2017 Budget Marine Spice Island Billfish Tournament Sees Record Participation

On 22nd January 2017, scores of spectators, including the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, lined the picturesque Carenage to view the parade of boats before the much-anticipated Bimini Start of the 2017 Budget Marine Spice Island Billfish Tournament (BMSIBT). At the sound of the cannon from Fort George, 59 boats set out for Day 1 of three days of exciting sport fishing.

This year’s tournament, dubbed the Grand Slam 48, delivered on its promise encouraging a full release tournament and embracing the digital world. This year a total of 90 Billfish were released: 45 Blue Marlin, 5 White Marlin and 40 Sailfish, while sport fishing enthusiasts around the region and internationally tuned in to the billfish action thanks to live online streams and radio coverage.

2017 Budget Marine Spice Island Billfish Tournament Sees Record Participation 1

Photo credit Gerard de Bruin

A record two hundred and eighty-seven (287) anglers, including 6 junior anglers and 10 female anglers participated this year, with winners emerging in various categories after three days of competition. At the Awards Ceremony held on 25th January, Isaiah Aleong-Baksh of Pair-a-Dice (Trinidad & Tobago) was named the Top Junior Angler, and Silvie Rolles of Destiny (Martinique) was presented with the award for the Top Female Angler. David Sheridan of Hard Play II (Trinidad & Tobago) copped the first place angler award.

2017 Budget Marine Spice Island Billfish Tournament Sees Record Participation 2

Top Junior Angler: Aleong-Baksh of Pair-a-Dice (Trinidad & Tobago)

2017 Budget Marine Spice Island Billfish Tournament Sees Record Participation 3

Top Female Angler: Silvie Rolles of Destiny (Martinique) photo credit Terrence Franklynn

2017 Budget Marine Spice Island Billfish Tournament Sees Record Participation 4

Top Angler: David Sheridan of Hard Play II (Trinidad & Tobago)

The 2017 tournament also saw an increase in registration of Grenadian boats. This, organizers believe, is a significant indication of the growing interest in the sport here in Grenada. Pipe Dream won the prize for Top Grenada Boat, and Hard Play II (Trinidad & Tobago) claimed victory winning first place boat with a total of nine releases and 4,200 points. While there was no Grand Slam winner this year, several vessels came close, releasing two of the three billfish on each day.

2017 Budget Marine Spice Island Billfish Tournament Sees Record Participation 5

Top Grenadadian Angler: Chris Cole

From the tournament base at the Grenada Yacht Club, anglers expressed their pleasure at being back in Grenada for another outstanding tournament as old friends reconnected and new networks were forged. In remembering those who have gone before, a minute of silence was held for former SIBT Committee Chairman (1986 – 1998) Angus Minors, who was laid to rest two days before the start of the tournament.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Richard McIntyre, commended the anglers for their efforts and thanked the sponsors who made the 2017 Budget Marine Spice Island Billfish Tournament a resounding success. In preparation for future events, particularly the 50th anniversary in 2019, Mr. McIntyre pledged continuous improvement in the facilities and use of technology.

For full tournament results and photos, visit www.sibt.gd

2017 Budget Marine Spice Island Billfish Tournament Sees Record Participation 6

Photo credit: Terrence Franklynn