Bonefish Champions

August 2000 Table of Contents

NATIONAL BONEFISH CHAMPIONSHIP

Abaco hosted the 4th annual National Bonefish Championship from 26th to 29th July headquartered at Nettica Symonette's Different of Abaco. Eight contestants from eight different Bahamian islands took part.

The competition consisted of two days of flyfishing on 27th and 28th, eight hours each day. A point was awarded for each bonefish landed under 20 inches, two points for fish under 25 inches, and three points for fish 25 inches and longer. Each contestant was accompanied by a guide and an independent observer, both of whom were drawn by lottery. No Abaco fishermen were allowed to compete because Abaco was the host island but they did act as guides. The observers ensured all the rules were followed and did the measuring of each fish. The fishermen and their guides conferred to decide in which area they would fish and made their own arrangements to be ready for action next day. There was some secrecy involved here!

The contestants were Simon Bain (Andros), Jerry Cartwright (Long Island), Percy Darville (Berry Islands), Jackson Ellis (Bimini), Elton McKinney (Crooked Island), Gladstone Petty (Eleuthera), Henry Roberts (Grand Bahama) and Wilfred Rolle (Exuma). After the first day's fishing Wilfred Rolle led with 32 points, followed by Jerry Cartwright with 30 points and Elton McKinney and Henry Roberts both on 28 points. Elton McKinney caught the longest fish of the day, measuring 26 inches.

The second day of fishing started with similar weather to the first day: sunny with occasional showers and a steady breeze from the south-east. Wind-rippled water made the bonefish harder to find and the rules did not allow blind casting.

The final results were revealed during an awards dinner that evening at the Great Hall, Different of Abaco. Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson pointed out the economic importance of a niche market such as bonefishing and asked the registered guides to help police the business. It was also noted that 19 guides have been certified by the Flyfishing Federation of America. Craig Woods of the Ministry of Tourism said he was very surprised at the number of bonefish caught during the tournament, a total that far surpassed those of the previous three championships. 173 fish were caught on the first day and 181 on the second for a total of 354. Abaco may very well be the top bonefishing island, he surmised.

Then the totals for all the anglers were announced. Third was Jerry Cartwright with 55 points, second was Wilfred Rolle with 58 points, and the winner was Simon Bain with a remarkable 40 points on the final day to move up from fifth to first with 63 points total.

The competitors were presented with bonefish trophies carved from wood by Brendan Coakley of Nassau and the guides and observers received plaques. All who took part received remuneration, Simon Bain taking a $5,000 cheque in addition to his trophy. He will also represent The Bahamas internationally during his tenure as champion.

Some light relief was supplied by the result of a subsidiary challenge match between Minister of Tourism C A Smith and Abaco's Senator Michael Bethel which the senator won by six points to four.

Congratulations go to the fine bonefish guides of Abaco who contributed their skills to the record catches. Taking part were Buddy Pinder, Isreal Williams, Joe Bodie, Junior Albury, Patrick Roberts, Edmund Williams, Maitland Lowe, Paul Pinder and Tony Russell.

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