Anglers in Grenada will join their counterparts from across the region and internationally for the 35th Spice Isle Billfish Tournament (SIBT) to be held January 27-30 in Grenada.

Some thirty boats including ten from Grenada are expected to participate in the three day fishing event. The 35th Spice Isle Billfish Tournament was launched last Wednesday at a ceremony held at the Grenada Yacht Club on Lagoon Road.

Participating boats and anglers are expected from neighbouring Trinidad and Tobago, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados, Martinique, Antigua, St. Marteen, and the United States.

A Bimini start is the first event to take place, and it will be held off St. George's on January 27. During last Wednesday's launch, two of the major sponsors, the Grenada Breweries Ltd (GBL) and Island Water World presented cheques worth $20.000 EC and $8000.00 respectively to the organisers.

General Manager of GBL, Howard Mc. Eachrane who handed over the funds on behalf of his company, said he was pleased to be associated with the tournament and pledged the Breweries continued commitment to the event.

He sees the tournament as one that can help to put Grenada on the map as a country involved in game fishing. General Manager of Island Water World, Edison Bethel who also spoke said he believes that the tournament will give his company the opportunity to supply anglers with the necessary equipment needed for the competition.

Addressing the launching ceremony, member of the Tournament Andrew Bierzynski told the gathering that January 27, 28 and 30 will be the days set aside as fishing days this year. He identified as eligible fish for anglers: Billfish (Blue Marlin, White Marlin and Sailfish) as well as Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo and Dolphin.

The SIBT organising committee member stressed that emphasis this year as in the past will be placed on conservation of the species of fish by using a "Tag and Release" format.

According to Bierzynski, the format involves hooking of the fish, bringing it to the boat, placing a harmless plastic identification tag on it and then releasing it still alive.
He also gave details about another major event to co-incide with the SIBT that is dubbed the Carib Bigfish Competition.
This competition, to be adjudicated by the Grenada Fisheries Division, is free and open to all local fishermen.
The winner will be the fisherman to catch the largest fish during the SIBT.

Thousands of dollars in prize monies are expected to be paid out on completion of the event - EC$ 30.000 for the Heaviest Cash, $20.000 for the angler breaking the current tournament weight of 821bs for White Marlin as well as $10.000 for the angler breaking the existing Sailfish Weight Record of 77.6lbs.

The person winning this year's tournament will participate in the Rolex/International Gaming Fishing Championship scheduled for Mexico later in the year.
The SIBT brings in millions of dollars worth of boats and equipment to the country annually.