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To all the outward appearances he was just an ordinary guy: slightly built, but muscular, with a deep bronze color to this skin acquired from spending most of his working life at sea. His hair was jet black although few noticed that since he was seldom seen without his "Bisbee" fishing cap. Pete's life revolved around fishing. Pete loved to fish. He usually wore a soft smile. His dark eyes revealed intelligence and warmth although at times they would convey a deep sense of pride and determination. It was believed by many that his eyes were his special gift. It was often said that Pete had a great nose for big blue marlin, but he relied upon his eyes and his instinct when searching for that elusive trophy. Pete was reared in Southern California where his father was a member of the Kona Kai Yacht Club in San Diego. His inquisitive mind displayed a precocious bent for fishing at an early age. When his father was unable to take him fishing there were a number of other anglers at the club who heartily accepted him on board. His reputation as a boat captain preceded his twenty-first birthday. Pete had been at the helm on one of those typically balmy days in Cabo when the shout "hook-up" was heard all around. After the blue was well hooked, Pete scrambled down the ladder to help move some of the gear out of the way. In the process, he somehow nicked his finger on a fishing line. He wrapped his finger in Kleenex to stem the flow of blood and continued to manage the sport fisher until the blue marlin was landed. By the time the anglers had reached the weighing station, Pete's finger had turned angry black. The owner of the boat insisted that Pete fly back to San Diego for medical care. In those days, in 1987, flights were at a premium. Bob Bisbee, the originator of the annual Bisbee Black and Blue Charity Marlin Tournament, used his influence to persuade another passenger to give up his seat so that Pete could make the trip. The physician in California pronounced his diagnosis and recommended a specific line of action that included an extended sojourn in the hospital. After the doctor had given instructions to the nurse and continued his rounds, Pete told the nurse that he felt like a million bucks, removed the IV from his arm, put on his clothes, and slipped out of the hospital. He informed his concerned family and friends that the problem was of a minor nature and continued to go about his daily routine with a smile on his face and words of encouragement to his friends. Forty-five days later, Pete was dead. Click here for more about Pete
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The Tournament is Retired Cabo San Lucas CAPTAIN PETE
LOPICCOLA MEMORIAL 1224 Greenfield Dr. El Cajon, CA 92021
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