Photo courtesy Swordfish Cup
ITB Staff
It’s become an recurring theme each year to hear about the best parts of the Caribbean and Gulf being overrun with weed. Not the “puff puff give” kind, but the pain in the butt kind. Sargassum. It can be everywhere. And not just in neat lines along the rips but in mats and globs and clumps as far as the eye can see. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that since 2011, large accumulations of Sargassum have become a remerging problem in the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and tropical Atlantic.
By Captain Kevin Deerman
With our Texas tournament season upon us, I believe everyone will be more than happy to get back to attending the normal events with all of the festivities, dinners and award ceremonies that come along with them. Unfortunately, last year with all of the uncertainties and regulations surrounding large gatherings and social distancing we weren’t allowed to have these functions that many considered a significant part of the big game tournament experience.
Photo courtesy IGFA
DANIA BEACH, FL – July 26, 2021—The International Game Fish Association (IGFA)announced the addition of a fly-fishing category for its All-Tackle Length record program; a record program that requires the potential record catch to be released alive.
The IGFA All-Tackle Length record program was launched a decade ago in 2011 and there are currently 117 eligible species for this program in both fresh and saltwater, chosen specifically for their ability to be safely handled and released alive.
July 26, 2021—First off on the tournament circuit for the weekend was the Sea Horse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament with team Wolverine, a 60’ Winter based out of Atlantic Beach, North Carolina led by Captain Rocky Hardison and mate Andy Cranford winning the event. Team Quantified with Capt. Justin Drummond took first at the Lone Star Shootout, followed by Tenacious with Capt. Vincent Campia and Vamanos with Capt. Monte Love.
The Dare County Boat Builders Tournament saw team Tarheel come in first, Carolina Girl come in second and Point Runner in third. Team Home Run with Capt. Grant Bentley came in first at the Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament followed by Sportin’ Life with Capt. Mike Glaesner in second and Inappropriate with Capt. Andy Crews in third. Finally, the weekend wrapped up with the Huk Big Fish Classic (results coming soon).
Upcoming Tournaments
Think you’re ready to bring in a white marlin? We’ve still got spots open within our East Coast White Marlin Division. Register now before a team boats the winning fish.
It’s been two years since the last ICAST brought industry professionals together to get a firsthand look at the advancements in the sportfishing world. From July 20 to July 23, companies and brands showcased the latest and greatest products for both fresh and saltwater anglers. We’ve highlighted some new, innovative and just plain interesting products that were on display at this year’s event.
By Mitchell Bateman
If you’ve been involved in the world of offshore sportfishing for more than a week, chances are good that you have heard of Scarborough Boatworks and the man behind some of the finest boats ever built, Ricky Scarborough, Sr. From his first 18- to 25-foot hunting skiffs and work boats, to his last 60- to 85-foot custom-built luxury sportfishing yachts, Ricky’s reputation for quality craftsmanship and ingenuity is well known. The actual number of boats he built is a little fuzzy considering he didn’t keep written records of all the crab boats and hunting skiffs he built for his neighbors and family. With the incorporation of Scarborough Boatworks in 1977, along with better record-keeping, it is probable that the grand total of boats Ricky built was north of 100.
Bluewater Movements, July 20, 2021—Bluewater Movements, a sports marketing and event company out of Pompano Beach, Florida is proud to introduce a new fishing tournament that will cover the entire state of Florida. The window of competition for the Florida Sailfish cup begins on November 1st, 2021 and continues through May 31st, 2022. Eligible species for the Sailfish Cup are, Sailfish, Blue Marlin, and White Marlin.
COLUMBIA, S.C., July 20, 2021—Even outdoors, people often carry a range of electronic devices, all of which require power. Whether they’re off for a weekend at a remote camp, out on the ice or just a day on the water, anglers need a way to keep these devices charged. Frabill’s new Pow’R Source makes it easier than ever to keep cell phones, bluetooth speakers or other electronic equipment powered up and ready for action.
