Sportfishing Tournament To Benefit Billfish

The Presidential Challenge of Central America Conservation Series, a sportfishing tournament dedicated to raising money for fish conservation efforts, kicks off its 13th season March 20 with the 2009 Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica in Puerto Carrillo, on the Pacific coast of the NicoyaPeninsula.

Four more events throughout the region will take place later this year, with the honors of Costa del Mar Grand Champion Team and individual Eagle Claw Grand Champion Angler awarded at the final event in November in Guatemala. Teams and individual anglers must fish in three out of the five series events to qualify for championship points.

Proceeds from the 2009 Presidential Challenge of Costa Rica will benefit the Billfish Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to conserving and enhancing billfish populations around the world.

Early entry costs $2,800 per team, increasing to $3,000 per team after Feb. 1. For more information, contact Joan Vernon at joan@preschallenge.com or visit www.preschallenge.com.