Anglers from across the Caribbean joined October 9 to 11 for a great first edition of the Leverick Bay Witch Hunt Fishing Tournament. Thirty participants signed up, including anglers, non-anglers and observers. The two-day event gathered vessels from Puerto Rico, Virgin Gorda and St. Thomas, and organizers hope it will become one of the British Virgin Islands’ signature gatherings.
“We feel so blessed. The tournament brought many friends and family together … locals and visitors were one big family in Leverick Bay,” said Nick Willis, Manager of Leverick Bay Resort and Marina.
“The highlight of the tournament was a five year-old angler, Osvaldo De León Jr., “Tati”, who caught a 20 pound Wahoo all by himself. This tournament was created for family and friends and we accomplished what we were trying to achieve,” added Javier López, co-organizer of the event.
Registration, immigration and fishing permits were organized at the marina Friday afternoon, and a small registration fee covered all entertainment including the evening buffets. Participating anglers benefited from fuel discounts and free ice and dockage space. On Friday, participants enjoyed a welcome cocktail party with a live steel band. Saturday night, DJ Millennium King entertained the crowd as they enjoyed the BBQ and showed off their witches and pirates costumes.
The tournament ended with an award ceremony on Sunday night at the restaurant in Leverick Bay. Prizes included trophies, free vacation packages, champagne and more.
Awards were given to: Best Boat, Peje; Second best boat, Tangled Up in Blue;
Third Best Boat, Tati Way; Best Angler, Jose Alvarez; Second Best Angler, George Leving; Third Best Angler, Osvaldo De Leon, Jr.; Best Catch, Peje;
Second Best Catch, Osvaldo De Leon, Jr.; Third Best Catch, Lou Valade; Best Costume, Stephanie Lebron.
“We hope this becomes an annual gathering for anglers across the Caribbean looking to participate in a friendly fishing competition,” said Abigail O’Neal, Marine Marketing Manager.
The event was held with the support of: Roadtown Wholesale Trading LTD, Leverick Bay Resort and Marina, The Anegada Reef Hotel, Club Naútico of San Juan & members, BVI Tourist Board, BVI Conservation and Fisheries, BVI Immigration and Customs, the Royal Virgin Islands Police force, Channel 51 for local TV, and Discovery Bay Marina.
Organizers thanked individuals that made the event possible, including Guy Valade from RTW, Nick & Monica from Leverick Bay Resort & Marina, Chris Yates from Yates & Associates, Alex Yates and his team from The Restaurant at Leverick Bay, Carlos Ramirez from Club Naútico of San Juan and Verne Whitley from the BVI Government.
For more information related to the event, pictures and video:
www.leverickbaymarina.com and www.leverickbay.com
Report submitted by Leverick Bay Witch Hunt Fishing Tournament
