December 2002 Table of Contents

JUSTIN DOES WELL

Abaco bonefish champion Justin Sands, who won the island championship on 4th April, represented Abaco at the Bahamas National Bonefish Tournament held in Freeport on 31st October.

Justin competed against nine other island winners and placed second overall behind Omeko Glinton, the Grand Bahama champion, in a very competitive championships. He earned a wooden bonefish carving and a cash prize of $3,000 for his troubles. The top nine Bahamian island champions advanced to the Islands of The Bahamas World Invitational Bonefish Championships and competed against nine of the world’s best bonefishermen on 1st November. Justin placed fifth overall in this event which was dominated by Bahamians, who took the top five spots.

Participants in the championships included Raz Reid, sales representative for Sage, Umpqua, simms, Tibor, Action Optics, Rio and other related products in the southeastern United States. Raz is the current holder of several IGFA records. Is is the champion of the Islamadora Spring Bonefish Tournament, Other notables included Jimbo Meador of Orvis Sporting Life and Rick Ruff, a flycasting instructor from ESPN Outdoor Life. Other competitors included sports writers and representatives of fishing magazines.

Justin terms the experience a s extremely enjoyable, especially having a chance to meet such a diverse group of celebrity journalists and competitive guides of both local and international acclaim. He thoroughly appreciated the opportunity to represent Abaco and being able to place in the national and international tournaments. he extended gratitude to Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism, and the staff of the ministry, especially Vertical Markets personnel and the Abaco Tourist Office staff.

December 2002 Table of Contents