34 Anglers representing 16 teams experienced some incredible action during the Sunset Billfish Classic fished out of Hemingway’s in Kenya. When the dust had finally settled an amazing 348 Billfish had been tagged and released. The fishing was spectacular with countless packs of sailfish finning on the surface and balling the shoals of whitebait and sardines that gather in these waters from September through to March. After a hard fought competition with plenty of good humoured rivalry.
The top Individual angler was Chris Smith from Worthing fishing in team Blue Power, with 19 sailfish releases.
Top Lady Angler was Moyra Illsley from Yateley, Bucks with 9 Sailfish Releases.
The 1st placed team was Team Tornados from Bae Systems, Saudi Arabia with 38 Sailfish releases, the team comprising of ‘Lefty’ Lefever, Duncan Chambers and Max Bowler, these boys were total novices to the game when they started but they held on to their lead in great fashion and good sportsmanship.
Other notable catches came from Duncan Gillies with a Black Marlin of 60 kg, Richard Horsefield who landed a Wahoo of 33.5 Kg, Ian Mitchell and Talbot Brogden with Dorados of 11.5 and 11 Kg, Yellow Fin Tuna of 20.5kg for John Illsley and a Giant Trevalley of 28 Kg for Ken Horsfield. The biggest Sailfish released went to the Ladies Winner Moyra Illsley with a terrific fish estimated at 45 Kg.
The Highlight of the trip was on the 29th October when Keith Ford aboard B’s Nest and skippered by Ali Al Harazi decided to have a days fly fishing and what a day it proved to be, not only did he tag and release 3 Sailfish, he tagged and released Africa’s first Black Marlin on fly, a specimen of approx 85 Kgs, he refused to kill the fish and claim the record, Keith we salute you.
Why not join the group next year and relax in the comfort and hospitality of one of the Worlds best Small Hotels of the World, Hemmingway’s in Watamu, Kenya, their operation is a first class one and our thanks as always goes to Garry Cullen, their MD and his staff who make our stay a wonderful experience. This is a truly great location for Big Game Fishing.
Join us next year for the 2006 Competition that is being held at Hemingway’s between 21st October to 4th November 2006.
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