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The San Juan International Billfish Tournament (SJIBT) is known as the longest consecutively running big-game fishing tournament in the world, hosted annually by the storied Club Náutico de San Juan in Puerto Rico. The 71st edition of the SJIBT took place from August 13-17, 2024, and fielded a fleet of 45 boats, 30 international teams and 180 anglers representing five different countries.
The formal flag-raising ceremony held the night before the start of fishing is the highlight of the SJIBT’s legendary festivities. This year the event showcased the tournament’s international participation from the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, South Africa, and the United States. To promote camaraderie, sportsmanship and an even playing field, anglers rotate boats daily and fish with members of different teams. The tournament also requires all billfish to be released and strict adherence to IGFA rules.
With Old San Juan and the regal Castillo San Felipe del Morro as the backdrop, Day One began with an exciting shotgun start. On the day, the fleet released a total of 15 blue marlin and one sailfish, with Pilu, Salty Mood and Ayayai each releasing two blue marlin to round out the top three places on the leaderboard with 500 points.
The fleet worked through slower fishing conditions on Day Two, collectively releasing 10 blue marlin on the day. Doña Lucy recorded its second blue marlin release of the tournament early in the day, and Hook Up released a double just before lines out, putting them both in the running with 500 points. At the end of Day Two and entering the final day of fishing, Pilu, Salty Mood, and Ayayai still sat in the top three positions by time with 500 points; but it was anyone’s tournament, with eight teams sitting at 500 points and plenty of others in the hunt.
Doña Lucy came out strong again on Day Three, releasing the first blue marlin of the day which put them in the outright lead with three overall releases and 750 points. Shortly after noon, Hook Up and Salty Mood each released a blue marlin bringing them both to 750 points. Excitement built heading into the final hours of fishing as teams scrambled to capitalize on any last-minute bites.
However, at the call of “lines out” it was local Puerto Rican boat Doña Lucy, a 58-foot F&S captained and owned by Efrian Rodriguez, that prevailed as the champion, winning by time with three blue marlin releases and 750 points.
“We are more than happy to have won the 71st SJIBT,” said Capt. Rodriguez on behalf of the team. “First of all we are thankful to God for giving us the opportunity to be able to keep fishing together. Doña Lucy is more than a group of fishermen, we are family. This tournament has special meaning to us, and this year’s win is extra special since my daughter Natalie was with us and won Top Lady Angler.”
Hook Up and Salty Mood secured second and third place by time, respectively, each with three blue marlin releases and 750 points. Lorenzo Ferrer of Puerto Rico from Hook Up was awarded Top Angler for the tournament with two blue marlin releases for 500 points.
“Team Doña Lucy has become the excellence that many try to follow down here in the Caribbean,” said Ricardo Lefranc, Vice Commodore of Club Náutico. “We are very happy for them, and Club Náutico de San Juan is already working on the 2025 tournament, so stay tuned!”
