The Tribune

AROUND 300 people are expected to particpate in the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament in Grand Bahama from April 20 to 23, an event which combines big game fishing with kayaking for a $10,000 prize.

Fish caught during the tournament will be given to the Grand Bahama Children’s Home, Flamingo Bay Hotel and Marina, and volunteers assisting with the project.

According to Richard Treco, Senior Manager of vertical markets for the Ministry of Tourism, “this event, now in its fourth year, has gained tremendous interest and notoriety for anglers and sporting enthusiasts from throughout the USA, Canada, China and Brazil. We have seen the competition grow each year from 40 anglers in our inaugural year in 2014 to some 280 participants last year,” he said.   

Pre- and post-tournament packages range from $595 triple or quadruple occupancy for a three-nights stay to $1,370 single occupancy for a seven-nights stay including tournament registration, hotel accommodations at the Flamingo Bay Hotel and Marina, round-trip transportation for the angler and his/her kayak from Port Everglades to Grand Bahama, a cocktail reception and awards dinner.

Joe Hector, of Extreme Kayak Fishing International and organiser of the event, said he is particularly pleased with the rapid growth of the tournament. “The Bahamas Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament truly is the gold standard for kayak fishing in the world, as it provides everything into one great getaway; fun and family adventures, awesome fishing from white and blue Marlins to huge Mutton Snappers, friendly people and the most beautiful destination in the world,” he said.

Tournament sponsors are the Ministry of Tourism, Turbo USA, Nautical Ventures, Costa, Fishbrain, Balearia Bahamas Express, Pompano Ford, Flamingo Bay Hotel and Marina, Sands Beer and H Forbes Charter.

For registration details visit www.extremekayakfishing.com.

Keep checking the Bahamas Sport Fishing Network (BSFN) expert page for fishing reports throughout the Bahamas: this will be helpful in tracking the “hot spots” and providing advice on gear and fishing methods being used.

For a sample of the spectacular fishing to be had in The Bahamas, expert advice, tournament dates and results, informative features and photo galleries visit the BSFN page at tribune242.com or www.bsfn.biz.

BSFN slideshows can be found on USA Today’s website in the Travel section at experience.usatoday.com.