Second Annual Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing

For the second year in a row, Zancudo Lodge, nestled along the southern coast of Costa Rica, set the scene for an incredible three days of competition with both inshore and offshore game fish. Photo: Steve Dougherty-doughertyphotos.com

With more than $15,000 on the line, anglers from California, Costa Rica, Florida, Maine, Mexico, Nova Scotia and Texas made the trek to gather the most points in billfish, game fish and inshore divisions. Sailfish and roosterfish releases counted for 100 points each, with photo or video evidence required for all releases. In the Game Fish Division, teams could weigh one dolphin or tuna per day, worth 150 points plus the weight of the fish. Photo: Steve Dougherty-doughertyphotos.com

With its diverse beauty and constant fishing action, Costa Rica reigns as one of the most beloved sport fishing destinations in the world, and few places pamper its guests more than the luxurious Zancudo Lodge. Photo: Steve Dougherty-doughertyphotos.com

Twelve matching 28-foot pangas powered with twin Suzukis enable visiting anglers to strike it big. With experienced local guides, Okuma tackle, Raymarine E series touchscreens, K-2 Coolers, giant livewells and tuna tubes, the Zancudo Lodge really is a fisherman's dream destination. Photo: Steve Dougherty-doughertyphotos.com

After the first day of competition, all of the teams were evenly spread across the board, with Blackhawk taking the billfish daily with five releases. Photo: Steve Dougherty-doughertyphotos.com

On the second day of competition Bad Habit weighed a 99-pound yellowfin that ended up being the biggest game fish of the event, helping them solidify their second place finish. Photo: Steve Dougherty-doughertyphotos.com

After the third and final day on the water, team Blackhawk steamed up the leaderboard taking home a victory for the second year in a row. With solid points on the first two days, the team decided to solely target roosterfish on the final day. The gamble paid off with an impressive 24 roosterfish releases -- good enough to boost them into first place. Photo: Steve Dougherty-doughertyphotos.com

While this year's Pelagic Triple Crown of Fishing was the second annual in Zancudo, Costa Rica, keep your eyes peeled for upcoming events in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Destin, Florida. Photo: Steve Dougherty-doughertyphotos.com