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.
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.
COLUMBIA, S.C., July 19, 2021—The new Plano Atlas Tackle Pack is a durable tackle-carrying solution that combines the strength of a hard-sided tackle box with the lightweight portability of a soft-sided tackle bag. This innovative design breaks all the rules for traditional tackle storage solutions.
Seaguar,, July 19, 2021—Seaguar, the inventor of fluorocarbon fishing lines, is introducing BasiX Fluorocarbon to meet the demand from anglers who are managing a budget but not willing to sacrifice quality and performance in their fluorocarbon line. “We’ve spent our first 50 years developing high-performance lines and leaders used by pros, captains, guides and avid anglers across the country,” says Gerry Benedicto, Seaguar General Manager. “With BasiX, we’re looking forward to serving the millions of anglers who are either fishing for the first time, getting reacquainted with the sport or managing a tight budget,” he added. [Read more…]
Visser Reels, July 17, 2021—Visser Reels is introducing the Model S series, a higher-level reel from its current number series. The reels will be available in 6 different sizes from the No. 3S to the No. 8S. The all-machined aluminum reels will be manufactured at our Seymour Connecticut location with about 60% valued content from outside the United States.
The Excel heading out of Kailua Kona to fish the Golden Marlin tournament. The team caught a small marlin on day two of the three day tournament and won a little money for the captain and crew. Photo courtesy Jim Callas
By Capt. Jim Callas
Forgive me Father for what I’m about to write. Many people that acquire the honor of driving a boat for a living start out with their dad, or uncle, or their friends dad or uncle and begin by simply messing about in boats as they say. They may be fishing, or water skiing or in some places engaging in some form of trade or commerce to help out with the family’s bottom line. For me, it started out with my dad, and the Nancy J. The Nancy J was a small wooden boat that dad bought for the express purpose of chasing salmon around the Pacific Northwest. He kept it in our carport of our family home, and I would sit in it for hours pretending I was out at sea conquering hordes of invaders or catching monster fish. Next it was a seven-foot plywood pram that I would row all day long in Puget Sound, if the folks would let met.
Photo courtesy Big Rock
The Big Rock Tournament Board of Directors & Staff are gearing up for an exciting week ahead featuring the first ever Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament. After a record breaking Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in June, tournament officials are optimistic for participation in the inaugural Big Rock Kids Tournament.
