The South Drop Sportsfishing Challenge, sponsored by the Royal BVI Yacht Club’s Angling Club, Willy-T, Red Stripe® and Sauza® Tequila was held on Saturday, May 5, 2007. Eight participating boats brought in a total of 304.5 lbs of tournament fish. A bit of high seas early in the competition sent some of our new anglers in the competition leaning overboard wishing they were on dry land, however as the day progressed the seas calmed and anglers regained their sea legs. The South Drop Sportsfishing Challenge is a single day, making it an ideal opportunity for those seeking to go out fishing for their first time.
The South Drop brought in a total of 14 qualifying fish. Out of that, 13 were Mahi Mahi – with the only Wahoo, weighing in at an admirable 17.5 lbs. caught by Dave Chinnery on the Jost Van Dyke entry Real Classic. Which left anglers wondering – maybe this event should be held prior to the Virgin Gorda Wahoo Tournament next year – where were all the Wahoo?!
Three dedicated boats showed up for weigh-in at the Willy-T without any tournament fish. Booyaka Tuna, Johnny J (the tournament’s single sail boat participating) and Virgin Express – all put in incredible efforts, remembering that a bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work! St. Bruno just squeaked by, landing its only Mahi about five hours into the tournament.
A true force to reckon with – Basic Lady out of Anegada – brought in 60 lbs of Mahi. Rondell Smith managed to catch all the fish for the boat with three Mahi winning him the title of “Best Angler” in the Tournament. Anglers will be looking out for Rondell in the upcoming annual Captain Lowell Wheatley Memorial Gamefish & Billfish Tournament to be held in Anegada in October. Tim Bowler on Seaquill aka “Wee Bertram” brought in the biggest Mahi, weighing in at 30 lbs.
Tournament Official & Weigh Master Graham Sedgick saw a lot happening first hand as he was aboard Whopper, which once again took the title of “Best Boat” with a total of 146 lbs of Mahi caught. Anglers take note: you want to catch fish – and lots of them? – claim your spot on Whopper now for Anegada (IF there is any space even left!)
Prizes were graciously donated by the following companies: Anegada Reef Hotel, Richardson’s Rigging, Cay Electronics, Golden Hind, Amanda Baker, Marine Depot, Jolly Roger, Captain Mulligan’s, Finish Line Café, Serenity Day Spa, Village Cay Marina, Dockmaster’s Deli, VI Shipwrights, The Pub, Best of British, Columbian Emeralds, Loyal West End Yacht Club, Island Marine, Latitude 18, Peg Leg Landing, Nanny Cay Chandlery, SupaValu, Blue Water Divers, MJ Edge, Blue Iguana Catering, CCT Global Communications, Varieties & Electronics, Sunny Caribbee, Le Cabanon, Spaghetti Junction, and Almond Tree Salon and Spa. This event is a single day tournament, charging $50 per angler – without the support of these companies and sponsors the tournament would be forced to raise entry fees significantly. For more information on upcoming events: www.rbviyc.com.
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