In the world of the constant consumer, the most profound statement I’ve yet heard, has been- ‘If you are not happy with what you have, why do you think buying any more of it will make you happier?’ For those of us who are fortunate to be able to simply buy the ‘more’ in life, too very often we are so centered in our living that we forget there are others who do not have the ability to buy anything. Not that extra salt water rod to round out the “dirty dozen” for the rod tube, or a “platinum” reel that just feels so good. There are some people who don’t have enough money to even buy a tee shirt to replace the one shredded with holes, or more than a bit of food for the day. In this specific thought; these are the destitute senior citizens of La Paz, Baja California, Mexico. Yet, once again, a group of American fishermen have come together and bought more- but not for themselves. By joining in on the La Paz Classico, these Gringo Pescadors were able to buy more- happiness for everyone. $12,700.00 more!

The fourth annual La Paz Classico was held at the beginning of June- again hosted by Fishermen’s Fleet and Lynn Rose Tours. This benefit tournament assists in providing a huge financial windfall to the aged men and women who live in La Paz’s Asilo de Anceanos. (Home for the Ancients) Prior to these two U.S. citizen owned business’ starting this benefit tournament , the people living within the barely converted school- owned by St. Vincent DePaul- hardly had more than a concrete roof over their heads, and stipend meals that often had neither meat nor fish in them for months on end. With the more than $48.000.00, which the La Paz Classico has garnered for them in the past four Tournaments- the old people of La Paz have become happy- very happy indeed.

Early June 2008’s somewhat windy weather greeted twenty boats of fishermen. The first day, half of the group left the beach at Las Arenas de la Ventana, and the others motoring out of La Paz harbor, found waves kicking up from the wind- this day being a bit off, fish-wise, from the pre-tournament fishing days.

“Outside” to the shark buoys was a rough ride, and not for the faint of heart. But there were Dorado showing in good size, and marlin- though not legal for this tournament- were seen, hooked, and boated by some who knew that a gill hooked marlin will not survive a release.

The huge Pargon` (Pacific Cubera Snapper)- though not showing in the record numbers of last year- were off Isla Cerralvo South in numbers and size to leave tournament fishermen, both smiling and sweating from there terrific fight. Sabalo (Lady fish) upwards of 4 pounds were caught and used as the primary trolled bait inshore for the Dog-tooth Snapper (pargon), and the afternoon take of Roosterfish up to 80 pounds – also another non-tourney fish. Spot Sardina were plentiful and used to take the Dorado. Those fishermen out of La Paz found the fishing a bit tough as most large Dorado hadn’t made the extra 30 miles, so smaller schoolies and cabrilla were the order of the day on the north side.

Day two was blown out big time outside, so the in-shore fishery was utilized with surprisingly good Dorado and pargo found by the panga captains. The third day calmed down and both inside and outside brought in Dorado and Pargo up into the 40+ pound range in good numbers and made for a close race to the finish for the top three places.

At the Saturday evening dinner, auctions, and trophy presentations, the group was swelled by many Paceanos` (local citizen of La Paz) who joined in to enjoy the excitement and cheer on the Gringo Fishermen who had come to help out their senior citizens. Both live and silent auctions, and prize drawings saw Fishing adventures, Calstar and Accurate rod/reel combinations, collectables, fishing gear, and loads of other gear and goodies passed out to those gathered to witness the final presentation of the trophies.

First place winner Bert Brown scaled a 46.3 pound Dorado that Captain Pepe gaffed for him. Along with the first place trophy, Bert was awarded a Calstar rod and Accurate Boss reel.

Second place winner “Captain” Cook, was awarded his trophy for his 45.8 pound Dorado, which the Pangero Ephrain brought to boat.

Guided by Captain Tavi, “Lightning Boy” Dufec was awarded his third place trophy for his 41.3 pound Dorado. Despite the unseasonable weather conditions, the race to the finish of this tournament was very close with many other Dorado, Pargo and Wahoo in the low 40’s.

At the end of the day, the Gringo Fishermen flew home with loaded ice chests, and they left behind their good will, which is the keystone of American Spirit. The people of La Paz are very grateful for this friendship, and look forward to greeting both new and returning La Paz Classico fishermen in June 2009.

Sponsors at the year’s event were Modelo Beverages, High-5 lures, Lynn Rose Tours, Fishermen’s Fleet, Marina Hotel, and a large group of donors both large and small. – They all deserve much respect for helping the ‘old ones’.

Pictures and text © Copyright 2008 Frank Medicine Wolf Springer.

For more information on the 2009 La Paz Classico- Contact Lynn Rose Tours at lynnrosetours.com - or call 800-525-9527 or David Jones at Fishermensfleet.com – or call 408-884-3932.