76 tag and releases during 2013 billfish tournament

Seventy-six fishes were placed back into the ocean by anglers who participated in the 44th Budget Marine Spice Island Billfish Tournament. The event was held at the Grenada Yacht Club, January 22 to 26, 2013.

As the first event of the Southern Caribbean Billfish Circuit and also of Grenada’s annual calendar of activities, the tournament has set a high standard for the year ahead! Grenada welcomed anglers from many countries including the Cayman Islands, St. Lucia, Martinique, Barbados, Aruba, USA, UK, India, Venezuela, neighbouring Trinidad and from home waters here in Grenada.

The anglers of the winning boat.

The tournament drew to an exciting close on Saturday, January 26, as boats and anglers vied to take home the coveted trophies. Gud Tyme from Trinidad & Tobago captured this year’s Grand Slam Title when on the second day’s fishing they released three species of billfish – a Blue Marlin, White Marlin and 2 Sail Fish, they eventually finished in Second Place overall with a total of 5 releases scoring 2200 points.


Despite this great achievement, however, Exile from Aruba released a white marlin late on the final day to capture First Place overall and the top boat trophy with a total of seven releases scoring 2 400 points. Third Place went to Reel Extreme from St. Lucia with 1 800 points.

ZuZu, captained by Leslie Ramdhanny, was the top performing Grenadian boat with a total of four releases earning 1 500 points and 7th place overall. Young Brian Williams – a student of Westmorland Secondary School – who also fished on ZuZu, was this year’s Junior Angler Champion.

The ladies were also “in on the action” and Rachel Johnson fishing on “Reel Extreme” from St. Lucia won Top Female angler with 500 points ahead of Linda Morris on “TT Hemisphere” from the Cayman islands with 300 points.

“The Budget Marine Spice Island Billfish Tournament has set the bar for fishing events in the southern Caribbean. We are pleased with the participation from across the region and are confident that the tournament will continue to grow and contribute significantly to Grenada’s economy,” commented Richard McIntyre, Chairman of the Committee.

Gary Clifford, Committee member and participating captain, also stated, “The anglers had three days of excellent competition and had an enjoyable time.” (LS)