Josabeth Crowned Top Female Angler in IGFA Release Division
The Pescadora 2025 Tournament set a new milestone for women in sport fishing, as Costa Rican angler Josabeth emerged victorious as the Top Female Angler in the IGFA Release Division. Her exceptional performance, accumulating a total of 2,880 points through the successful release of 24 sailfish, not only secured her position at the top of the competition but also showcased the increasing leadership of Costa Rican women in the country’s growing fishing tourism industry.
A Competitive Tournament with Record-Breaking Participation
This year’s event saw an impressive turnout, bringing together 56 teams and 270 fisherwomen who competed over two days. Their collective efforts resulted in the release of:
- 1,741 billfish
- 12 dorado
- 7 tuna
Remarkably, 45% of the total releases adhered to the standards set by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA). This global organization ensures that sport fishing practices align with marine conservation efforts, allowing for the sustainable growth of fishing tourism while preserving marine ecosystems.
A Historic Win on International Women’s Day
Josabeth’s victory holds special significance as it coincided with International Women’s Day, symbolizing the progress of women in male-dominated industries such as sport fishing. Her triumph is a testament to the growing role of women in competitive fishing and their increasing visibility as leaders in the field.
Josabeth Reflects on Her Achievement
Expressing her pride in the accomplishment, Josabeth shared:
“I was very focused during the tournament. On the second day, my teammates and I had a feeling we were close to the top. At the awards ceremony, when I heard my name, I felt incredibly proud to be one of the few Costa Ricans in the competition and to have achieved the most IGFA releases of any woman in the tournament.”
Beyond Competition: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Fishing
Josabeth’s impact extends beyond her competition results. She is a passionate advocate for education and female empowerment in the fishing industry. Having been a student of the Women’s Nautical School program, an initiative backed by the Costa Rican Fishing Federation (FECOP), she now serves as an instructor in the same program.
In this role, she trains women from local communities to become professional sailors on tourist and sport fishing boats operating in Quepos, one of Costa Rica’s premier fishing tourism destinations. Her dedication to teaching and mentoring women is crucial in:
- Strengthening female representation in the fishing industry
- Providing employment opportunities for women
- Promoting gender equality in sport fishing
A Victory That Inspires Future Generations
Josabeth’s historic win at Pescadora 2025 serves as an inspiration for more women to engage in sport fishing, fostering a more inclusive industry. Her triumph highlights the increasing influence of women as competitors, educators, and industry leaders in sport and tourist fishing.
Sport fishing remains a crucial platform for promoting women’s participation and leadership, ensuring that their contributions to fishing tourism and marine conservation are recognized on a global scale.
