MARIGOT—It must have been an ecstatic déjà vu moment for the crew of Yellow Whip to be declared overall winners of the 20th St. Martin Billfish Tournament on Saturday night, six years after they won it in 2012.
Success for Yellow Whip in large part came down to that one 451lb Blue Marlin they weighed in on Thursday that put them in a commanding position when no other boats brought ashore Marlin despite several hook-ups that ended in escapes.
That fish and two Blue releases, gave the St. Martin boat 1,051 points, well clear of second placed boat Ruckus from Tortola with 700 points, and third placed Double Rum N Coke from Antigua with 300 points.
Sport fishing is a well-rewarded past time when it comes down to award ceremonies with generous cash prizes and an array of gifts presented to winners from sponsors. Yellow Whip won in four categories; overall winner of the tournament for the first prize of US$4, 800, the optional Blue Marlin Challenge for US$ 12,000, the optional Billfish Challenge for US$15,000 and the Heaviest Blue Marlin prize of US$2,400.
The White Marlin Challenge of US$5, 250 was won by St. Barths boat Taotira. Yellow Whip also received an invitation to the Offshore World Championships in Costa Rica. Yellow Whip and Ruckus both received free entry to the Billfish Tournament in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic, in May 2018.
The last day of fishing on Saturday, saw just three more releases; a Blue for Puerto Rican boat Islamar, a Blue release for Follow Me VI, and a Blue release for Yellow Whip. Follow Me IV from Guadeloupe recorded a Sailfish release for 100 points.
In other results, the Largest Mahi Mahi of 38lbs went to Xtrme Laranja from Guadeloupe and Largest Wahoo of 52lbs to Indigo. The angler Jimenez from Ruckus won the Best Angler trophy and a Carey Cen painting.
Just 24 boats contested the tournament, down on last year. Sea conditions for the most part over the three days was rough and rainy at times.
“We know there were big fish out there, and the other boats confirmed it. But what can you do, it’s the luck of the draw,” commented organiser Stephan Petit.
At the prize giving Managing Director of sponsor Caribbean Liquors and Tobacco, Georges Greaux Jr praised Laurent and Stephan Petit, Chantal Vernusse from Calypso Events and other volunteers for their “dedication, commitment and passion” in keeping the tournament going year after year.
