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Builder’s Choice, a 64-foot Jarrett Bay, had not fished in the Marina Casa de Campo Open for two years, but the team never missed a beat. The boat led the field of 14 boats from the start to win the 2023 Marina Casa de Campo Open, which concluded last weekend in the Dominican Republic. With Capt. Brent Gaskill at the helm, the team claimed both dailies with two blue marlin releases on the first day and three on the second. The last fish was hooked and reported at 3:58, with two minutes until lines out. Builder’s Choice won the Open two years in a row in its previous appearance.
Blackhawk, another back-to-back Open winner, claimed second place after releasing two blues and one white marlin. This year’s event was dedicated to the memory of the boat’s former skipper, Captain Joey Lyall, who passed away unexpectedly last summer at 43. Fittingly, his brother, Capt. Bill Lyall now runs the 76-foot Viking.
The third-place team was Bandolera, a 66-foot Spencer Yacht. Captain Paco Vela and his anglers released two blue marlins and a sailfish for the honors.
Builder’s Choice scored the top game fish, a 55-pound yellowfin tuna. Delta Dawn boated a 52-pounder and also hosted two junior female anglers.
Set at the world-class Marina Casa de Campo in La Romana, Dominican Republic, the Open is a billfish release team event. Tuna, dolphin, and wahoo are eligible game fish. The Marina Casa de Campo and Fly Zone Fishing presented the tournament at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. “What a tournament,” said Director Robert “Fly” Navarro. “The Dominicans know how to throw a party. Casa de Campo is just such a nice place to bring a boat and host an event. The folks there know how to welcome people to their resort, and it’s become like a family gathering.”
