The December 2023 Buds & Suds Saltwater Challenge lived up to its hype, as teams of construction professionals from across North America joined forces to compete in the construction industry's premier big game fishing tournament and networking event in Costa Rica.
action-packedThe 4-day event was held at the prestigious Los Sueños Resort on the central pacific coast of Costa Rica from December 6th - 10th 2023. The action packed 4-day event included private networking parties, amazing chef dinners, rounds of golf, ATV tours and waterfall adventures, and amazing fishing. The event culminated with a firework show on the beach for the 20 teams of construction professionals who traveled from across North America to partake in the festivities.
The event was highlighted by a 2-day fishing tournament with 20 competing teams fishing on the best charter boats at the Los Sueños Marina. The fleet delivered an astounding 139 total billfish releases during the 2 days of competition. Release points scored 300 points for Marlin species and 100 points for Sailfish.
81 Sailfish, 3 Striped Marlin, a winning Tuna, a giant Dorado, and a record-shattering 55 Blue Marlin were caught by the more than 100 competing anglers! Memories were made that will last a lifetime. Especially for the 29 lucky anglers who caught their first-ever Blue Marlin! The fishing was hot and the competition was fierce. When the final “lines in” was called only 300 points (1 Marlin release) separated the top 3 teams.
Congratulations to the 1st place team sponsored by Hugh M Cunningham and Reece. This team from Texas started hot on day 1 and did not slow down on day 2. During the 2 day event, they caught an amazing 3 Blue Marlin and 13 Sailfish to take home the title of Tournament Champions. The team was led by Austin Cunningham from Hugh M Cunningham and joined by Greg Meyer and Ryan Newcomb from Reece and Garret Hart, Dave Osborne, and Carlos Ponce from Hart Plumbing.
2nd Place went to the Cregger Company and Siemens sponsored team from the Carolinas. Patrick and Richard Kerr from Cregger Company were joined by Tradd Bruce, Chris Allen, and Scott Barnett from TBA Construction. After racking up 500 points on Day 1 and sitting in 11th place, the tournament's second day proved to be the payoff day. They caught an astounding 5 Blue Marlin and 3 Sailfish, giving them a total of 6 Blue Marlin and 5 sailfish during the 2 days of fishing.
The 3rd Place team sponsored by Bradford White was led by team captain Tom Stewart from Bradford White and included Matt Kozak from Bradford White and Kevin Petty, Cole Petty, and Owen Elrod all from KP Plumbing. Catching 5 Blue Marlin and 7 Sailfish put them in the money and secured their spot on stage.
The Dorado Jackpot was won by the RWC sponsored team with a massive 48.4 lb. dorado. The team was led by Sam Afjei from RWC and included Bob Gural from RWC, Randy Fuselier and Michael Case from RK Mechanical, and Charles Schwartz and Kaleb Swindle from Utah Mechanical Contractors.
The Tuna Jackpot was won by team “Crazy Canucks” from Canada with a nice 48.4 lb. tuna. The team was led by Brian Morgan from The Morgan Group and included Marco Panaci from Westlake Pipe & Fittings, Ralph Cerasuolo from the Skilled Trades College of Canada, and the Lochhead brothers Terry, Tim and Ron from Tri-Flame Natural Gas Services.
In keeping with our tradition of giving back, the Buds & Suds events donate nearly all the fish caught during the event to the local charities Jaco Impact, A Reel Difference, and Pura Vida Fighting for Kids. Also, this year we sponsored Christmas wishes for more than 30 children through the Jaco Impact annual Holiday Gift Drive.
Buds & Suds Fishing Adventures specializes in curating luxury corporate events in Costa Rica, VIP services, event management, and produces and hosts the Construction Industry’s premier big game fishing tournament and networking event.
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