When you think of fishing tournaments, often your mind's eye builds the picture of Gringos sunned far beyond tan, grinning, sun glasses topped, 'raccoon' eyes sparkling at the massive winning trophy and the gargantuan check- which their team will divide after they fly north to their "American Dream" homes. We've all closed our eyes and focused our own image into the center of this thought. A winner in an activity we all cherish- big game fishing. However, there are two tourneys in Baja in which every entrant is the winner upon entry. A champion of the human spirit before feet ever tred upon the deck. Tournaments, which benefit those who have no ability to help themselves. These who are the far-forgotten ones. And so much more so in the wild lands of Baja.
The "Ancient ones" of La Paz have begun to find an unexpected group that has taken them to their hearts. The forgotten and uncared for old people of the area of La Paz are now finding this friendship in these fishermen and women who come to compete in the La Paz Classico. This benefit tournament- only in its third year- has taken the disastrously poor existence of those old folks at the Asilo de Ancianos (Home of Ancients), and through the net tallies have provided the necessities to change survival, to living. The Saint Vincent DePaul property is assisted in management by the local Rotary and Lions Clubs. And these entities have formed a warm bond with the Gringo fishermen that have changed the lives of all they have touched.
Lynn Rose Tours and David Jones' Fishermen's Fleet host the La Paz Classico at the Los Arcos Hotel, on the malcon overlooking the Bay of La Paz. This year's event has grown to support 58 fishermen in their quest for the largest weight fish over the three-day event. Gloria Chavez of the Los Arcos did a spectacular job arraigning the lodging, dinner, and banquet space for the registrations and final night auctions, raffles and award of prizes. Lynn Rose had journeyed far and wide with hand out in a tremendous effort to gather merchandise and services for the event- from total packages of hotel, fishing and Alaska Air fare, to reels from Accurate, Cal Star rods, Racing and fishing art, and highly sought for out-of -production collectables. David Jones provided the 29 pangas and their captains with his normal 'perfectly run' service. Whether driven to Las Arenas and fishing at Cerralvo Island, or launched from the beach in front of the hotel to fish the area north around Espirito Santo Island, all boats were in immaculate condition and the captains were the best in the area.
Fishermen switched areas of fishing each day- luck of the draw for the first day, and either Espirito Santo or Cerralvo the next. Given the conditions of the water, this made for some tough days, and a free-for-all the next. It seems that even God smiled down on the fishing efforts of this group, as both north and farther south of La Paz- fishing stunk! But, in an almost unprecedented happening, Pargon`- the huge Dog Pargo (Cubera Pargo or Pargo Pero)- loaded into the waters for spawning just off the south-east point of Cerralvo Island and the fishermen on their days in those waters found themselves in a rare bullfight with hundreds of huge Pargo tearing up unfit reels and shredding 150 pound test across the rocks in unstoppable runs. Fishing hand-line caught Sabalo baits (Lady Fish) of 3 to 4 pounds, trolled baits enticed the huge red snappers to tear the top-water to froth and chew the baits to dog meat. It was truly out the door fishing! Eventually, given luck and a reserve of stamina, about 1 out of every seven 'stuck' fish was landed- and there was no lack of 'high-fiving' and grinning when the fishermen eventually sagged back into their seat.
Some of the fishermen had set their eyes on different horizons, and favor found them also. Although during the tourney there was not easy-pickens on bait, the pangeros who set their sights on dorado could find enough sardines running the sand beaches to fill bait tanks. Heading east to the 'bouys' fishermen steadily got into action on dorado. Not many of the smaller 'schoolies' were showing. Which means the big boys had room to maneuver and that they did- up to, and over 50 pounds. There were many dorado caught in the 35 to 45 pound class. And one lucky fisherman hauled in a cow dorado that topped the weight of any of her sex I have ever seen. The best showing from the Espirito Santo side by the Superpanga captain 'Juan' who split the difference toward the top of Cerralvo and boated 7 very big dorado for his fishermen the final day of the party.
There were numerous catches of minor fishes which may beg mention, but not consideration of prizes. Casting plugs to schools of Amberjack (Pez Fuerte- Strong Fish) of Punta Perico, Cabrilla and huge Barred Pargo dropping bait into the rocks, and even one 52# Pez Fuerte that was finally 'sweated-in' by an outdoor writer down to Baja on assignment to cover the tournament. However- one catch of note that should not be passed was a Pargo Lisa hooked up in pre-fishing the tournament by Rolla Cornell of Palmdale, California. Cornell, a humble fisherman and really great guy boated a 45 pound 8 ounce Lisa that bested the previous open class world record 36 pound fish by more than 25%. IGFA representative David Jones certified the catch that Cornell has submitted for the new world record.
At the end of the day, Donny Chu of Oakland, California was the last dog in the fight with his 51+ pound Pargo Pero- taking the 1st prize of the Cal Star rod and Accurate reel- and immediately donating it back to be auctioned. Only keeping the inexpensive little trophy, and his big heart- the kindness of his gesture provided another $900.00 to the old folks by the sale of his prize.
Second place was a 50+ pound bull dorado and third place was a Pargon` taken by Karen Christiansaan who had to be talked into weighing her fish back at La Paz because she didn't believe its 45 pounds would be close enough. (The fish was only a foot from the filet knife when she finally acceded to have the fish sized)
Currently there are 54 old ones residing at the Asilo. Some have wandered in on their own- some have been unceremoniously been dropped off in front of the building because family simply had no money for their food or care.
With a cost of only a bit over $300.00 per year to care for each of these old folks in need, it doesn't take too much thinking to see how desperate some of these family's situations must be to leave their loved (loved?) ones off to be seen no more. But, leave no doubt in your mind that they find love- In those who work to care for them, and in the hearts of the fishermen who come to attend the La Paz Classico. This year's books will show The Classico raised a bit more than $16,000.00 American dollars to be put toward the care of these 'forgotten' ones. (More than $37,000.00 over the three tournaments) Spontaneous donations of services from the assembled fishermen pushed the tally past last years mark. A single day of fishing black bass with the Adkins brothers from Lodi, Ca, brought in more than $400. And a day of instruction on the waters of Baja with world renowned "Gallo Bill "Mathias for world class roosterfish rolled for more than $600.
From the days, weeks and months where the meals at the Asilo de Ancianos contained not even a bit of meat or fish, Gringo fishermen have stepped in and begun providing for their new 'family'. All fishermen are invited to join together next June for the 2008 event.
The other benefit mentioned at the beginning is the Lynn Rose Classic, which is held at the Palmas De Cortez in Los Barriles and benefits the children and communities surrounding this town in the East Cape of Baja. Past benefits have provided a library, and roofs and equipment for the School, as well as Doctors and medical treatment and medications for all the small pueblos in that area.
Both of these tournaments provide a great fishing experience. They are a chance to gather together for the sport, in a group of the most friendly fishermen joined in competition- for the benefit of those who simply cannot do much for themselves. Consider becoming a "Classic" fisherman
THINK A GOOD THOUGHT! ---- Frank Medicine Wolf Springer
