Win $2,000 if you catch the largest kingfish! The Northside Sportfishing Club’s 34th Bastille Day Kingfish will take place on Sunday, July 14, at The Hideaway at Hull Bay & The Shack on St. Thomas. The largest inshore fishing event in the U.S. Virgin Islands offers over $10,000 in cash and prizes. National Geographic has named the Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament one of the world’s “9 Bastille Day bashes that celebrate French Culture!” For those who aren’t fishing, there’s a boatload of fun with live music, food, dancing and more.
Mark your calendar! Registration will start at 7:30 a.m., Friday, July 12, at the Captain’s Meeting at The Hideaway at Hull Bay. Late registration will be on Saturday, July 13, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Hideaway.
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, entry fees are low – $45 for adults and $35 for juniors ages 8 to 17. Registered anglers will receive an official Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament t-shirt, hat, goodie bag and more.
Fishing will begin at 5:30 a.m., Sunday, July 14, with the weigh-in at noon. Festivities throughout the afternoon will include a Kid’s Corner presented by King’s Plumbing. The Awards Ceremony will start at 6 p.m.
New this year, the barracuda prize category has been eliminated as a conservation effort.
Prize categories include Largest Kingfish, 2nd Largest Kingfish, 3rd Largest Kingfish, 4th Largest Kingfish, Best Captain, Best Boat, Best Male Angler, Best Female Angler, Best Junior Male Angler, Best Junior Female Angler, Largest Bonito and Largest Mackerel.
“Enjoy the ease of getting to the beach without the hassle of parking aboard two free shuttles. See the fish weighed in at noon, and spend the day at the Hideaway for lunch and the beachside party. The shuttle is available from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from the Sib’s restaurant lower lot to Hull Bay Beach. The last shuttle will depart the beach at 7 p.m.,” said Catherine Bryan, one of the event’s co-organizers.
This year’s proceeds from Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament will benefit the Joseph Sibilly School, Nana Baby Children’s Home, St. Thomas Rescue and the St. Thomas Fisherman’s Association. The proceeds will also provide college scholarships.
The Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament is sponsored by Offshore Marine, the YAMAHA distributor in the Virgin Islands; TOPA Masters Insurance/Guardian Insurance; Budget Marine, the Caribbean’s Leading Chandlery; The Hideaway at Hull Bay & The Shack; Scoops & Brew Gelato and Coffee Bar; Frank’s Electric; Cyclone Fencing; Amalie Car Rental; Caribbean Gifts & Things; Kings Plumbing; St. Thomas Cargo; and the Fish Bar.
