Abaco Hosts Bonefish Championship

Abaco Hosts Bonefish Championship
By Stephanie Humblestone

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This year's fourth annual National Bonefish Tournament was held in Marsh Harbour from July 26 to July 28 and attracted much keen competition in the sport of fly-fishing among many enthusiasts. The two-day tournament, open only to first place winners from each competing island, was a catch and release tournament, with tackle being restricted to fly-fishing apparatus only and no assistance allowed from guides and observers.

Taking the title this year along with a cash prize of $5000 was Andros Island Champion Simon Bain, who earned 63 points. Second with 58 points was Exuma Champion Wilfred Rolle, Jr., who received $3000 and in third place with 55 points was Long Island Champion Jerome Edward Cartwright, who received $1500. One point is awarded for every fish caught under twenty inches, two points for those measuring between 20 and 25 inches and three points for fish over 25 inches. Fishing hours were between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

Mr. Bain has nine years of experience as a private bone fishing guide, four of which were spent at Cargill Creek Fishing Lodge on Andros. He is currently Vice President of the All Andros Guides Association and is on the staff of Gatti Pro and Action Guide.

Last year's Abaco Island Bonefish Champion Maitland Lowe, better known as Bonefish Dundee, did not compete as the host island for the Nationals cannot submit an island winner to participate in the event. However, he hosted Mr. Bain as guide and boat captain on one day while bonefisherman Patrick Roberts of Sandy Point accompanied Mr. Bain on the other day.

Awards were presented by Sen. Michael Bethel of Cherokee Sound to individual island winners. Plaques were presented to the eight observers, eight guides and six VIP and press guides. The Hon. Frank Watson, Dep. Prime Minister of the Bahamas, presented the trophies to Mr. Bain and the two runners-up. Of the Champion he said, "Mr. Bain is now the official ambassador for bonefishing for the Bahamas; he will have the privilege to travel to major trade shows and fishing and boating shows." Mr. Bain praised Bahamian bonefish guides and commented on how they have all improved over the years and how bonefishing is now an important element of the Bahamian tourist industry.

The awards' ceremony, held on a large deck at Different of Abaco, was hosted by the bonefishing resort's owner, Nettica Symonette. It was well attended and received extensive national press coverage and some media representation from the United States. The keynote speaker was Ms. Nalini Bethel from the Ministry of Tourism.

Minister of Tourism, Mr. C.A. Smith, present the previous evening at Different of Abaco, reflected on his keen interest in and support for the bonefishing industry. "My Ministry through its advertising has succeeded in creating an awareness of the unique attributes of each of our islands to consumers and travel agents alike and they are becoming increasingly aware of the common attraction of these islands - bonefishing."

The Hon. Frank Watson referred to bonefishing as appealing to a special "niche" market and a special place in the hearts of the people of Abaco.

Since the Ministry of Tourism introduced the fly-fishing tournament in 1997, there have been steady improvements in the Bahamas' bonefishing business. "One of the most notable accomplishments has been the extension of the bonefishing season by some three months," the Hon. Mr. Smith mentioned. "Most lodges used to finish their season around April but this year bookings have extended as far as mid-July, which of course means extended employment and additional expenditure by tourists."

The industry has grown to become a significant contributor to the economy, particularly in the Family Islands. Many of the lodges offer packages which encourage fishermen to come. Each year that the tournament has been held has seen more Family Islands represented. The tournament has allowed the Ministry of Tourism to work directly with those involved in bonefishing, guides and lodge owners. It has also given the Bahamas much international exposure.