Despite adverse weather conditions over the 4-day Line Class International event, anglers from NZ, Australia, USA and Tonga competed in the 17th TIBT. The fishing was hard and due credit to all anglers and skippers for hanging in there to make the annual event a great success. Special thanks to our major sponsors - EM Jones Ltd in conjunction with Sea Harvester and Yamaha Outboards.

The heaviest Yellow Fin Tuna weighed in at 99lbs caught on 30lb line - Angler Paul Dippie, heaviest Wahoo 42lbs caught on 30lb - Angler Gary Krom and heaviest Mahimahi 32lbs - Angler Danny Williams. 37 Blue Marlin strikes/hook ups were recorded and for the first time in many years, no Sailfish were caught/tagged during the 4 days event.

The tournament historically is always won or lost on the last day and this year it was no different - the 'Cabo Raiders' team fishing on "Reel Addiction" set an early pace and by day four had just enough billfish points to head off a serious challenge by both the "Kiwi Magic" and 'Lavinuella' teams - the last hour before stop fishing was nerve racking !!

The "Cabo Raiders" Team Captain was Martin Askes - with fellow anglers Gary Krom, Owen Reynolds & Rodney Howard -  Reel Addiction Captain, Steve Campbell and leading deckhand - Pase Filitonga. Gary Krom also won the Wahoo section, and fellow angler, Rodney Howard, the most meritorious catch with a 400lb Blue Marlin.

Runners Up -  "those dammed good fisherman" fishing on Kiwi Magic - Capt. Keith McKee.

Third place winners - the "Stack 'em Up" team fishing on Lavinuella - Captain Boris.

At the prize giving function the Tournament Committee paid tribute to Heinz Koester who recently passed away. Heinz was Tonga's longest serving IGFA Representative, TIGFA Representative and Vava'u Sport Fishing Club executive - the club announced the establishment of the "Heinz Koester Memorable Trophy" which will be awarded each year for a meritorious catch.