b"Priceless Pulls Off Derby Victory Right Out Frontby Tom 'Buzz' BzuraF ishing in the historic Silver SailfishWhile the captain certainly deserves Derby is more than just anothercredit running the boat, having excep-day offshore. The 2-day tournament offtional anglers is a must to successfully the Palm Beaches is where crews experi- hook and land multiple sailfish. All 5 ence sailfishing nostalgia. A sold out 50of El Diablos fish were caught by angler boat fleet celebrated this crown jewel ofDylan Torey of Jupiter, and he would sportfishing in early January, compet- earn the title of Top Angler Overall in ing offshore with the same passion thatthe 2023 Derby. This honor is awarded so many past participants before themwith the Mrs. Henry R. Rea trophy, a brought to the fishery throughout themagnificent silver sailfish sculpture tournaments storied history. Anglersthat dates back to the events origin in have to capitalize on every bite to win1935 and is sponsored by Elizabeth the Derby. Having ample live baits andRichebourg Rea of Connecticut. the kite fishing know-how doesntThe second and final day of the Derby guarantee crews will record releases.would produce 21 more fish than the They have to find the fish. When theprevious day. A cold front pushed Derby started in 1935, the fleet didntthrough that night, and the wind picked go far to start fishing and would set upup blowing out of the north. It just felt soon after clearing Palm Beach Inlet;like sailfish season. When the weather thats exactly where the Priceless wonmakes drastic changes from one day to the 86th running of 'The Worlds Oldestthe next, theres opportunity for teams Sailfish Tournament'.to go from zero to hero adapting to A total of 223 Atlantic sailfish were86th annual Silver Sailfish Derby Topnew conditions offshore. Captain Nick released over the duration of the 2023 Derby.Boat winners, Team 'Priceless'Carullo and the Goombay Smash, a 39 Front Calm conditions offshore on the first daycelebrate at the dock.Runner, had just one fish the first day. Their werent ideally suited to spark a productivegoal for Day 2 was to close the gap and make bite, but when some of the finest sailfishing captainsa comeback; they would do just that. The Goombay Smash and crews take to the water at the same time, sailfishdidnt win it all, but 7 releases on the final day of will be caught. The tournament was headquarteredfishing was enough to take 2nd Place Overall with out of Sailfish Marina in Palm Beach Shores where8 total sailfish releases. Captain Andrew Dotterweich and the 48 Viking,So much has changed in the world of fishing since Fish On, have docked seasonally for some time.Thisthe Derbys inception. High-speed reels make getting the 15-foot naturally had local patrons and marina staff members excited toleader in hand a bit easier, and bigger faster boats create more ac-see the Fish On off to a hot start. Capt. Andrew and crew had 4cessibility to where teams can fish in their 8-hour window each sailfish releases soon after the 8am lines-in start of fishing Dayday. But it doesnt always take a big move to the boundary lines 1. They would ultimately finish 3rd Place Overall recording 3to find sailfish, anyone who has spent time fishing off the Palm additional releases on Day 2, bringing their tournament total toBeaches knows theres plenty of opportunity right out front. The 7 releases. Captain Bryan Boyle andPriceless, a 48 Viking, is no stranger to the ADHD/Dedicated, a 62 Viking,the Silver Sailfish Derby. Hailing from also finished with 7 releases for a 4thCoral Gables, Florida, Captain Jorge Place Overall Finish, beat out by FishSanchez and crew have frequented this On based on the time of release ofhistoric 4-line tournament in recent their last fish.years. Priceless was off to a cold start Day Captain John Galvin and the El1 but ended with a hard push releasing Diablo, a 72 Viking, made a splash4 fish that afternoon. This was a huge among the competitive sailfishingmomentum swing for the crew. Despite crowd taking Top Daily Boat honorsthe condition changes blown in by the with 5 releases Day 1 of the Derby.northern wind, the Priceless picked up 2nd Place Boat Overall, Goombay SmashJ anuary10-13, 2024 5"