The Billfish Report is counting down its Top 10 Billfisheries of the Year, and our first Honorable Mention goes to Canavieiras, Brazil.  Criteria for our Top 10 include fish numbers, variety of billfish species, average size of fish, length of season and numbers of boats fishing.

What does it say about a fishery where every year, a fleet of 4-5 Boats continues to make its mark in the Billfishing World. While they may have not made our Top 10 this year, they still managed a very good season. Canavieiras is synonymous with big Blue Marlin. In fact, the boats fishing on the Royal Charlotte Bank managed to release 21 Blue Marlin over 500 lbs. For big fish alone, Canavieiras came in No. 7. in the World in 2013.  What makes this an even more impressive accomplishment is their short season with only three (3) solid months of billfishing. While we did not get any reports of a Grander release, Capt. Shawn Wallace on Camargue released eight (8) over 500 lbs. with three (3) of those over 800 lbs. while Capt. Antonio Amaral on Wahoo released six (6) Blue Marlin over 500 lbs. There were some early season big White Marlin and even a Sailfish or two to keep things interesting.

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Camargue released a Grand Slam (2 Blue Marlin, 3 White Marlin, Sailfish)

Wahoo went 3-4 on Blue Marlin

Camargue released 8 Blue Marlin

Casca Grossa released a Grand Slam (Blue Marlin, White Marlin, 4 Sailfish)