Celebrating Excellence: Meet Our 2023 Captains of the Year

In the world of big game sportfishing, success is not just about the catch—it’s about skill, consistency, dedication, and leadership. This year, we’ve witnessed exceptional feats from captains who have not only excelled in their craft but have also inspired others in the sportfishing community. It’s with great pride that we introduce our 2023 Captains of the Year, a prestigious recognition from InTheBite Sportfishing Magazine.

Airmar East Coast Division: Captain Geno Sauers’ Triumphant Year Aboard Trash Man

Captain Geno Sauers, aboard the 64-foot Weaver, Trash Man, has had an extraordinary year in the East Coast tournament circuit, a testament to his profound skill and dedication. Growing up in Savannah, Geno’s lifelong passion for fishing was nurtured by his father and their frequent trips, culminating in a life-changing sailfishing experience in Stuart, Florida, at age 12. The Trash Man, a special tribute to the late avid outdoorsman Burke Wall, has been under Geno’s expert guidance for two years, along with his mate Kyle Clark for 15 years. Their remarkable teamwork and respect for each other have been crucial to their success. Memorable moments from their season include winning the Carolina Billfish Classic with Geno’s brother Rhett and a spectacular catch of 15 white marlin with his father, leading to a win in the Mid-Atlantic release. This year has indeed been remarkable for Captain Sauers and his crew, marking their significant achievements in sportfishing. Read Geno’s Story Here

Dominating the Gulf: Capt. Chase Lake’s Stellar Season with Team Supreme

Captain Chase Lake, commanding the Team Supreme, marked 2023 with a series of unparalleled victories in the Gulf of Mexico, earning the esteemed title of Furuno Gulf Coast Captain of the Year. Beginning his journey as a first mate in 1998 and taking command of his own vessel in 2007, Lake’s expertise culminated in the extraordinary performance of Team Supreme, a 72-foot Viking renowned for its speed and fish-attracting capabilities. The team, including skilled mates and sonar operator, showcased a unique blend of individual expertise and harmonious strategy. Their notable achievement at the Blue Marlin Grand Championship, where they skillfully caught six blue marlins, highlights their exceptional teamwork and innovative fishing strategies. This remarkable season, underpinned by hard work, collaborative thinking, and a strong ethos, rightly places Lake and Team Supreme at the pinnacle of sportfishing excellence​. Read Chase’s Story Here

Navigating Triumph: Captain Teddy Hoogs’ Historic Third Victory in Hawaii

Captain Teddy Hoogs, at the helm of the 46-foot Gamefisherman Bwana, has achieved a historic third win in InTheBite’s Captain of the Year award for the Hawaii Division, a remarkable accomplishment in a region known for its world-class blue marlin fishing. Despite challenges like a malfunctioning engine restricting speed, Hoogs’ resilience and expertise led to placing in seven of eleven tournaments in 2023, scoring 2,550 points. His journey, influenced by his father, owner Craig Lindner, and a dedicated crew who are like family, epitomizes the spirit of sportfishing. Hoogs credits his success to a positive crew, focused preparation, and a supportive family. His unique approach, combined with the Bwana’s exceptional design and his team’s experience and positivity, underscores the synergy that fuels their triumphs. Read Teddy’s Story Here

Dual Mastery: Captain Tony Carrizosa’s Journey from Miami Canals to Los Sueños Laurels

Captain Tony Carrizosa, acclaimed as the InTheBite International Captain of the Year and a distinguished figure in Costa Rica’s Los Sueños Resort and Marina, has a storied career that began in the canals of Miami, Florida. Transitioning from a passionate young fisherman to a first mate and eventually to a top yacht broker specializing in Viking Yachts, Carrizosa’s journey is marked by his dual expertise in sales and fishing. His unique approach in the Captain of the Year (COTY) contest, where he receives a new Viking boat each season, exemplifies innovation. His success formula hinges on teamwork, both on deck with seasoned anglers and crew, and off the water with the Viking/Galati family. Memorable achievements include double-header blue marlin catches and a dramatic quadruple sailfish catch, underlining his exceptional skill and experience built over 23 years. Read Tony’s Story Here

Strategic: Capt. JC Cleare’s Winning Formula in Florida’s Waters

Captain JC Cleare, a renowned figure on the South Florida tournament circuit, has carved a remarkable path from an enthusiastic young angler to a professional captain, culminating in his successful year as the Florida Captain of the Year. His journey in sportfishing began with family outings, evolving into a career highlighted by his leadership of Team Remix aboard their 44-foot Contender, optimized for tournament conditions. Cleare attributes his success to a meticulously assembled crew, including his wife and longstanding fishing partners, their collective experience, and a thorough preparation strategy emphasizing the importance of top-quality bait. His family’s support has been integral, with his wife playing a crucial role both on and off the boat. Cleare’s dedication to preparation, strategy, and family support has been the foundation of his impressive achievements in competitive fishing. Read JC’s Story Here

Celebrate The Winners

As we turn the pages on another successful year, let’s take a moment to celebrate the remarkable achievements of these five tournament captains. Their dedication, skill, and passion for sportfishing have not only set new standards in the industry but also serve as an inspiration to our entire community. Let’s raise a toast to their triumphs and the vibrant spirit they bring to the world of sportfishing. Here’s to the captains who make waves and capture dreams in the never ending pursuit for the almighty bite!

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