Calm seas and knowing right where to go gave a Water Island couple, Harald and Zona Tapp, the edge to winning the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s (VIGFC) annual Couple’s Tournament.
“We fished a little north of Culebra, inshore, and caught several smaller fish – mackerel, kingfish – early in the morning,” says Harald Tapp, who ran his 34-foot Hatteras, Skimmer, while wife Zona reeled in all the fish the couple ultimately caught.
Tapp continues, “Then, we caught a 19-pound barracuda which gave us some good points.”
But the fish that took the couple to the top of the scoreboard came just as lines were being reeled in at the end of the fishing.
“That 31-pound kingfish we caught right off Savanna pushed us right over the edge,” Tapp explains.
The Tapps’ triumph isn’t their first in this event. But it does break a three year winning streak held by Marcia and Capt. Harold “Grizz” Griswold, aboard the 31-foot Rampage, Gone Ketchin.
The fishing was so close that four couples each tied for second place, reeling in 22 pounds of fish apiece.
Twenty-one couples aboard eight boats fished the one-day tournament that kicks off the VIGFC’s annual Small Boat Series. Fishing took place from 7:30 a.m. to Noon. The awards ceremony and afternoon picnic took place at Honeymoon Beach on Water Island. Photos taken there of all the guys and all the girls who participated are courtesy of Sue Cilliers, Offshore Marine.
“The idea is to have a fun and relaxing tournament where the ladies enjoy a day of fishing with the guys,” says Kelvin Bailey, Jr., VIGFC president.
The next event hosted by the Club is the Offshore Marine Dolphin Derby, set for April 27, with the Captain’s Meeting April 25. For information, call: 340-775-9144 or visit: www.vigfc.com
RESULTS
1. Harald and Zona Tapp, Skimmer, 49-pounds
2. Lynn and Jim Bruno, Gone Ketchin, 22-pounds
2. Marni Walters and Robert Richards, Mixed Bag, 22-pounds
2. Shirley Hinze and Albert Sibilly, Rampage, 22-pounds
2. Brian and LuAnn Kaiman, 22-pounds
2008 U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
April 17
Golden Hook Challenge
Golden Hook Fishing Club, St. Croix
Tel: (340) 778-5738
Email: [email protected]
www.fishstx.com
April 27
Dolphin Derby
Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club, St. Thomas
Tel: (340) 775-9144
Email: [email protected]
www.vigfc.com
TBA
Memorial Day Tournament
Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club, St. Thomas
Tel: (340) 775-9144
Email: [email protected]
www.vigfc.com
July 4
July Open Kids Tournament
Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club, St. Thomas
Tel: (340) 775-9144
Email: [email protected]
www.vigfc.com
July 13
20th Annual Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament
Northside Sportsfishing Club
Tel: (340) 774-5206
July 17-19
July Open Marlin Tournament
Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club, St. Thomas
Tel: (340) 775-9144
Email: [email protected]
www.vigfc.com
August 13-17
USVI Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament (‘Boy Scout’ Tournament)
St. Thomas
Tel: (340) 775-9500
August 17
Kids’ Hand-line Tournament
Golden Hook Fishing Club, St. Croix
Tel: (340) 778-5738
Email: [email protected]
www.fishstx.com
September 13-14
Guy/Gal Reel Challenge
Golden Hook Fishing Club, St. Croix
Tel: (340) 778-5738
Email: [email protected]
www.fishstx.com
September 21
Offshore Four
Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club, St. Thomas
Tel: (340) 775-9144
Email: [email protected]
www.vigfc.com
November 15-16
Wahoo Tournament
Golden Hook Fishing Club, St. Croix
Tel: (340) 778-5738
Email: [email protected]
www.fishstx.com
November 16
Wahoo Wind Up
Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club, St. Thomas
Tel: (340) 775-9144
Email: [email protected]
www.vigfc.com
