“Zues” releases record number of billfish to win Bacardi Rum Billfish

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Zues, a Dean Johnson 58-foot sport fisherman owned by Sandy Smith, captained by Glenn Cameron and based in Fort Pierce, Florida, won the 32nd annual Bacardi Rum Billfish, which was held in March on Grand Bahama Island. Accumulating a grand total of 2,025 points and releasing a record-number of billfish—3 blues, 4 whites and 4 sails, Zues set a new tournament record.

Second place finish went to the Juel Marie, a 54-foot Hatteras owned by Dugan McLaughlin of Knoxville, Tennessee, which released 1 blue, 4 whites and 3 sails. The Jeul Marie also achieved the first “Grand Slam” in the 32-year history of the Bacardi, releasing 1 blue, 1 white and 1 sail on the last day of fishing.

Third place went to Divine Intervention, a 57-foot Bertram owned by Jack Widmer of Boca Raton, Florida, which released 2 blues and 1 white.

Heaviest wahoo (64.5 pounds), was brought in by Chasin Tail. Heaviest tuna (28.5 pounds) and dolphin (48 pounds) were snagged by Ticket.

As with most great tournaments, adult libations and good food take center-stage after the fishing is done. The world-famous Bacardi Rum drink completion was won by Lars Vinjerud fishing aboard On Ice and the Culinary Competition winner was William Pope Langdale on Venture Out.

For more tournament results and photos, visit www.internationaltournaments.net.

Mark your calendars for next year’s tournament: March 11-17, 2012.

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