ANTIGUA & BARBUDA SPORTS FISHING ASSOCIATION

This year's tournament is heating up to be well attended by overseas boats as confirmations are coming in from around the French Islands of Guadeloupe, French St. Martin, St. Barts and French inspired St. Lucia of baots arriving for the 44th Antigua and Barbuda Sport Fishing Tournament. Anglers will also be arriving from St.Thomas and Dutch St. Martaan.

In a year when the islands of St. Lucia and Martinique have decided to merge their two tournaments into one, as they struggle to have enough boats to keep their respective tournaments going, Antigua goes from strength to strength.

When asking Chairman Phillip Shoul's opinion of why this is happening he responds ' We think a few things have come together to re-invigorate the tournament. Certainly the concentration on the landside event which is developing into one of Antigua's favourite event is one element. Its a party with a great feeling, a laid back lime that is very much a family day, and not about watching a band or act on stage, but mingling and catching up with people at the end of the season. The move to Nelson's Dockyard has allowed us to expand the event, and means more people can attend and it still be an enjoyable day.'

Of course the move to Nelson's Dockyard is one much enjoyed by the overseas boats who love to lime dockside until late into the evening, and then have only steps to walk to thier hotel, as many of them are staying in the beautiful Copper and Lumber Store hotel.

Mr Shoul continues 'The tournament continues to get great support from the local fishing community who still love to fish for the sport of it, and not just big prizes. It means the tournament remains very much a friendly event when people catch up with friends they have not seen for the last year. That said the prizes of up to EC$10,000 in some categories makes winning very worthwhile.'

At 5 pm on Saturday we are also delighted to say that the Guadeloupe Canoe team will again be rowing in to Nelson's Dockyard. The K'Nawa Association row 130 miles from Dominica to Guadeloupe to Antigua and back over 8 days. 30 Kawanakis including 3 Antiguans, 5 Dominicans and 30 Guadeloupans make the journey together as part of an epic challenge that connects the three islands together. In the words of the Kawanakis, Youmoulikou - 'Brother from another island but the same nation'.

The anglers arrive at Nelson's Dockyard throughout the afternoon on Friday, prepare themselves for the tournament and then enjoy the Captain's Briefing and usually an early night in preparation for the 6 am bimini start on Saturday.  Come down and enjoy the atmosphere and eat some great food during the weekend. As we love to say 'Enjoy the fishing, Enjoy the Lime'.