More than 15 teams from Costa Rica, Brazil, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, the United States and Slovakia will face off later this month in a sport fishing tournament at Quepos’ Pez Vela Marina.

This round, from April 20 – 21 is designed as a competitive warm-up prior to the World Fishing Tournament, which will take place April 24 – 28 also at the marina in Quepos, near Manuel Antonio National Park, said event spokesman, Jeff Duchesneau.

The upcoming Marina Pez Vela Open tournament will be inaugurated at a ceremony Thursday, April 20 at 6 p.m., and the next day teams head out for the fishing event.

In order to accumulate points, teams attempt to capture and release as many billfish as they can. Billfish include sailfish and marlin – blue, black or striped. An award will be given to the heaviest catch of the day.

Duchesneau said they expect at least 100 – 150 to participate.

There is time until April 19 to register to participate: www.marinapezvelatournaments.com or www.ifishquepos.com.

You can also register by phone at: 2774-9000, 2774-7009 or 2774-9010.

Marina Pez Vela Open is sponsored by Pelagic, Sea Hawk, Premium Marine, and also carries the Essential Costa Rica brand.