Enter by July 7, 2005
to be eligible for the
Early Bird Drawing
and a chance to win a free
entry to the 2006 VBBT!

How does it work?
One chip is tossed into the
pot for every month prior to the deadline. Enter in April
and you get 4 chips—the
earlier you enter, the more
chances you have to win!

Entry Fee: $1,500
After August 10th the
Entry Fee is $1,650.

SCHEDULE AUGUST 24-27, 2005

WEDNESDAY Registration 2-6:00pm Kick-Off Party 6-10:00pm Captain's Meeting 6:30pm THURSDAY Fishing 8:30am-3:00pm Scales Open 12-8:00pm Dock Party 7-10:00pm FRIDAY Fishing 8:30am-3:00pm Scales Open 12-8:00pm Crab Pickin' 7-10:00pm SATURDAY Fishing 8:30am-3:00pm Scales Open 12-7:00pm Awards/Auction 7-11:00pm

For more information
call Paula Owen
at 757.652.8409
or e-mail
paula@VBBT.com


presented by

STEVE GOIONE SIGNS AS TOURNAMENT ARTIST

We are very pleased to announce that Steve Goione has joined us as the featured artist of the 2005 Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament. Steve has deep roots in the Virginia Beach area—many of his first appearances as a tournament artist were at the Southside Marina in Rudee Inlet. Steve's come a long way since those early days, but that hasn't diminished his excitement at being back. "I have lots of fond memories fishing out of Rudee Inlet," said Steve, "and I still maintain friendships with many of the people I met way back then. I'm looking forward to being a part of the new Virginia Beach tournament scene and seeing old friends." Steve's illustrations grace the program covers of some of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. He also does commissions for custom work, so if you're looking to have your prized boat or tournament triumph immortalized, contact Steve at his new location in Wilmington, North Carolina. Steve Goione, PO Box 10955, Wilmington, NC 28404; phone 910.686.0864; email stevegoione@ec.rr.com. You can see samples of Steve's work on his website www.stevegoione.com.

IN YOUR WORDS...

April 14, 2005 Mike Standing, Jr., Waterman You're probably asking the wrong person about the success of [the VBBT]. When I speak of the tournament it will sound like a paid advertisement and my response is in no way because I was lucky enough to win money. The VBBT is a tournament that was created by tournament fisherman and experts in the hospitality industry—a recipe for success. The directors of the VBBT took their experiences, both good and bad, and created the most well run marlin tournament I have ever fished in. The words that I can use to best describe the event are quality, organized, value, camaraderie, simple, and charitable. Also, I think that the fish two day [out of three] format as well as the 100 mile limit were great. Many thanks to the directors as well as Paula and Deirdre for putting together this tournament. It was a GRAND SLAM! Mike's team, fishing aboard "Waterman", a 48' Whiticar, won 5th place overall with the release of 1 blue and 3 white marlin. Their 76.0 lb. yellowfin tuna also took the Top Tuna award.