The 2000 Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament is slated for Sunday, July 16. This year's competition promises to be more exciting than ever with big prizes and fun for the entire family. Fishing starts at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 12 noon, sharp.
From noon until 2 p.m., while the weigh-master and judges go to work, all anglers can quench their thirst at either a Coors Light or Snapple open bar, depending on age.
Anglers of all skill levels are invited to enter, and everyone comes away a winner, according to tournament director Monica Lester.
"We're expecting more than 350 anglers this year and are grateful for the positive response we've received from all our sponsors," she said.
Also thanks to the generosity of sponsors, entry fees are low – $35 for adults, $20 for juniors ages 8 to 16, Lester said.
Coors Light and Snapple, distributed by Bellows International Ltd., are once again on board as Gold Sponsor of the event. Bellows has donated over $68,000 in cash and product over the last ten years, according to a release from the organizers.
Silver Sponsor, Offshore Marine Services, is donating a Caribe C-9, 9-foot 1-inch, inflatable dinghy with 8HP Yamaha engine for the Best Captain.
Bronze Sponsors are FedEx – which is providing angler hats, a live radio broadcast on WVWI Radio One and the $750 cash prize for Second Largest Kingfish, and Vitel Cellular – which is donating the $2000 Largest Kingfish cash prize.
All anglers will receive an official Bastille Day/Guy Harvey T-shirt thanks to the combined sponsorship support of Coors Light, distributed by Bellows International, Offshore Marine and FedEx.
In addition, several local resorts and hotels have donated overnight stays along with dinner for two, and local restaurateurs have also contributed dinners for two. Royal Caribbean Cruise Line is giving away a week's cruise for two, while U.S. Airways is donating two round-trip tickets to anywhere in the airline's route of service.
First organized by the Northside Sportfishing Club in 1987, the tournament benefits the Joseph Sibilly School, St. Thomas Rescue, The American Red Cross and The Victim's Advocate Program. Anglers from throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands participate in the event, as one of many activities celebrating French Heritage Week.
There will be drink, food and music throughout the afternoon for community spectators who come down to see the catch and catch the fun for the day.
Generous sponsor support also enables the Tournament to reward anglers catching the largest kingfish, but also those reeling in the Largest Jack, Largest Barracuda, Largest Bonito, Largest Tuna, Largest Mackerel and Largest Dolphin. In addition to Best Captain, there are also prizes for Best Boat, Best Female Angler, Best Male Angler, Best Junior Female Angler and Best Junior Male Angler!
A Captain's Meeting and Registration will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Larry's Hull Bay Hideaway on Friday July 14. Entry forms can also be obtained from E&M Grocery, Bryan's Electrical and Neptune Fishing Supplies.
The awards ceremony starts at 8 p.m. at Larry's Hull Bay Hideaway.
