CARIBBEAN CUP CANCELLED

[Squidnation]

For Immediate Release
Key Biscayne, FL—The Presidential Caribbean Cup, originally slated for September 18-20, 2009, has been cancelled. The event’s organizers were disappointed to learn of several prominent charter boats that would not be returning to Venezuelan waters for the fall season, which in turn prompted others to also not return to the area. In addition, the ever-changing political landscape has made it very difficult to organize tournament logistics such as fuel supplies and catering in order to run a successful event.

Presidential Challenge teams that have already pre-paid for this event may choose to apply their entry fees to either the PCCA El Salvador or Guatemala tournaments or may elect to receive a full refund.

Despite the cancellation of the Caribbean Cup, the two remaining events on the 2009 PCCA schedule, the El Salvador and Guatemala legs, are proceeding as planned. For more information on these tournaments, please visit www.preschallenge.com or call tournament coordinator Joan Vernon at 305-361-9258.

[dirtyj]

Not only that, it has become impossible to get a flight into Caracas. We were booked from Charlotte-Aruba then tried to get a jumper to Caracas but all booked up. All other options were $1100-$1500 and 12-24hrs of travel time.

Damn shame but I guess Chavez doesn't want us there.

[costaricasportfishing]

He FOR SURE does NOT want us there. Or anywhere else really. Sucks!!

[andyatkins_1]

its a shame with the situation as it is, i'm flying out there after the tournament for a weeks fishing and the flights from the UK worked out to be about $700 return which bearing in mind the distances involved are pretty cheap!

Having fished many "interesting" political areas before I think this one might well be memorable! i was optomistic to read the reports before I arrived but I suppose I will have to make my own reports!

[Ozimo2]

Not only that, it has become impossible to get a flight into Caracas. We were booked from Charlotte-Aruba then tried to get a jumper to Caracas but all booked up. All other options were $1100-$1500 and 12-24hrs of travel time.

Damn shame but I guess Chavez doesn't want us there.

I got a flight for this weekend on Santa Barbara - no problemo $800. Of course, I bought it a month ago.

And, this has nothing to do with Chavez or his oil minister. Heck he's not even in the country right now.

[Ozimo2]

He FOR SURE does NOT want us there. Or anywhere else really. Sucks!!

Actually he does want you there, just not on an American flagged boat. I fish the local boats down there and never had any problems getting fuel or being harassed.

[andyatkins_1]

reassuring to know as its one of the places i've wanted to fish for a while and i've booked local boats for the week on the previso that "when in Rome"

[fishvenezuela]

Actually he does want you there, just not on an American flagged boat. I fish the local boats down there and never had any problems getting fuel or being harassed.

The on going issue in Venezuela is about Venezuelan citizens or nationals that own boats and/or airplanes that are flagged/registered outside of the country.

It is a tax issue that applys to Venezuelans and has NO what so ever immplications to visiting FOREIGN boats, fishermen or tourists.

It is standard that in most all countries you must pay a duty or tax when importing luxery items. In Venezuela there has been "loop holes" to avoid paying the these duties for years. This is not a new issue.

The airline prices are usually always high in September due to a high volume of Venezuelans traveling abroad for before school vacations. It is the same for Christmas, carnival celebrations and Easter holiday too.

It is unfortunate that the Caribbean Cup organizers cancelled their tournament. The Super Slam tourney however is a go. All is normal.

I will also add that tradtionally a lot of boats that fish the north drop in St. Thomas make Venezuela their next stop after the September moon. With the red hot bite ongoing, many have decided to stay and fish both October and November moons.

Stay tuned for some great Venezuelan fishing reports to soon come.

[Ozimo2]

The on going issue in Venezuela is about Venezuelan citizens or nationals that own boats and/or airplanes that are flagged/registered outside of the country. It is a tax issue that applys to Venezuelans and has NO what so ever immplications to visiting FOREIGN boats

If it has nothing to do with foreign flagged boats, then why the 45 day rule?

It is standard that in most all countries you must pay a duty or tax when importing luxery items. In Venezuela there has been "loop holes" to avoid paying the these duties for years. This is not a new issue.

I heard Mendoza left with four other boats - true?

[fish4fun]

I have never fished in Venezuela, but I would love to one day. Where is the best fishing located? Is it near Caracas? The reason I ask is that I have traveled to the island of Curacao and was able to see the Venezuela coast on a good day. Curacao is very friendly with good marinas. Curacao has a very good political climate with great tourism. Would it be possible to fish the great billfish and yellowfin waters off Venezuela from Curacao? Just a thought, not sure about the logistics? I fish out of the OC, MD and it is common to run 80 to 90 miles in the big tournaments, so I thought you may be able to reach the grounds from Curacao. Maybe you would have to do an overnight? Also, with Curacao being so close has anyone fished the grounds / banks around this island? Maybe there are a few billfish around also...