representing qualifying events in 19 countries – including Australia, the Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Cape Verde, the Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Fiji, Grenada, Jamaica, Kenya, Mauritius, Mexico, Panama, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, United Arab Emirates and the United States – competed in the event, releasing a total of 267 sailfish and 46 blue marlin for an average of 10.79 billfish per team.

It was the International Roosterfish Tournament Team including anglers Karen Comstock, Rodger Comstock, Judy Franich, Rocky Franich and Paul Steigerwald that emerged victorious. During four days of fishing, they released 14 sailfish and four blue marlin for a total of 4,800 points.

As 2023 champions, the first-place team will be invited back to compete in all future Offshore World Championships. The second- and third-place teams will receive an invitation to fish in the 2024 event.

Collectively, the 2023 OWC teams and guests traveled a total of more than 750,000 miles to attend this international event—the equivalent to circling the globe more than 32 times.

Adding to the prestige of the tournament, the production team from Sport Fishing Television, the award-winning fishing-travel-adventure TV series, was on hand throughout the week to produce a four-part series that will air on Discovery, Outdoor America, and additional networks this fall.

Dates for the 2024 event are already confirmed: Sunday, April 14, through Friday, April 19. For more information, visit offshoreworldchampionship.com. To find an Offshore World Championship Official Qualifying Event near you, please visit offshoreworldchampionship.com/qualifying-events.

About Bonnier: Bonnier is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for fishing, boating, sailing, motorsports, hunting and travel. Bonnier has the nation’s leading portfolio of experiential events and iconic media brands in the marine category and an extensive series of nationwide motorsports and hunting events. Bonnier publishes Salt Water Sportsman, Marlin, Sport Fishing, Boating, Yachting, Cruising World and Sailing World, produces award-winning SFTV television programming, and hosts world-class fishing tournaments, sailing regattas and educational events across the US and in Mexico, Bermuda, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Australia and the Virgin Islands.

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