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"A living legend of the sea"
tournament fishing inspired by ernest hemingway and his indomitable spirit aboard the pilar.
In the golden age of sport fishing, Hemingway ruled the waters between Key West, Bimini, and Havana—dominating tournaments, setting records, and pioneering fishing techniques that still influence the sport today.
In 1950, he established Cuba’s International Billfishing Tournament, a legacy event that endures today—carrying forward his respect for the sea through catch-and-release ethics. Visitors to Cojímar can still see Pilar docked where Hemingway fished, and imagine the battles with trophy marlin, meticulous logbooks, and tales spun at Sloppy Joe’s.
Papa’s Charter strives to honor that legacy—offering every angler the chance to fish with Hemingway’s bold spirit in mind, where tournament glory still awaits beneath the tropic sun."
Hemingway’s Tournament Success :
• 1935: Won every tournament he entered in Bimini.
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1938: Caught the largest marlin in a tournament out of Cojimar, Cuba (over 500 pounds).
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Set records for multiple Atlantic Blue Marlin and Sailfish catches.
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Pioneered big-game fishing techniques we still use today: trolling, outriggers, tracking birds.
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Inspired The Old Man and The Sea, based on his fishing adventures with George Fuentes.
SPIRIT OF PILAR • Customized for Big Game Victory
Spirit of Pilar is private and tournament-ready
• Space for 8 anglers and crew
• True big game (fighter) chair options
- with adaptive wheelchair accessibility
• Custom rigging setup for your target species
(blue marlin, sailfish, mahi, tuna)
Comfort That Outlasts the Competition
Long hours on the water demand comfort and class:
• Sunshade and protected seating for endurance
• Onboard gourmet charcuterie that Ernest preferred
• Mojitos and your custom refreshment menu
• Highest quality Fusion sound system (or peaceful Gulf silence)
• Premium cooler setups, full hydration stations
Modern Day Advantages on Spirit of Pilar
Equipment Advantages are employed to ensure Spirit of Pilar is set up for success.
• Shimano Tallus Bluewater Heavy-Action Rods
(Power to handle marlin, tuna, and wahoo without compromise)
• Shimano Tiagra 50WLRSA Two-Speed Reels
(Supreme drag control and durability under massive fish pressure)
• Braided 80–130 lb Line + 200–400 lb Fluorocarbon Leaders
(Battle-tested strength for monster runs and clear water stealth)
• Circle Hooks 9/0–11/0
(Proven tournament-standard hooks to maximize safe, legal catches)
• Skirted Trolling Lures + Ballyhoo Rigs
(Target marlin, mahi, and sailfish with world-class presentation)
• Teasers, Dredges, and Outriggers
(Professional-grade setups for tournament-winning spreads)
• Starlink Onboard Internet
(Real-time weather, tournament updates, and client communication offshore)
• Fusion Marine Sound System Celebrate the Victory
(Crystal-clear, luxury sound at sea)