July 14, 2006 — This year's Annual Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament is set to begin at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, July 16, at Hull Bay Hideaway.
The inshore fishing event benefits the Joseph Sibilly School, St. Thomas Rescue, The American Red Cross, Kidscope, and the Family Resource Center. Fish that are not kept for food are donated to Coral World.
The tournament includes prizes for all skill levels, including $2,000 for the largest kingfish. That prize is donated by N.E.M. (West Indies) Insurance Ltd.
Other prizes, sponsored by Offshore Marine Services, include $1000 for Best Boat, $1000 for Best Captain, $500 for Best Male Angler, $500 for Best Female Angler, $250 for Best Junior Male Angler and $250 for Best Female Junior Angler.
Some award winners will be eligible to win a trip for two to Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort and Casino on St. Croix. The package includes a two-night hotel stay, dinner for two, $100 of chips and two Seaborne Airline tickets.
"We're expecting more than 300 anglers this year and are grateful for the positive response we've received from all our sponsors," said Tournament Director Monica Lester.
Coors Light and Snapple are the Gold Sponsors for this event. The two companies have donated more than $100,000 in cash and prizes over the past 15 years.
In addition, hotels and restaurateurs have contributed overnight stays and dinners for two as prizes.
Last year 312 anglers caught 226 fish, adding up to a total weight of 1,819 lbs. Adam Quandt of St. Thomas won the Largest Kingfish prize.
A meeting for captains and registration are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Hull Bay Hideaway on Friday, July 14. Entry forms are available at Bryan's Electrical and Neptune Fishing Supplies, both on St. Thomas.
A Captain's Meeting and Registration will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Hull Bay Hideaway on Friday July 14. Entry forms can be obtained from Bryan's Electrical and Neptune Fishing Supplies.
Fishing ends at noon, and the awards ceremony starts at 8 p.m.
For more information, call 774-5206.
