The Tribune

The Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina yesterday announced it will host the Bahamas Wahoo Smackdown fishing tournament between November 15-17.

Tournament director, Captain Paul Cameron, who served as the owner-director for the Classic American Sportfishing Tournaments (CAST), which covered the US east coast from New Jersey to Key West, is calling for competitive anglers to kick off the Wahoo season, with entries now being accepted.

“We listened to what the anglers wanted and have come up with what we feel is a good combination, blending reasonable entry fees with great prizes,” said Captain Cameron, who hopes to repeat the tournament in January-February with the end-of-season Wahoo run.

Bimini’s location along the Gulf Stream (a ‘river’ of warm water) location is at the centre of a highway for migrating fish. The island acts as a kind of sushi conveyor belt carrying abundant food to the local fish.

Deepwater game fish include marlin, tuna, sailfish, wahoo and swordfish, while big grouper, barracuda and schools of snapper can be found on the reefs. Bimini’s flats are home to the fishermen’s favorite prey, bonefish and permit.

With more than 50-record-setting catches in the waters around the island, Bimini has earned its title of Sport Fishing Capital of the World.

The Bahamas Wahoo Smackdown entry fee of $1,250 includes four anglers per boat and $100 in giveaways. The first place prize is $5,000, followed by $1,500 for second place and $1,000 for third.

The boat landing the largest fish will receive $2,500 plus a trophy from Gray Taxidermy. Artwork by celebrated marine artist, Wesley Carter, will also be included in the prize structure for first, second and third place.

The Bahamas Out Island Promotions Board is also offering a $300 fuel voucher for teams entered in the tournament.

A captains meeting for the tournament will be held at the Big Game Club Resort & Marina in Alice Town on November 15, with the two-day tournament following over the next two days

The Big Game Club Resort & Marina will also offer special discounted tournament room rates and a marina slip rate of $1 per foot (not inclusive of water and electric).

To register for the tournament, e-mail: reservations@biggameclubbimini.com or call 1-800-867-4764.