One of Bermuda’s oldest and most well established fishing tournaments is about to get underway, with 2016 marking the 50th running of the International Light Tackle Tournament [ILTT].

The Bermuda Anglers Club hosts the event, which is fished over four days. The first day’s fishing starts on Monday 20th of June.

Anglers from Bermuda, the United States and the Bahamas will pit their skills against each other and the yellowfin tuna, wahoo and blue and white marlin that roam Challenger and Argus Banks.

All competitors use the same 12lb test line – Maxima Chameleon – to guarantee some tough competition both with the fish and between anglers.

The winning team will earn the right to go on and fish in the Offshore World Championship held in April 2017 in Quepos, Costa Rica.

This tournament has always attracted anglers from overseas and this year is no exception. David Fingland from the Bahamas will be fishing for his 16th time. In 2013, with teammate Scott Deal, from Florida, Mr Fingland was a member of the Championship Team and overall winners of the event.

He said, “I know there were many more great stories over the 15 years I have participated in this tournament.

“I remember when Bill DuVall fell overboard fighting a fish. Also the first time I came to Bermuda in the 80’s chugging along on the Atlantic Spray fishing for marlin on the way out to Challenger Bank, only to catch the occasional wahoo.”

Hugh Gransaul from Trinidad fished 11 times and his son-in-law Stuart Harries had to say about their time fishing,“We have had the opportunity to fish with some great captains, Alan Card, Peter Olander, Sinclair Lambe, Allen DeSilva, Kevin Winter, and their mates, many of whom have supported the tournament for many years.

“These excellent captains always gave us a great time”.

Barr’s Bay Park will act as tournament headquarters as the central location makes it easier for spectators to see the daily weigh-ins which will start around 4.30pm on Monday 20th, Tuesday 21st, Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th of June.

Any surplus made on the ILTT will fund a Junior Tournament to help Bermuda’s youth reconnect with the sport of fishing in a family friendly atmosphere. Last year’s event attracted around 100 young anglers.