The Winning Crew of Team Ramajay.

Tournament chairman, Richard De Verteuil said in his speech on prize giving night (August 23rd) at Sweet Water Marina in Chaguaramas, Trinidad that a total of 138 anglers participated on 29 boats. These boats fished all along the North Western Peninsula of Trinidad in search of the “Silver Kings”. The first, second, third and Grande Bocas (Boca Grande) were the popular choice for the anglers although some ventured to parts of the Island’s North Coast and Gasparee (Gaspar Grande) Island.

One of Ramajays' releases puts on a show for the crew.

The winning team, “Ramajay” released a staggering 32 Tarpons over the five (5) fishing sessions which started on the morning of Friday 19th and continued on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st of August, 2011. Their impressive haul forced last year’s champions, team “Mapepire” to settle for second place with twenty six (26) releases. Third place went to team “PRI-d-Jep” who also had twenty six (26) fish but were beaten by “Mapepire” on time.

Michael de Freitas, leaderman on-board Mappapire, the reigning 2-time event champions and the team to beat, releases a nice one!

Captain of the winning team, Michael Ross along with team members, Christian Reece, Blayne Fahrina, Chad Chu Cheong and Josh Lewis started the first morning of the tournament impressively by releasing nine (9) fish.  Six of the nine fish were caught by the skipper of “Ramajay”. However, Josh Lewis and crew were not alone as team “Magic Lady” also released nine (9) fish in the first session.

Josh Lewis, featured last week on Caribbean Waterman for winning the Tobago Free Dive Spear Fishing Challenge, tied for best overall angler with 11 releases, but had to settle for second place on time.

Several other teams had also done well on the first morning by catching six (6) fish but it was not good enough to compete against the two (2) clear leaders. Later that day during the second session, “Ramajay” took the lead and never looked back afterwards. Josh Lewis of “Ramajay” and Adam Conyers of team “PRI-d-Jep” both released eleven (11) Tarpons but Josh had to settle for second best angler because of time. Paul Hamelsmith of team “Mamazelle 11” placed third best angler with his ten (10) releases.

Another performing tarpon courtesy Mappapire!

The Best Female Angler prize was won by Susan Persad of team “Taz”. Susan released a total of four (4) Tarpons. One fish on the first morning took her two and a half hours to release. She was not alone on her boat as her team member, Bob Schutz won Best Foreign angler by also releasing four (4) fish. Best Junior Angler was awarded to Jordan Aboud with last year’s top angler, Joshua Camacho and Matthew Vilain (both of team “Anger Management”) settling for second and third positions respectively.

Team Ramajay show off their silverware with their women.

TTGFA’s President, Reginald Mac Lean thanked all the foreign anglers for taking part and special mention was made of the sponsors for the 2011 Tarpon Thunder Tournament: TDC, Well Services Group of Companies, Carib, Vemco, Blue Waters, Budget Marine, Real Marketing, Tee- Tee Ltd, Reel Tackle & Seafood, Tank & Fuel and Weather Routing Inc. He went on to remind all participants of the importance of handling the fish properly to ensure that they survive after being released.

**CW Note: Anglers are now referring to Trinidad as “THE TARPON CAPITAL OF THE WORLD” , a well deserved mantra that aptly describes the incredible “sleeping giant” of a fishery that is now coming into it’s own.  A good comparison to be made is that in 2010, with 5 x 3 hr sessions and 1 x 5 hr session, the Profession Tarpon Tournament Championship series of Florida released 222 Tarpon.  This years event in Trinidad released more Tarpon (236) in less sessions, less time, with less boats and anglers.  Congrats to Team Ramajay the young Mayors of the Tarpon Capital of the World!

Look out for the next big Tarpon Event (http://trinitarpontournament.yolasite.com/) when it will be all about “SIZE MATTERS” with a wet scale in effect!  Teams and anglers will need to re-adjust their strategies and show their stamina on bigger fish to walk away with the top honors.

(additional photos by TTGFA and Robert Cadiz)

Josh Lewis, the overall winner on the Challenge.

Registration began on Friday and there was an impressive turnout of 34 spearos from both islands which also included four juniors.

After old friends were reacquainted and new friends were made, there was a safety briefing by the coast guard commander Leftenant Maharaj.

After boat inspection on Saturday morning, the spearo’s headed out to different spots around the island. The majority headed up to the Giles, which are islands where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet.

Christian Reece with the Largest Fish, a 48lb Barracuda.

The diving conditions where perfect on the north coast where the visibility was about 80 feet and very calm. The south coast on the other hand was calm but not as clear. The scale opened at 2pm and by that time a large crowd had gathered to see what the spear fishermen had brought in.

The first fish to weigh in was a 22lb dolphin which was shot on a  Fad by junior Curtis Silva.

Curtic with his 22lb Dolphin.

Next a group of young spearo’s from Trinidad who came across in very fast boat took the gamble of running 45 miles to a place called Darien Rock. It obviously paid off because they came to the scale with two coolers of fish to weigh.

The crowd looked on in awe as Christian Reece brought out a 48lb Barracuda to weigh, this turned  out to be the largest fish of the tournament.

Chad Chu Cheung weighed in a nice 20lb barracuda.

Josh Lewis who came second in the last year’s competition weighed in a total of about 95lbs of fish, showing that he was going to be one of the main contenders.

Local spearo and defending champion Richard Parkinson reached the scale and weighed an impressive total of 125lbs of fish, the largest being a 28lb Barracuda .

Last years champion Richard Parkinson.

Hometown hero Othneil Ramsay weighed in an amazing variety of seven different species of fish.

The Majority of fish caught in the competition were Cavalli’s, Snappers and Barracuda’s.

On the second day the weather conditions were the same with the north coast being the area of choice. The spearo’s hunted around the island’s of the sisters, the brothers and the Giles hoping to bring in the winning fish.

At the scale the crowd eagerly anticipated the arrival of the divers.

The local favorite Wilbert Paul brought in a beautiful 21lb yellow tail Cavalli.

Scott Tucker shot the largest Snapper of the competition which was a 12lb teardrop Snapper.

Scott Tucker with his 12lb Tear Drop Snapper.

The tournament leader, Richard Parkinson came to the scale with 80lbs of fish which included two nice size Snappers and 3 Horse eye Cavalli’s, the largest being 16lbs and a 25lb Barracuda.

But it was Josh Lewis who came to avenge defeat from last year. He weighed in 8 large Horse eye Cavalli’s and a big yellow mouth Grouper.

At the prize giving the new challenge champion was Josh Lewis with 246.0 points and won Riffe Evro 12ox plus a Darryl Wong Reel, Richard Parkinson was 2^nd with 223.8 points and won a pair of diveR fins. Christian Reece was third with 127.3 points and won a Riffe 2ATM float.

Local Spearo with his Cavalli.

In the heaviest fish category it was Christian Reece’s Monster 48lb Barracuda which took first place and he won a Suunto D4 dive watch. The second largest fish was  Richard Parkinson’s 28 lb Barracuda and he won a Sporasub wetsuit for it. Third largest was the 22lb Dolphin that Curtis De Silva shot and he won a 140qt Yeti cooler.

The junior category was also won by Curtis de Silva and he won a JBL speargun, a Trophy and a subscription to International Freediving  and spearfishing News.

After the prizegiving there was Fish broth for everyone which was well appreciated and some cold beers to wash it down with.  Everyone who had partaken in the competition vowed to come back next year.

Talk to a group of enthused sport fishermen, and nine out of ten will tell you that trolling the depths, in search of big Marlin, is the Holy Grail of sport fishing. A marlin popping up in your spread is without a doubt, the most exhilarating experience known to amateurs and professionals alike. However, we cannot all be born to places like Hawaii, Ghana, Panama etc. Destinations where some of us would give almost anything, just to spend a couple days mining five 130′s waiting for that “Holy Grail”.

Captain Johnny leaders a beast during a charter.

We are however blessed to be living in the Tarpon fishing capital of the world. That’s my biased opinion anyway and for good reason. If there is anywhere else in the world where you can leave the dock at four in the afternoon, spend ten minutes traveling to the fishing grounds and be hooked up on multiple Tarpon drift after drift…. Please…relieve me of my ignorance.

Trinidad also offers something unique to the rest of the Tarpon “hot spots” – Deep water. Deep water along with strong currents adds a whole different dimension to the tenacity of these incredible game fish. It is this cocktail therefore, that makes fishing Tarpon in Trinidad the next best thing to being hooked up on a Blue Marlin. Local anglers differ in their approach when it comes to gear. Whether light tackle or heavier conventional weaponry, you can be assured an epic battle. Captains also revel in the opportunity of putting the boat in reverse and sinking the transom. This is big game fishing!

Real 'Up Close and Personal' Action!

Just last year Sport Fishing magazine hailed Trinidad as: The 3rd best place to fish for Tarpon in the world. Pretty impressive when you think that not too long ago recreational fishermen regarded Tarpon as more of a nuisance than anything else.
It was roughly eighteen years ago when I was first introduced to targeting this species specifically. Very unpopular at the time, only a handful of boats were interested in catching a fish that had little monetary value and less pot appeal.

The fishery really started to take shape when Wabba (Iain Milne), introduced us to a childhood friend of his – Dan Jacobs. It just so happened that Dan worked for a little publication called Sport Fishing Magazine. Dan and his team from Sport Fishing were instrumental in getting this budding fishery off the ground. From the introduction of circle hooks and many other techniques so commonly used today, to magazine spreads and television shows, Dan has from day one, believed Trinidad to be the next frontier for traveling anglers in search of Tarpon.

The king of the Silver Kings..."Dellas" releases another beast!

Being a charter captain for the past eighteen years, I have personally seen an increase year after year, in both traveling anglers and locals wanting to get in on this experience. From professional anglers in search of world records to amateurs here on business, they all leave the boat with the same expression – “Wow”!

We have also had the opportunity of working with Capt. Bruce Ungar from the University of Miami in successfully tagging and tracking multiple big Tarpon, using both conventional tags and pop off satellite tags in trying to better understand the behavior of these fish. Yet still…. we have barely touched on the full potential of this sleeping giant.

Top Tarpon Angler and First Mate Michael de Freitas passes on the stoke of the battle!

The first Tarpon tournament was held in 2003 and was hosted by Wabba himself. Along with Captain Gary “Gaff” Story they held the first ever -Trinidad Tarpon Rodeo. The tournament was a great success; so much so, it again spurred the interest of Jacobs and Sport Fishing Magazine. In 2005 the first international Trinidad Tarpon Bash was held. Dan managed to seek the interest of 53 anglers hailing from the U.S. and Trinidad and Tobago. With 62 releases posted and the publicity and hype from the publication, the following year saw significant improvement with 60 anglers releasing 108 Tarpon.

A close call at the gunnel!

The Trinidad and Tobago Game Fishing Association took over the mantle in 2007 and have worked very hard in building on the foundation set by the tournaments before. The Trinidad Tarpon Thunder is now one of the most exciting and sought after tournaments on the TTGFA calendar. Last year the tournament attracted an odd 25 boats and 110 anglers from all over the globe.

The 2007 edition of the Tarpon Thunder saw the first Tarpon record initiated in Trinidad and Tobago – 186 pounds caught by J.P Agostini. Since then, the fixture has been named an “all release” tournament in hopes of promoting conservation and awareness.

A monster rolls on the surface during an epic battle.

2011 also sees the addition of a second Tarpon tournament in the Rotary clubs inaugural – Trini Tarpon Tournament. This tournament will once again re-introduce a live weigh-in scale and the services of Mr. Jacob.
Both of these tournaments are qualifying events for the 2012 Offshore World Championships.

Through the years local anglers have been constantly improving on their techniques, hence greatly increasing the numbers of Tarpon being released on a weekly basis. Trinidad and Tobago can very well boast some of the best live bait fishermen in the world. There is not a weekend that goes by where hot spots like Point Cura or Boos Bay, are not accompanied by scores of sport fishing enthusiasts: Men, women and children of all ages.

The powerful and unique Tarpon has a new found value to the Trinidad fishery... it worth way more alive than dead!

Like a hand full of other local captains, I have been privileged to play a part in molding this fishery to what it has become today. I have had the pleasure of imparting some of my experience onto many younger (and elderly) anglers and have gladly witnessed the increase in competition that each year brings.

So…who wants to go to Cabo?

Tight lines
Capt. Jonathan de la Rosa
Island Yacht Charters Ltd.

http://www.islandyachtcharters.net/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/112534198764273/

August and September will see two World Class Tarpon Tournaments being hosted in Trinidad. For more information on the up coming Tarpon Tournaments check out these links:

http://ttgfa.com/events/tarpon-thunder-tournament

http://trinitarpontournament.yolasite.com/

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Jensen Callaway takes top honors!

Jensen Callaway, Jeremy Johnson, Alexis Lautkzer, Leslie Dickerson from USA, Joshua Bourke, Jordan Heaslegrave and, Mathew Kidd from Barbados and Chris Dennis, Jason Aparicio and Dario Jordan from Trinidad and Tobago squared off against Jamaica’s best for cash, prizes and Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series (WAPSS) points on offer.

Jordan Heaselgrave won the Pro Junior Division.

The crowd was treated to two days of exciting surfing in waves ranging from two to four feet. Intermittent rain squalls kept things interesting as competitive action out in the water had the crowd cheering on their favorites at every spectacular move.

The US’s Jensen Callaway and Jeremy Johnson finished in the top two spots of the men’s open division with stiff opposition being offered from third and fourth place finishers Barbados’ young Josh Bourke and 2010 Makka Pro Champion Jamaica’s Icah Wilmot.

In the junior division Jordan and Josh, the two young Bajans, finished first and second and stamped their dominance over Jamaica’s Shane Simmonds and Ackeam Phillips. The women’s division on the other hand was another matter entirely with Imani Wilmot and Danielle Ohayon taking the top two spots over the two Americans Leslie and Alexis in 3rd and 4th, and Jamaican Elim Beckford in 5th.

“The Makka Pro has become the biggest public spectacle in Saint Thomas…” said JSA President Billy Wilmot. “… With corporate confidence in our efforts building steadily at each renewal, it is now a major calendar event for Saint Thomas, Jamaica, the Caribbean region and the world surfing community.”

The Jamaica Tourist Board under its “Once You Go You Know” campaign has bought into the JSA’s vision for the development of surfing at the eastern end of the island and has signed on as a sponsorship partner for the annual event. Saint Thomas which has missed out on much of Jamaica’s tourism industry publicity and development, ironically due in large part to its consistently rough seas, is now garnering international attention because of its waves and the Makka Pro.

The CARIBBEAN SURFING CHAMPIONSHIP 2011 official standings! Young Bajan Phenom Joshua Burke leads the race as we head into the final event of the Championship Series in Soup Bowl, Barbados, Burkes home turf! The overall winner will be the first to etch his name into the newly commissioned Caribbean Surfing Trinidad Tobago Championship Trophy donated by the Jamaican Surfing Association. Equally important, the winner will receive an opportunity to defend his title next year with airline tickets to all the non-indigenous Caribbean events sponsored by the JSA, SATT, BSA and WAPSS. Stay tuned for the final event, the BSA Independence Pro in October!

All is on track for the 5^th staging of Jamaica’s Annual International Professional Surf Contest “The Makka Pro” at Makka Surfing Beach Southaven Yallahs Saint Thomas. An official event press launch is scheduled for 15 July at the Spanish Court Hotell in New Kingston. The contest is the 4^th event in the 2011 Western Atlantic Pro Surf Series http://www.westernatlanticsurf.com and is expected to draw some of the US East coast and Caribbean top pro surfers for series points and US$10K in cash and prizes.

Top local surfer Icah Wilmot warming up to defend his title.

Jason Apericio, Che Lovelace and Chris Dennis are expected to come up from the twin island republic of T&T with top Bajan surf stars Jordan Heaslegrave, Jonathan Reece, young Joshua Bourke and defending ladies champ Chelsea Tuach also expected to be in attendance. Local pro stars Icah and Inilek Wilmot, Ackeam Phillips, Shane Simmonds and Luke Williams are expected to defend Jamaica’s honor at the event.

As one of the events on the Jamaica Tourist Board’s 2011 “once you go you know” campaign calendar, the event is attracting major press attention around the globe as Jamaica’s name continues to climb up the surf destination ladder and more and more traveling surfers choose Jamaica as a viable option for their surf vacations.

This event goes a long way towards legitimizing Jamaica as a class surfing destination. To date the Makka Pro has enjoyed exceptional quality surf at each renewal much to the delight of the attending athletes and as a result is one of the most popular annual surf events in the English speaking Caribbean. The benefit to the community of Southaven comes in the form of visiting surfers who take up car and bicycle rental, bed and breakfast, and vacation tour options. The Southaven Citizens Association has embraced the event and is now committed to promoting eastern Jamaica as the islands surfing epicenter.

A heavenly scene as Scott was clearly present at his send-off.

The Paddle Out was such a coming together of characters, it spoke volumes for the impact Scott had on everyone he came into contact with.  To begin with, there has never been that many surfboards on Mt.Irvine Beach in June (out of the surf season), nor have there ever been 50 surfers in the line-up in Mt.Irvine in June.  There has never been a memorial paddle out with 50 people ever in Trinidad & Tobago, not even close.  So, to see 50 surfers, kayaks, dingies, and full size sport fishers congregate in the lineup at Mt.Irvine, there is no denying that you are witnessing history being written as respects are paid to a legendary waterman.

Barry and Blair, Together with Jason Apparicio, were largely responsible for organising this memorial.

Scott, who passed away from diving related injuries in Tobago a couple weeks prior, loved the island and spent as much time as he could in the ocean surrounding it.  Surfing, wake-boarding, diving, spearfishing, and fishing.  He was a care-free character that loved his family and friends very much.  He was all about having a good time and made sure to radiate that vibe to everyone around him. Scott was fearless in big surf, and was known for pioneering performance wake-boarding in Trinidad.

Jason Apparicio and Friends say goodbye.

On the day that Scott was set to marry his beloved fiance, Amanda Hadeed, Scott did not disappoint his would-be wedding guests as, considering the tragic circumstances, he still managed to unite everyone he loved and cared for in a celebration of his life that will live on in their memories for ever.  This celebration was a necessary release for everyone shell shocked by the news of Scotts untimely passing. You can rest assured that as good as it felt for everyone that took part in the occasion, the feeling must have been 10 fold for Scott looking down on it.

Friends and Family gather Pre-Paddleout.

Scott really loved life.  His facebook status’ and photo album names always reflected this.  Here is an example…
“Life is the most valuable thing that we have…You dont know unless you have to fight for it , and it’s sad how people take it for granted….some people fight for it every day of there lives in pain just to get that one moment of feeling good for that one second.Love your life every day and the people who live in your life…..” Scott Tucker

Amanda Paddled Out on one of scott's boards, as did most of his famiily.

Once the circle of paddlers was formed in the lineup at Mt.Irvine, a group of surfers and non-surfers said their goodbyes, flowers were thrown, water was splashed, tears were shed, and memories were made. An experience that words can’t describe. As time passed with the circle in formation at the inside lineup, it was as if scott pulled everyone out towards the point, in order to show them where the real lineup was… outside the point!

The circle drifted from the inside lineup, to Scotts favorite spot...outside the point!

Amanda described the day as the “Most beautiful thing I have ever experienced, such love and unity…Scotty Couldn’t have asked for anything better.”  Many of Scott’s friends and family members that have never surfed, got to experience something they may never have otherwise tried. They got to sit on the point in Mt.Irvine, with Scott, enjoying what he loved to do.

Scotts presence was felt all day and into the night.

The coverage of Scotts memorial paddle out has been spectacular, as everyone who participated were eager to record final memories with their friend and brother, Scott. The videos and pictures have been amazing so far, and surely will be combined to make a memorable final tribute in his name.  Special Thanks to Emily Mouttet and Stephen Broadridge for the photos included here.

An incredible sight to behold.

By Steven Valdez – PRO of the TTGFA.

There was magic in the air for team “Magic Lady” as they worked their way into a winning position at the end of the 2 day Trinidad and Tobago Game Fishing Association (TTGFA) 31st International Marlin Madness Bill Fish Tournament in Tobago.

Captain Nick Telfer along with team mates Francois Mouttet, Christian Hadeed, Keith Murray and Barry Williams enjoyed great fishing having released 3 Blue Marlins. The tournament which took place on March 27th and 28th in Tobago water did not enjoy a very good catch this year so every bill fish release counted. Angler, Francois Mouttet won best angler with the most bill fish releases (3 Blue Marlins).

The Crew of Magic Lady collect their loot!

Team “Double Dutch” captained by Dennis Wortman placed second with team “Mar Caribe” captained by Kent Costa placing third. The top three teams were all from Trinidad. Tobago’s Stanley Dillon was the captain for “Super Cool” which placed fourth. Captain Gary Mac Lean along with team “Zingo” placed fifth overall. The other top spots were as follows : “Chalupa” – sixth, “Grand Slam” – seventh, “Southern Cross” – eighth, “Afunday” – ninth and “Iron Man” – tenth.

Best female angler was won by Jeanne Aleong of the team “Ega Beaver”. There were no junior angler awards as none of the participants qualified with a catch.

This year’s international bill fish tournaments in Tobago was revolutionary for our twin island state as the two major game fishing associations, the Trinidad and Tobago Game Fishing Association (TTGFA) and the Tobago International Game Fishing Tournament (TIGFT) teamed up to host a week of fishing and fun for the first time in their long history of hosting these tournaments in the sister Isle.

In previous years the two tournaments used to compete for the right time to host their tournaments which relies heavily on the moon phases and other factors that make it most suitable for fishing to be successful in our waters. The tournaments were held between March 26th and April 2nd 2011

The TTGFA’s tournament has been around for 31 years and the TIGFT celebrated their 16th anniversary this year so both committees have substantial experience in hosting their respective tournaments and other events surrounding their tournaments such as the lay days and prize giving dinners.

The idea of having a one week Tobago bill fish Bonanza came about as both associations saw the need to give more value to their participants, many of whom are foreigners. It also was an opportunity to streamline the efforts of both organizations to continue to place Tobago as a premium destination for game fishing.

TTGFA’S President, Reginald Mac Lean said that he was extremely pleased with the turnout of anglers and boats but wished the fishing could have been a bit better. He however recognised that the sponsors got good coverage with the well attended lay day that was hosted at the Pigeon Point Heritage Park and also at the prize giving event which took place at Renmar’s Restaurant also at the Pigeon Point Heritage Park.

The TTGFA’s Marlin Madness tournament platinum sponsors were the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs (MSYA) and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA). The Gold sponsor was Carib and Silver sponsors were FT Farfan, Shell, Cargo Consolidators, Appleton Estate Rum, Evian Water, Sure Parts and Black Bart. Bronze sponsors were Gatorade, Casfab, Budget Marine, Digicel and Reel Tackle & Seafood Ltd.

In the Southern Caribbean, yellow fin tuna and to a lesser extent swordfish, are the primary targets of the longline fleet; however, all offshore pelagic species are affected by this fishing practice, particularly billfish. The Atlantic billfish family includes - blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish and spearfish. Billfish are considered “by-catch” and are not the primary targeted species of the longliners; however, they account for a large percentage of the landed catch. Listed as over fished, Caribbean billfish would eventually become endangered, if action is not taken to reduce the landing of these magnificent fish.

The longline fleet operating out of Trinidad is said to be over 200 boats strong with more that 150 of these being Taiwanese vessels. The Taiwanese have been operating out of former National Fisheries at Sea Lots, Trinidad for more than 20 years. This is one of the Caribbean’s largest fishing ports and the landing place for tens’ of thousands of billfish annually, which are sold locally or exported as “by-catch”.

The Taiwanese operate large vessels that stay at sea for months at a time, each boat setting an average of 50 miles of line with more than 500 hooks per set each day. Multiply that figure by 150 and the results are frightening. The fish have little chance. What is also frightening is that no regulations and quotas are in place to ensure the survival of the species for future generations.

It has also been said that the Taiwanese have been involved in illegal drift netting and shark fining. Shark fining is one of the most inhumane fishing practices, where live sharks are brought on-board the fishing vessel, the fins are cut off and the live shark is thrown back into the sea. With no fins the shark’s fete is inevitable.

The Taiwanese fishing base at Sea Lots, Trinidad is off-limits to the public. It is a high security area, where cameras are not allowed, so who knows what comes ashore and what really goes on there?

Grenada also has its share of problems with their local longline fleet accounting for thousands of billfish landings each year. Reports of 200 billfish coming ashore in a single day is not uncommon. Again, these billfish landings in Grenada are “by-catch” of the many longliners operating out of Grenada, which primarily target yellow fin tuna.

Barbados also has a very large commercial fleet that are responsible for many billfish landings. Apart from billfish, the Barbados commercial fleet are particularly efficient at harvesting flying fish, which are the primary food source for pelagic species, including billfish, in the region. Therefore, by extension, indiscriminate harvesting of flying fish could also lead to a decline in the pelagic species as their primary food source declines.

In Martinique, the commercial fishermen have a different approach for catching marlin. They hook small live tuna onto heavy monofilament lines that are attached to buoys. Several of these baited buoys are placed near the Island’s many offshore Fish Aggregating Devices, otherwise known as FADs. These FADs are positioned by the Island fisheries department to attract tuna and marlin for the commercial fishery. As many as 30 Blue Marlin have been observed being landed by a handful of “Pangas” fishing at one of these said FADs. With so many of these FADs placed all around the island coupled with groups of “Pangas” fishing their many locations all year round, one can only imagine the annual landings of billfish in Martinique.

What can we do? Firstly, all fishing enthusiast should lobby their respective governments to control and regulate the longline fishery in their area starting with strict quotas on billfish. The longliners are responsible for the killing of more billfish than any other party. Therefore the longliners must be reduced to a level that allows for sustainable harvesting of billfish, and all other species for that matter. Management is the key.

We as sport fishermen should continue to practice “catch and release” and promote and educate this practice to the young generation. Workshops should be put in place to educate captains and crews on how to handle billfish during and after the fight to ensure a safe, quick and healthy release. We should also follow the Billfish Foundation/IGFA initiative to “take billfish off the menu” . We as consumers should not support any entity that is involved in the selling of billfish or billfish products. Fishmongers, restaurants and super markets that sell billfish, as well as products, and by products, which are made from billfish, such as cat and dog food, fertilizer, etc. should not be supported.

This is not all a “doom and gloom” story for the billfish. Last year, the United States white marlin fishery was the best in decades. After being listed as endangered for a few years, amazingly, the white marlin population increased in a relatively short period and have since been taken off the endangered species list. What is also amazing is that white marlin is once again an abundant game fish specie on the east coast of America. Similar results can be obtained in the Southern Caribbean, if we reduce the landing of billfish here, thereby giving the billfish a chance to replenish itself.

It should be noted that greater government revenue income can be gained from a tourism based “catch and release” charter fishery, which brings in valuable foreign exchange, rather than the sale of a billfish carcass. The figures are as much as 100 times greater for a fish that is caught and released by a visiting angler than for the value of the same fish killed and sold as “by-catch”.

In the meantime, we must all do our part to protect billfish in our area and to educate those who simply do not understand the threat of their endangerment, lest, “we kill the goose that lays the golden egg”.

Captain Frothy de Silva.

You can contact Captain Frothy by clicking on the e-mail link.

The annual Beacon Insurance Wahoo tournament which is hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Game Fishing Association (TTGFA) was again a huge success in 2011. The event took place on the 19th and 20th of February at the Trinidad and Tobago Yacht Club (TTYC) in Bayshore, Trinidad. Other contributors to the tournament included silver sponsor, Subway and bronze sponsor, Copy-Rite Copy Paper which had advertised that over TT$35,000 in prize money was up for grabs.

There were several competing events that took place over the same weekend (as the twin island state of Trinidad and Tobago are in the middle of their Carnival and Cricket seasons). Two of these events were the Trinidad and Tobago vs England Lions cricket match in the Queen’s Park Oval and Panorama Steelpan Semi Finals in the Queen’s Park Savannah. However according to the Beacon Wahoo Tournament Chairman, Alan Sheppard, this did little to dilute the enthusiasm for the tournament. He said “the organisers and sponsors were very pleased to have had 107 anglers participate on 27 boats all along the North Western peninsula of Trinidad”. Sheppard continued “the sea was calm on both days and this added to the delight of the Captains and crews but not as much as the excitement that came from reeling in the tournament winners”.

Beacon Insurance CEO Gerald Hadeed presentsa trophy to the winners.

Team “Temptation” which was captained by Douglas Skinner along with crew members Timothy Skinner, Chris Cabral, Gordon Rooks, Jessica Mount, Nicholai Ellis and Lizzy Lloyd was the tournament best boat winner having had much success on both days. Captain Bruce Hutton of team “Catalyst” with crew members Stuart Hutton, Anthony Farfan, Jeffrey De Montbrun, Ryan Maingot and Jean-Paul Rostant placed second by having a magnificent second day after having a miserable first. Captain Michael Sabga of team “Rocket Man” had success on both days but his all junior angler crew made up of John-Michael Sabga, Nicholas Bernard and Glen Brennan came from behind on the final day by reeling in 4 wahoos.

Team Catalyst place 2nd place overall with a great second day run that included this catch and a bonus sailfish release!

Fourth best boat place went to “Fancy Man 11” with “Machapure” coming fifth. “Done Diggin”, “The Remedy”, “Baby Girl”, “Discovery” and “Charge Up” placed sixth to tenth respectively.

The heaviest Wahoo prizes were won by Marc Telfer on “The Remedy” for his 67.7lbs catch on the first day followed by second place winner, Barry Baboolal of “Discovery” with his 58.8 lbs fish. Third place was won by Kent Lee of “Baby Girl” with a 47.6lbs Wahoo and Amanda George of “No Flyers” and Jean-Paul Rostant of “Catalyst” won fourth and fifth prizes respectively.

Caption for photo 2 – Marc Telfer (left) poses with his 67.7 lbs Wahoo. Fellow crew member of “The Remedy” Michael De Freitas is at right.

Nicholas Bernard of “Rocket Man” won the best junior male angler prize and Lizzy Lloyd of “Temptation” won best female junior angler. Amanda George won best female angler on board “No Flyers” and Ivan Ayong on board “Back Lash” won heaviest King Fish with his 21.2 lbs catch.

On prize giving night at the TTYC the TTGFA’s President, Reginald MacLean said “the entire first day’s catch of 497lbs of fish went to 11 charities on behalf of the tournament’s sponsors. The charities included St. Judes, Marion House, Our Lady of the way Side, Sophia House, Credo, Alward House, Rainbow Rescue, Villa Assumpta, Christ Child Convalescent, Love Until Foundation & Just Because Foundation”

Major sponsor of the tournament, Gerald Hadeed of the Beacon Insurance said he was very pleased with the turnout of anglers and that the charities benefit tremendously from the contribution of the increased catch this year. He continued “2011’s haul of Wahoo turned out to be much more than the last two years of sponsoring this tournament and this augurs well for the future of the tournament”.

WAHOO 2011  RESULTS

27 boats entered with a total of 107 anglers (7 Female/100 male) of which we had 3 junior females and 13 junior male. Total of 47 Wahoo weighing approx 1300 lbs & 1 king fish were brought to the scale. On the first day, 497 lbs of fish were donated to 11 charities (St. Judes, Marion House,  Our Lady of the way Side, Sophia House, Credo, Alward House,  Rainbow Rescue, Villa Assumpta, Christ Child Convalescent,  Love Until Foundation & Just Because Foundation)

BEST BOAT: PLACE VESSEL DAY 1 DAY 2 TOTAL POINTS

1ST Temptation 85.3 73.7 159

2ND Catalyst 0 151.6 151.6

3RD Rocketman 22.7 113.9 136.6

4TH Fancy man 2 39.2 82.4 121.6

5TH Machapure 26.9 82.7 109.6

6TH Done Diggin 39.7 58.7 98.4

7TH The Remedy 97.7 0 97.7

8TH Baby Girl 0 90.2 90.2

9TH Discovery 83.8 0 83.8

10TH Charge Up 22.1 60.8 82.9

FEMALE ANGLER: PLACE ANGLER VESSEL   POINTS

1ST Amanda George No Flyers 69.3

JUNIOR MALE ANGLER: PLACE ANGLER VESSEL   POINTS

1ST Nicholas Bernard Rocketman 60.1

JUNIOR FEMALE ANGLER: PLACE ANGLER VESSEL   POINTS

1ST Lizzy Lloyd Temptation 42.5

HEAVIEST KING FISH: PLACE ANGLER VESSEL   WEIGHT IN LBS

1ST Ivan Ayoung Back Lash 21.2

HEAVIEST WAHOO: PLACE  ANGLER VESSEL   WEIGHT IN LBS

1ST  Marc Telfer  The Remedy 67.7

2ND Barry Baboolal  Discovery 58.8

3RD Kent Lee Baby Girl 47.6

4TH Amanda George No Flyers 44.3

5TH Jean-Paul Rostant Catalyst 41.7

Grand Slam Grenada 24-27th January 2011

The first ever Title-Sponsored “Budget Marine–Spice Island Billfish Tournament” ended with a ‘gala dinner’ in the covered car park of premises adjacent to the Grenada Yacht Club on Thursday 27th January around 9.30pm. It concluded what has to be considered as ‘one of our best ever Tournaments’

On Sunday the ‘BM-SIBT’ Committee got things underway by registering 52 Boats –one more than was registered for the 2010 Event which in itself was an excellent turnout. The Grenada Yacht Club docks were stretched to breaking point to accommodate them all. Two hundred and Forty Seven anglers registered coming from Trinidad & Tobago (32 boats – more than half the entry!), St Lucia (1 boat), Barbados (4), Martinique (1), Guadeloupe (1), United Kingdom (1 boat), Ireland, USA, Canada and Grenada (12 boats). One angler even travelled all the way from Malaysia to be here for this event! Following registration the skippers briefing was well attended and anglers enjoyed the cocktails and happy hour. Next day they were all raring to go after enjoying a sumptuous breakfast provided daily on the fishing days. At 6.45 all the boats paraded through the Carenage creating quite a spectacle on their way out. At 7.30 am the cannon was fired for the Bimini start and they all took off in different directions. Almost immediately there were reports of “Hooked – up and fighting”; Liquid Remedy called in the first release of a blue marlin at 9.00am. Last year’s champions, Papasan released a white and a blue to start their campaign. At the end of the day Majic Lady was ahead with two blue marlin and a sailfish, Gigi II was 2^nd with the same catch, Liquid Remedy was 3^rd and Luhr’d Away 4^th, both with two blues each. In total 40 billfish were released on day 1.

A nice blue freight training away from vessel Magic Lady. Photo K.Murray.

Day 2  Tuesday 25^th saw better weather conditions and quite a bit of drama in the intense action, Iron Man were on fire – they added a blue to their 1^st day sailfish release and then got a double hook up and released 2 more blues! They had less good fortune later in the day when they had a bait taken by a porpoise (very unusual) and lost a lot of time fighting that… Their great marlin achievement was then surpassed at lunch time when Gud Tyme had a quadruple hook up on blue marlin and managed to successfully release three of them!! In all 35 billfish were released on day 2 and Iron Man were leading followed by Spherefish who caught 2 sails and a blue, Luhr’d Away moved to 3^rd and Gud Tyme were 4^th. Anglers enjoyed a barbeque in the evening courtesy of “Anything on the Water” a Florida based yacht broker.

Wednesday 26th was the Lay day and a variety of ‘Dishes’ were prepared by the Tournament Committee and all the Anglers, Sponsors, guests and quite a large local contingent enjoyed good food.

Gud Tyme Marlin release that helped them get on top!

Thursday 27^th saw the weather change for the worse and it became a bit rough outside which slowed the fishing somewhat. Why Worry had a double hook up on blue marlin and released one for Ryan Agar but lost the other – later Ryan released another blue which would eventually place him as first angler with three blues for the tournament. Gud Tyme released 2 sails to take first overall and Temptation worked hard and managed to release two blues and a sail in the choppy conditions to jump into 2^nd place ahead of Iron man, Spherefish and Luhr’d Away none of whom scored points on the final day.

Gud Tyme Team 1st place boat.

In all 19 billfish were released on the last day to give an impressive overall tournament total of 94 releases – no other tournament in the region can match this level. The releases were broken down as 39 blue marlin 20 white marlin and 35 sailfish. A fact that will please conservationists is that no billfish were brought to the scale – possibly reflecting the increased minimum weight for blue marlin of 500 lb… In addition to the billfish releases 44 dolphin fish, 33 wahoo and 17 yellowfin tuna (to 165lb) were landed giving great sport.

The 2nd release of 3 from a Triple header of Blues. A feat few will achieve in a lifetime!

As another new feature for 2011, interested parties were able to get instant updates of how the tournament was progressing and who was catching what via Facebook (page = Spice Island Billfish Tournament) – this resulted in an increase in Facebook fans from 93 before the event to over 200 at the end!

After a great tournament which saw everyone congratulating the committee both on the fishing and especially the smooth organisation, the final results were as follows:

First place boat Gud Tyme (Trinidad & Tobago) 2400 points, second: Temptation (Trinidad and Tobago) 2400 points, third: Iron Man (Trinidad & Tobago) 2100 points.

First place angler: Ryan Agar (Why Worry Trinidad & Tobago) 1500 points second: Francois Mouttet (Majic Lady Trinidad & Tobago)1300 points , third: Dominic Wallace (Blue Fever Trinidad and Tobago) 1100 points.

Top Release Boat – Spherefish (Grenada) 5 releases

Top Release Angler – Francois Mouttet – (Majic Lady Trinidad & Tobago) 3 releases

Top Female angler: Michelle Elliot (Orion Barbados) 300 points

Boat pool (weight of fish brought to the scale): First: Surf n Turf (Grenada) 365 lb, second: Cool Runnings (T&T) 324 lb, third: Wayward Wind (Grenada) 205 lb, fourth: Ocean Strike Her (Grenada) 177 lb.

Top Grenadian boat: Spherefish 2000 points and 4^th overall

The BMSIBT committee would like to thank all the participating boats and anglers for supporting the event, and of course their title sponsor Budget Marine, major sponsors Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, Grenada Board of Tourism, and Carib Beer for making this competition possible.

Gary Clifford

SIBT Committee 31/1/11

For more information on an opportunity to fish with the Champions Gud Tyme visit ISLAND YACHT CHARTERS on Facebook!