Hook the Cure Fishing Tournament

Hook the Cure Fishing Tournament nets over $150,000 for cystic fibrosis patient care and research
The inaugural Redbone Tournament Series event brought U.S. anglers to Puerto Vallarta Mexico for fun in the sun and exciting fishing action

(PressMethod) - Puerto Vallarta Mexico was the destination for anglers who participated in this year's IOTEC/Toshiba Hook the Cure Tournament to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation that occurred this weekend, October 27th and 28th.

The inaugural Redbone Tournament Series event brought several boats brimming with anglers early at the docks ready and eagerly awaiting for the clock to strike six marking the start of the Tournament. Friday was day one of the competition, on Saturday it culminated with the official weigh in at Charter Dreams.

Weekend festivities included a pre-tournament reception, sponsored by Venegas World Star Realty, at Villa Premiere Hotel and Spa with Puerto Vallarta Mayor, Lic. Gustavo Gonzalez Villasenor; Traditional Mexican Fiesta sponsored by PVRPV.com; and live auction at Casa Las Palmas in Punta de Mita hosted by Paul Motenko and Jerry Hennessy of BJ's Restaurants. Puerto Vallarta All Stars and Los Bambinos provided entertainment throughout the weekend.

The International Friendship Club of Puerto Vallarta secured all of the volunteers. As excited spectators and sponsors filled the Marina, most boats made it in by five for the official weigh in "party" hosted by Landbanker's International. Winners included overall champions, Jerry Sabino and Ron Wilson (Tuna Division 98.5 pounds); Reggie Debuhr and Len Pieroni (Dorado Division 30.5 pounds); and Mike Feldman and Mike Amador (Most Released Billfish 2 released). According to Bob Huston, 2006 event chairman, $151,000 NET was generated for cystic fibrosis patient care, research and education.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease affecting approximately 40,000 people in the United States and Mexico. A defect in the CF gene causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus that leads to chronic, life-threatening lung infections and impairs digestion.

When the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was established in 1955, few children lived to even attend elementary school. Today because of research and care supported by the CF Foundation with money raised through donations from families, corporations and foundations the median predicted age for people with CF is nearly 37 years.

Additional sponsors include Watson Land Company, Pacific Design Estates Construction, Norm Wilson & Sons, Inc., William and Helen Close, Architectural Traditions, Rotary International, Outlook News, Gray Taxidermy, Colliers International and Skipper & Dukes Offshore Fishing Series. 97.1 FREE FM on-air personality, Leo Quinones, served as weekend master of ceremonies and auctioneer.

Plans are underway for the 2007 event. Sponsors, anglers, and volunteers are needed. Contact Gary Green, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Director of Corporate Development, at (714) 938-1393 or through email at ggreen@cff.org for information.