It's the end of May and the 'Decisive' is now out the water for it's repower after another exceptional Guatemala season. Nowhere in the world will you see the consistent numbers that top boats in Guatemala average throughout the year. Fishing a total of 160 days, averaging over 14 releases a day fishing both conventional 20lb tackle and fly-fishing gear, 'Decisive' released 2158 sailfish, 51 blue marlin and 2 black marlin, to see Capt. Brad Philipps with his 5th year of releasing over 2000 billfish in a season, a remarkable achievement in itself.

Typically we fish well into June as the fishing stays consistent with the added bonus of more marlin during our summer months but this year we have chosen to upgrade to bigger Cummins engines which will give the boat a 26knot cruise and better fuel efficiency, both a big advantage and something our anglers are going to enjoy. We are also redoing the generator and A/C's so look forward to a new ride when we start up again in early October.

The season ended on a real high, with Brad winning Marlin Magazines inaugural and prestigious Captain of the Year Award with more than twice the votes of the next finalist. It couldn't have been sweeter, with Kennedy Hernandez, Brad's long time mate, winning the top mates position, deserved recognition for one of the hardest working and longest serving pairings

in the game. It must be mentioned however, that nothing would be possible without the support of 'Decisive's' Steve Cothron, our sponsors like Pelagic High Performance Offshore Gear, Alutecnos, Eagle Claw Hooks, Legend, Moldcraft and Big-T Lures and all our angling friends and clients who not only voted for the boys but keep us on the water and in business, a big thanku to all!!!

Highlights of the month saw Gary Hughes of Britain/Chile, gathering his Sandvik Mining management team with us for a teambuilding and leadership outing. The trip proved to be a huge success and what an honor for us to host a wonderful group of people from all over the world. Igor Korolev of Russia, Nils-Peter Mols of Sweden, Pablo Rossetti of Argentina, Aquiles Vergara of Chile, Hans Neumann of Peru, John Martin of South Africa, John Wells of Tasmania, and Glauco Teixeira of Brazil.

We split the group between the 'Decisive' and the 'Intensity', releasing a total of 23 sailfish on the 14th of May and 25 sails on the 16th, with a large number of big dorado up to 45lbs as well as several nice yellowfin tuna making up the mix for the enthralled anglers. On their layday the group did a volcano climb seeing the molten lava and spectacular views from "Pacaya" and then getting to experience a relaxing lunch and afternoon in the Old City of Antigua, Guatemala, followed by a big screen presentation back at the Billfish Inn. Their trip was a big success on all fronts and something we are going to work more on in the future, company and management retreats, it really is the perfect destination for groups to take advantage of in this regard.

The end of May saw Scott Lund rounding the season out in style with 5 sails on fly, a couple big dorado with a 50 pound bull, and a 450# blue on the 50# standup tackle. What a year he had on the blues, with 6 in a single day, and another day with 1 blue on fly and another reelased on standup. It just goes to show that the more you come down the better Guatemala looks after you!!!

With new power, a faster ride, and the promise of another great season ahead we look forward to seeing you down here with us at the Billfish Inn. The fishing really gets cranking again in October and we have some space so take advantage of the openings we have to experience some of the worlds finest billfishing. Available dates this year include, Oct 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and Nov 5, 6, 7, 8, 16, 17, 18, 26, 27, 28, and Dec 17, 18, 19. In 2009 we have Jan 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 23, 24, 25 available, Feb 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, Mar 31, Apr 1, 2, 3 and dates in May. These days will fill fast so we look forward to hearing form you.

From all of us at Guatemalan Billfishing Adventures, a good summer, circle hooks and healthy releases to you all,

Cindy Philipps