A 59-lb yellowfin tuna and a 58.9 lb wahoo were two of the most impressive catches from this year’s 44th International Light Tackle Tournament. (ILTT)

 

The tournament, which took place last week, saw three local Bermuda teams and two overseas teams (one from the United States and the other from the Bahamas) compete for honors in the event.

 

All anglers were using the same brand of 12 lb fishing line.

 

ILTT Committee member Dean Rea said: “the 2009 tournament was notable for the number of large yellowfin tuna and lumpy sea conditions offshore that tested the skills of competing anglers, especially on the first and second day’s fishing.

 

“For the first time in many years the final day’s fishing was cancelled due to unfavorable weather conditions reducing the four day event to a three day affair.”

 

Once the tournament points were tallied at the end of day three the tournament organizers declared the Championship team to be “Foxy and the Stiff Rods” –a team comprising American, Bahamian and Bermudian anglers.

 

The second place team was the “Double Down Byes” –a local Bermuda team—and the third place team was the Sea Horse Anglers Club.

 

The overall high point fish was a white marlin caught and released by Bermuda resident, John Ringold.

 

The overall high point rod accolade went to Bermudian Brian Lines and the overall high point boat was “Reel Addiction.”

 

The Championship team has earned the right to go on and fish in the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) Offshore Championship Tournament to be held in 2010 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

 

The overall high point rod won a luxury watch donated by Crisson Jewelers.

 

Mr. Rea added: “Spectators a the daily weigh-ins held at the Spanish Point Boat Club saw some fabulous fish come to the scales each day, including a 59.7 lb yellowfin tuna landed by Brian Lines on the first day’s fishing and a 58.9 lb wahoo landed by visiting angler Pete Rose on the third and final day’s fishing.

 

“John Ringold’s capture of a white marlin was a remarkable feat on 12 lb test line, making it the high point fish for the event.”