Updated Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament Announced for 2004
Virginia Ducks Unlimited Billfish Tournament Hands Reins to New Group of Organizers

Virginia Beach, VA (April 1, 2004) —After sixteen years of hosting one of the most successful billfishing tournaments in Virginia Beach, the Virginia Chapter of Ducks Unlimited (VDU) has refocused their tournament and fundraising efforts on Virginia's enormously popular inshore fishery. At the same time, not wishing to disappoint the many supporters of big game offshore fishing, the VDU has transferred their billfish tournament interests to a new group of organizers who have rechristened the event the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament (VBBT).

The new group of organizers, led by Tournament Director Paula Owen and a Board of Directors made up of local businessmen and billfishing enthusiasts, plans to build on the tradition created by the VDU Billfish Tournament by producing a fun, friendly and competitive event, with a strong emphasis on conservation and charitable contributions. The inaugural event takes place August 18-21, 2004.

With Ocean City to the north and the Outer Banks to the south, the Virginia coastline is a natural progression within the East Coast tournament circuit. The VBBT Board is determined to revitalize the tournament scene in this area that has too often been characterized as the most underrated offshore fishing on the East Coast by keeping the format simple, broadly appealing and, at the same time, poised to evolve within the dictates of the billfishing community.

Featuring a 100% return of entry fees to cash awards and a guaranteed $10,000 bonus to the top boat, the tournament expects to attract 40 boats to the inaugural event and, based on that number, award $250,000. The tournament format has been structured so billfish awards can be won by either billfish release points, weight points, or a combination. Only blue marlin over 115-inches or weighing 500-pounds may be weighed. The capture of an undersized marlin will result in disqualification from the entire competition. The use of circle hooks is encouraged. There is one mandatory entry level and five optional entry levels making the entry fee range $1,500 to $6,000. In addition to the main event, there is a "Tournament Within a Tournament" (TNT) for boats 35' and under with one mandatory entry and two optional entries making the entry fee range for the TNT $1,000 to $2,500.

The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament is presented by Toyota. Other major sponsors include Bluewater Yacht Sales, Viking Yachts, Charles Barker Lexus and Victory Lap Sportfishing. Information management is provided by Tournament Control, Inc. The Marketing Coordinator is Deirdre Bell (757-723-0793). The Board of Directors is comprised of Mike Atkinson, Charles Barker, Jim Bayne, Jud Black, Earle Hall, Wayne Sawyer and Bob Stanton.

Contact either Paula Owen or Deirdre Bell for sponsorship opportunities. For additional information please visit www.VBBT.com.