But let's rewind and start from the beginning.

In the 70s, the tournament was just getting its start, and Shiela, Jojo, and Kenneth Del Guero, representing Caines Australia, were the team to beat.

In the 80s, names like Tim Choate, Bob and Barbara Brandon took over the leaderboard, leaving their mark not only on this club but on the entire fishing industry.

The 90s brought John Santasiero and Punch Martyn, who made the Gold Cup a regular stop on their tournament circuit—and took home first-place trophies as souvenirs.

In the 2000s, Winston Wren and his team, Wren’s Ranch Anglers, were unstoppable. Winston, Eric Waldin, Tony Cummings, and Hunter Beall took home the trophy four times before joining forces with Dave Anderson’s winning team, Krazy Salts, to take home another victory in 2020.

The 2010s saw a who's who of world-class fishing talent rise to the top. Team captains like Andres Fanjul, Enrique Tomeu, Jamie Diller, and Clark Beaty left their mark on the tournament then and are still competing today.

And now, the 2020s have been all about the Cheathams, the Kirkpatricks, and the Lazzaras. Who could forget the first-ever all-female team victory on Showtime? Tonya Love-Cheatham, Kelly Kirkpatrick, Serena Wilson, and Molly Flemming stole the show with an electric win against the boys. Not happy the Gold Cup Trophy on the shelf belonged to their wives, Chris Lazzara and Lach Cheatham took home the victory in 2023—and they haven’t stopped since! With teammates Brian Kirkpatrick, Geoff Mayfield, Captain Dave Dalfo, mates, Marshal Busha, and John Stukel, these second- and third-generation club members made history with the Gold Cup’s first-ever three-year running first-place wins.

Chris and Lach met as boys on the docks behind this club, clapping for their friends as they took home the trophies for over 15 years. Now, it’s their turn. Congratulations to Chris, Lach, and the entire Fish Camp team. You've made history!

Photo: Lach and Chris circa 2004 just buddies going fishing.

In addition to the Gold Cup, the club honors a range of achievements, each named for individuals who have left a lasting impact on the tournament. These include the Ann Sodahl Award for Top Woman Angler, the John Rybovich Award for Top Dead Bait Angler, the Bonnie Powell Award for Top Crew, the Bobby Haines Award for Top Captain, and the Chairman’s Award, presented in honor of Donald "Boy" Leas, given to the angler with the highest hook-up to catch ratio.

As Tony Cummings, former Tournament Chairman and a key member of the most successful team in our tournament's history, Wren's Ranch Anglers, so aptly put it, "This is one of the last tradition tournaments - not about the money- it's about the whole experience."
Mr. Cummings, we could not agree with you more.

Pictured are Tony Cummings, Hunter Beall, Team Captain Winston Wren, and Eric Waldin after their 2011 tournament win on Wrenegade, captained by Jimmy Garner.

But with 5 fish before 9am, and a steady chirp on the radio, something is different today!

A few fish early on like this and everyone is a little more tuned in.. No doubt the Captains are spinning around on their best marks and the anglers are keeping their eyes on the baits! ...All of the sudden, there he is!

Back to the familiar sound of the radio relays and call backs. How good it feels to say "One for..."

Keep it up fleet!

Our third fish of the day was caught by Bwana, moving them to a solid first place in the Live Bait division. Bwana is owned by Kevin McCluskey, club member and this year's Tournament Chairman. Kevin is proudly fishing with his son Jack who at only 9 years old completed a Billfish Royal Slam. Come to think of it, Laura has a Royal Slam too.

The talent in this fleet is undeniable, maybe that's why the sailfish are staying away...

Photo: Kevin and Jack fishing yesterday aboard Bwana

The breakfast bar was packed this morning, and the word is the ocean was coming back to life yesterday afternoon! Boats saw a little more bait, a few more birds, and there were even some sailfish sightings!

Fishing can turn off in a day let's hope it turns on today for our 79 anglers and their captains and crews. Our leader, Big Dog, is fishing their third and final day. They may need a couple more to keep the fleet at bay, each of the other boats on the score board have taken a lay day which means they still have two days to catch up. In reality, it's still anyone's game. One lucky turn could come up with a triple header and really shake things up! Send the positive thoughts, wear the lucky socks, and dance your best fish dance. Here we go. Good luck to all!

Seen here, two of our live bait boats, Bwana and CU Leader enjoying a casual departure time after a big breakfast at the Club.

We have a Third Place tie, which is held by three of our live bait teams. Due to the lay day setup, the scoring may be a bit confusing in the middle of the game, but Bwana, fishing for the first time today, made a strong debut with their 11:33 release, placing them in Third Place Overall! Fish On and CU Leader tied but in Fourth and Fifth Place, based on release time.

Often may not be the name of the game this year but early is certainly making a difference!

Thank you for the sailfish photo from Fish On reminding the rest of us what they look like.

The only reports we have received are of the good times being had offshore by our teams despite the lack of bites. The company you keep is important in times like this. Inside jokes, big laughs, and even an offshore sandwich delivery are already highlights of the day. The sting of slow fishing will go away, but the warm memories will stay. The Gold Cup is a special time for all who are involved but even more special for some of our members who have fished it for generations. Those who were once the kids running the docks have kids running the docks or even fishing next them..

So, we've got a fun challenge for you.. Who might have pictures from the Gold Cup from 20, 30, or 40 years ago? Were your parents in them? Maybe even a Grandparent. Someday we'll be remembering these days, today you're making them. Enjoy....

Thank you to Fish Camp for the fun photo. Hope the hats help!

In a tournament like this, where boats can choose to fish 3 out of 4 days, timing becomes a key part of the strategy. Everyone knows fishing the last couple of weeks has been tough. It’s slow for everyone, so it’s a fair game—when you choose to go is crucial. No doubt, teams have spent hours watching tide and weather patterns, tracking reports, and keeping an eye on that moon.

This morning, the full moon set at 7:30, just as the wind unexpectedly shifted south. Ugh. Not a fisherman's favorite. With only one fish caught (congrats to the Big Dog), 11 boats are out there, spinning their proverbial wheels.

The good news is, just one fish will get you into second place! So every bite counts. Good luck and stay on it to the boats out there now. To our other 9 teams, are you ready for tomorrow??

What a game!