The Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament, scheduled for July 16 at Hull Bay Hideaway, St. Thomas, is one of the top 10 destinations worldwide to commemorate the French National Day, according to online travel advisors Hotwire.com.
There will be food, drink and fun on land and fantastic fishing on the sea, with a chance for anglers to win over $13,000 in prizes – including $2,000 cash for the fisherman or fisherwoman who reels in the largest kingfish.
“We invite everyone – anglers who have fished with us for many years, newcomers, residents and visitors alike – to fish this year or come down and enjoy the tournament’s festivities at Hull Bay Hideaway. There will be live bands, food, drink and activities for the kids. Proceeds from the Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament this year will benefit the Joseph Sibilly School, Nana Baby Children’s Home, St. Thomas Rescue and the St. Thomas Civil Air Patrol, as well as provide college scholarships,” said Catherine Bryan, one of the tournament directors.
Registration will begin on July 10 at Neptune Fishing Supplies in Red Hook, St. Thomas. At 7:30 p.m., July 14, the Captain’s Meeting will take place at Hull Bay Hideaway where sports fishermen can also register. Late registration will happen from noon to 7 p.m. on July 15 at the Hideaway.
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 Barracuda, Largest Bonito and Largest Mackerel.
More than 200 anglers – men, women, boys and girls of all skill level – are expected to enter. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors, entry fees are low – $45 for adults, $35 for juniors ages 8 to 17.
All registered anglers will receive an official Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament T-shirt, hat and goodie bag. V.I. hotels and restaurateurs have contributed overnight stays and dinners for two, respectively, as additional prizes.
Festivities on shore will feature a great line-up of bands. Cool Session Brass will play from noon until 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 16. The awards ceremony will begin at 8 p.m. at Hull Bay Hideaway.
The Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament was first organized by the Northside Sportfishing Club in 1987.
Scholarship applications can be downloaded from the tournament’s Facebook page: (www.facebook.com/pages/Northside-Sportsfishing-Club). The scholarship application deadline is June 30. For more information, e-mail nssfcvi@gmail.com or call 998-0854.
The tournament is sponsored by Coors Light and Captain Morgan, distributed by Bellows International; Offshore Marine, the YAMAHA distributor in the Virgin Islands; NEMWIL and Red Hook Agencies Inc.; TOPA Insurance Services Inc.; Budget Marine, the Caribbean’s leading chandlery; and Scoops & Brews.
