60lb Wahoo Caught At 2010 ILTT Tournament
A 60lb wahoo was the biggest catch today [June 6]; the first day of the 45th International Light Tackle Tournament [ILTT]. Hosted by the island’s oldest fishing club, the Bermuda Anglers Club [BAC], the event has attracted anglers from Bahamas, USA and Bermuda.
The 60lb wahoo was caught on a 12lb test by well known Bermudian fisherman Danny Fox, who also landed a 41lb wahoo. Pictured below left to right: Captain Craig Curtis, Richard Ricca, Danny Fox, Mark Teceria, Matt Crumley and Wayne B Booth.
Mr Booth, pictured on the right, is an American who fishes as an invited guest of the Bermuda team. He is from Lynchberg, Virginia and this is his 17th year of invitation, but his 16th year of participation, missing one tournament as he had heart bypass surgery. He is a 9-time winner of this tournament and usually deep sea fishes off the Carolinas and Key West, Florida. Mr Booth told us he greatly looks forward to coming to Bermuda each year, as the “people are so great”, and he also says that Bermuda has some of the best fishermen in the world.
The tournament grew out of a government-sponsored tournament between the Bahamas and Bermuda. The trophy and running of the event tournament passed to the Bermuda Anglers Club in 1961. In 2002 the tournament became a qualifying event for the IGFA Offshore Championship held in Cabo San Luca, Mexico each year.
Each 3-person team fishes on a different charter boat each of the 4 fishing days, which is decided at the captain’s meeting on the Sunday evening. They follow IGFA rules, using a points rather than the factor scoring system. Minimum weights are equal to or greater than line test with the exception of tuna, which is 18lbs. Most of the fishing is done at anchor with chumming.
There were six boats total competing, with today not deemed a great success by those in attendance. At least one boat came back in having been entirely unsuccessful, and it was explained to us that overall today was just not a good day, fishing wise. The tournament continues tomorrow, with the anglers hoping for better conditons and a more lucrative day.
The general public is welcome to come down to Spanish Point Boat Club tomorrow, Thursday and Friday to see the weigh in which usually starts around 4.30pm.
Click to enlarge images:
You need a deft touch to get a fish that big on 12lb test. Well done!
Well done all!
Here’s hoping the next few days are better for it.