Bahamas News

This year Tournament Director Lauren Pyfrom expects the 13th edition of the fishing extravaganza set for May 19-20 to be even bigger.

To help attract more fisherman from around the country, this year prizes exceed the

$30,000 mark, with the top prize a SEA DOO Personal Watercraft with trailer valued over $12,000. The winner can either take the watercraft or $10,000 in cash.

Each year The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association teams up with Marlin Marine to help make the event a success. Director at BASRA’s head office on east Bay Street, Chris” Lloyd said, “We are trying to look a little closer at the juniors to encourage them to come out and fish because they are the future of the sport.”

“But we are just looking for anyone who is interested in fishing, and we try and make sure that everybody wins something. We don’t keep all of the prizes at the top,” said Lloyd.

To ensure everyone wins something he explained that the top boat would be limited to a very good grand prize and 12 pound test. In addition anglers are only allowed to win two prizes so that prizes are available for more participants.

According to Lloyd the tournament will be conducted under IGF A rules which encourage the release of all Bill Fish.

He said judging from the number of boats, the number of people participating and the number of funds raised last years event was the biggest yet.

This year the fishing will take place out of Nassau, New Providence and Hiburn Cay, Exuma, two easily accessible areas for most of the boats.

“From the Nassau and Hiburn Cay departure and weigh-in points, if you have the range you can aCtually go and fish anywhere in Bahamian waters, but on the final day of competition, the weigh-in which is pretty exciting would take place in Nassau.”

All proceeds from the tournament are to go to BASRA to assist in search and rescue operations.

Pyfrom said, most of the people at Marlin Marines are avid boaters who spend lots of time on the sea and they would like to give something back to BASRA.

“You know they are purely a voluntary organization that saves numerous lives out at seas every year, and this is our way of showing our appreciation to BASRA,” said Pyfrom.

Source: Bahama Journal