More boats have already signed up for the Republic Bank Saint Lucia International Billfish Tournament than last year, suggesting the event is returning to pre-Covid levels. Organisers are hoping for a record number of participants when the annual sport-fishing competition takes place later this month.
The three-day competition, first held in 1991, marks its 31st anniversary this year after a break due to the pandemic. Anglers from Saint Lucia, the Caribbean, the Americas, and Europe take part, and the tournament was officially launched on Friday night at IGY Rodney Bay Marina.
Under the auspices of the Saint Lucia Game Fishing Association (SLGFA), this year’s tournament will run September 22-26. The opening day will include registration and the captains’ briefing, followed by three days of offshore fishing, and the final day of weighing and an awards ceremony.
Ryan Devaux, president of the SLGFA and CEO of gold sponsor Terra Caribbean Saint Lucia, shared that 21 boats are already confirmed, up from 18 last year. Eight of these are new entries, bringing the total to over 120 anglers – similar to pre-pandemic numbers. With more registrations expected, the association hopes for a record turnout this week.
The competition continues to receive backing from title sponsors Republic Bank (Eastern Caribbean) and the Ministry of Education, Youth Development, Sports and Digital Transformation through its Alternative Sports Desk.
The tournament will follow International Game Fish Association rules and use a catch-and-release format. Teams earn points for releasing blue marlin, sailfish, and white marlin, and must provide time-stamped video proof to officials. The marina’s inshore scales will be open for gamefish meat categories, with prizes for the heaviest yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and dorado.
The historical benchmark for the tournament remains the 707-pound blue marlin landed by Martinique angler Jean-Francois Fredonic in 1996. Anyone who catches a bigger fish will win a brand-new Jeep.
