Black Watch Billfish Tournament 2007

[gamefish]

Hi Guys,

This 3 day T & R tournament in Richardsbay South Africa, now in it's 3rd year, offer you the unique opportunity to fly or drive in, charter a world class boat, fish the tournament and view or hunt the Big 5, all within a 2 hour drive from the port city of Richardsbay.

See previous issues of Marlin for the report on Billfish in Africa and the "explosive" bite in Richardsbay, when in 2006 35 billfish (Blue, Black and striped marlin, as well as sails and short bills) were released from only 46 boats fishing.

Alternatively visit the website www.blackwatchsa.co.za for details - next year we would love to have some international teams participating. Come enjoy Zululand's renowned hospitality

gamefish

[gamefish]

2007 BLACKWATCH BILLFISH TOURNAMENT

The 2007 Blackwatch Billfish Tournament that took place from 1 to 4 February at the Richards Bay Ski-boat Club grounds, once again turned out to be very popular and hugely successful event, despite the not so perfect weather. The generous contribution of the two Platinum sponsors, The Boardwalk Shopping centre and Quads Unlimited ensured the filming of the event, which will be screened on Supersport in the near future.

Many of the anglers donated their by-catch of Tuna, Dorado and Wahoo to DICE, for distribution amongst underprivileged families, after weighing and for that we honour them.

The participants that came from far and wide were welcomed by the mayor Mr Moffat and in the address afterwards by Mr Marius Vermaak, president of the South African Deep-sea Angling Association, he urged the local townsfolk once again, to make the best possible use of the opportunity to showcase Richards Bay during the 2008 FIPS World Trolling championships, scheduled to take place in Richards Bay between 25 January 2008 and 4 February 2008

He also applauded the organisers and participants for the role that the Black Watch Billfish Tournament, with it’s strong focus on conservation, and other similar tournaments have played in securing this prestigious event for SA and Richards Bay in particular.

197 Anglers from the 48 entered teams participated and during Saturday and Sunday a total of 44 strikes were reported which resulted in14 Billfish being caught, photographed and released alive.

It is statistics like this that once again re-affirmed the fact that Richards Bay has the potential to become one of the best Marlin fishing destinations in South Africa, with a wonderfully safe harbour launch to boot. Amongst the participants were several big sportfishers that came by sea all the way from Durban in order to participate.

Some of the highlights of the event were:
1 Team Lunatic which caught and released a marlin on 15kg line
2 Team Oomkhulu that caught the most meritorious game fish, setting a new club record with their 22kg Wahoo, that also won them the Calcutta.
3 Team Queenfisher with two released marlin on day two were tied on points but were declared the overall winners, having caught their second fish first.
4 Team Cool Runnings also with two releases came second and were the most successful ski-boat crew.

At the gala prize giving dinner in the Richards Hotel, much fun was had by all, especially when the traditional steering wheel (for having made a big booboo) was transferred from Ferdi Pistorius of Ocean Comotion, to Braam Duvenhage, skipper of the boat Oomkhulu for having driven his new boat over the rocks recently.

The 2008 event will take place just before the FIPS world trolling championships and early entry is advised.