IGFA World Qualifier In the Sea of Cortez

[Catch-22 Steve]

RE: PRESS RELEASE

The Cantina Cup International Game Fish Tournament (Cantina Cup) held in San Carlos, Mexico, October 5-7, 2007 has entered the stage of high profile billfish tournaments. The Cantina Cup Board of Directors worked very closely with representatives of the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) to re-tool the rules of the tournament. Based on the new conservative ruling format, the IGFA agreed to sanction the Cantina Cup. The sanctioning makes the Cantina Cup an IGFA Offshore World Championship qualifying event.

The IGFA Offshore World Championship Tournament is an invitation only tournament held in Cabo San Lucas during mid-May. The tournament is a team event. Winning teams from qualifying tournaments world-wide compete for the IGFA World Championship. Thirty three countries were represented during the 2006 tournament. In addition to the high team purse, the winning team from the Cantina Cup will be invited to participate in the IGFA Offshore World Championship.

Currently the Cantina Cup is the only qualifying event for the IGFA Offshore World Championship in the Sea of Cortez. We look forward to welcoming teams from all parts of Mexico, the United States and Central America.

The complete set of rules set forth by the Cantina Cup as well as entry fees can be viewed on our website http://www.cantinacup.com. Highlight rule changes that have brought our tournament into the spotlight are as follows:

• IGFA rules for fishing tackle will be strictly enforced.
• The Cantina Cup is a Billfish Catch and Release Tournament. Marlin and Sailfish are scored the same as 150 points each.
• Dorado, Wahoo and Tuna are limited to two weighable fish per species per day.
• Circle hooks only can be used to rig live or dead bait.

The Cantina Cup is a non-profit tournament. Proceeds generated through angler entry fees and tournament sponsors will be donated in part to local charities in the San Carlos and Guaymas, Mexico area. The focus of the new rules format is ultimately the conservation of the resources offered by the Sea of Cortez. Simply by utilizing circle hooks in bait, the mortality rate for billfish is reduced by half.

The Sea of Cortez is a precious resource. San Carlos, Mexico is located in one of the most beautiful and scenic settings in the state of Sonora, Mexico. We are all fortunate to know San Carlos and eager to share.

For further information regarding the Cantina Cup International Game Fish Tournament and registration, please visit our website http://www.cantinacup.com, or you can contact Tournament Directors Matt Blair, at 520-241-2283 or email matthew@cirrusvisual.com or Grant Krueger at 520-407-6764 or email grant@marinasancarlos.com