Mazatlan, Mexico—The World Billfish Series now has a new champion angler for 2005. With 400 points, the newest World Champion of Billfishing is Singer Island, Florida's Mark Wodlinger. Mark will receive a new Mercedes automobile for his efforts during the tournament. He was also awarded the WBS Grander Marlin, a custom bronze sculpture by marine artist Geoffrey Smith, as well as the Championship gold ring.

Even despite very tough fishing conditions, Mark was able to successfully catch and release two feisty Pacific sailfish on dead bait and 30-pound tackle on Day Two of the tournament aboard the Pro Billfish. "To be in the company of so many experienced anglers makes this even more meaningful for me," Mark said during the awards. "There were three past World Champions fishing here in Mazatlan, and there's not a single person here who didn't have the skill and experience to win, so I feel very fortunate tonight."

With a slim lead going into Day Three, Mark knew the event would come down to the wire. "Mark was so nervous that I actually turned off the radio for the last hour," said Matt Alligood, acting as Mark's first mate for the tournament. "We weren't even sure that we had held on for the win when they called lines out!"

But the event was not without strong competition, especially from veteran West Coast angler Mike Cromer, hailing from Ojai, California. Mike was fishing aboard his boat After Midnight and was able to release a sailfish on Day One to remain in the hunt. On Day Three, Mike successfully baited and released a tailing striped marlin and missed a chance at another in the last few minutes of the tournament. Since both billfish were caught on live bait, however, he ended up in second place with 300 points. "This is really a first-class event," Mike said. "Everyone went out of their way to make my family and my crew feel welcome, and we had a great time. Hopefully we can return next year."

Jupiter, Florida's Andy Kontos nailed down third place in the event, while Perry Peace and Jennifer Bacardi finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

For more information and photos from the 2004 WBS Grand Championships, contact Sam White at 727-319-3449 or via email at sam@worldbillfishseries.com.