The Chum Line September 2011
Welcome to the September edition of the Chum Line... we haven't had an edition of the Chum Line since April so there is plenty to report!
Offshore Fishing Report
In June and July we saw the best tuna fishing we have seen on the Island in many, many years. Most of the tuna were in the 20 to 60lb bracket and great fun to target in the chum. By late July and early August the smaller tuna were replaced by some more substantial versions in the 100lb plus bracket. Many of these were taken on the troll - some on lures and others on dink baits. By late August the tuna chumming action had returned, mostly on the Eastern Turn of Challenger. On 23 August Brian Lines' Off Piste accounted for eight nice Yellowfin in a midafternoon bite on the Eastern Turn.
Depending on who you talked with, the billfish action was a little spotty during the July marlin fishing tournaments. Some anglers reported the bite was very slow, while other reported seeing plenty of fish but getting the hooks to stick was the predominant problem. New club member Lester Patracca's boat Reelax, a 61 foot Garlington, turned in a very credible placing in the billfish tournaments. Some of you will know Lester competed for the first time in this year's ILTT. Lester commented he didn't realize light tackle fishing could be a contact sport! Here's a great photo of Lester and team mate Danny Fox doing hand to hand combat on the bow of Playmate on a day when the conditions offshore were a little more than 'sporty'.
But back to the billfish! The marlin fishing wasn't only the domain of the experienced marlin anglers! In a memorable couple of days Joss Lines and his cousin Grenville Lines caught and released their fish Blue Marlin. Both fish were caught on 130lb class tackle on NZ made Bonze Apache lures. Great work by two young up and coming anglers.
The great offshore action has allowed many fantastic fishing opportunities. Club members and guests fishing with club members enjoyed some memorable moments out wide. A selection of photos from this summer's fishing action can be found at the close of this newsletter.
Remember the fishing action for the year isn't over yet. The next Club fun tournament is scheduled for September 25th. Make sure you are out there!
Sharks!
In August we were very pleased to host Corey Eddy at the RHADC to hear his presentation on dusky sharks in Bermuda waters. Corey is a PhD student from the School of Marine Sciences at the University of Massachusetts. As part of his PhD, Corey is studying the life history (age, growth, and reproduction) of local sharks and also their movements both locally and on a large scale. To do all that, Corey has been examining and dissecting the catch of local fishermen who are willing to help. Corey is also fishing with a number of locals so he can tag and release sharks.
Corey will be on island till October and would welcome the chance to make contact with any club member who can put him up close and personal with sharks, especially a Bermuda Dusky. Corey's local cell number is 518 8285. We encourage Club members to get behind Corey's work.
Those people attending the presentation came away with a much deeper understanding of Bermuda's shark population and the challenges it faces.
ILTT
The great tuna fishing mentioned earlier contributed to a fantastic ILTT. This year Brian Lines, David Lines Jnr and Dean Rea finally made it across the line as the Championship Team after many years of trying and always finishing in second place! Kevin Winter's Playmate once again took out the honors for top boat.
If you have been attending regular club monthly meetings you'll be aware the 2012 ILTT is going to receive quite a makeover! We have approached the Department of Tourism for assistance in again making the tournament a premier international event for light tackle anglers. If you want to discuss any of the Club's plans for the ILTT please talk with a member of the Executive.
September Club BBQ
Cindi Pearman has kindly offered to host this event at her place on Friday 16 September from 7pm onwards. Please RSVP either Fiona Beck (fiona.beck@sccn.bm) or Cindi Pearman (cindipops@ibl.bm) if you will be attending. It promises to be a great evening. Remember to bring your family and friends too. And if you have any fish you'd like to donate... don't be shy in coming forward!
Club Catch Records
Remember to email Francis Patterson with your catches as they come to hand. Francis needs to know the species, the line class, and the weight of the fish, the date and the boat on which the fish was caught, along with any method of catch. Francis' email is fhpp@northrock.bm
Contacting the Club
Contact the Club by email at bermudaanglersclub@bermuda.com. And for those of you with a social networking bent... follow us on Facebook!