More than $141,000 was awarded this weekend in Bimini at the First Bimini Wahoo Meat Mayhem Fishing Tournament, held November 16-18, at Resorts World Bimini.
Organized by Captain Jimmy Wickett, President of Meat Mayhem Tournaments, some 24 boats, from across the USA including Florida, Alabama, Texas, South Carolina and Maryland as well as Grand Bahama Island and as far as Germany, and each paying a registration fee of $3,000, participated in the two-day fishing event. The tournament was conducted in unison with The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation (MOTA) and regulated by the Bahamas Department of Fisheries.
Other sponsors for the event included: Hydra Sports Custom Boats, Resorts World Bimini, EG Vodka, Sands Beer, Fathom Lures, Engel Coolers, Livewire Tackle, Casa Offshore and Roofs Fishing Charts.
All boats were inspected daily, commencing at 4 a.m. to ensure that no fish, fishing apparatus or crew in excess of six, were on board before departing to fish in the no boundaries Bimini area. Boats had to return and weigh in their catch before 5 p.m. each day.
A maximum catch of 5 wahoo per day, each weighing a minimum of 20 pounds and caught using wire, rod or steel was allowed in the tournament. The boat with the greatest aggregated weight over the two-day, fishing period was declared the winner.
Warpath, out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida emerged victorious with a wahoo catch of 207.4 pounds, netting the crew of six, $90,390.00 in cash. Stake Out which reeled in a 139 pound yellow fin tuna and whose weight was not counted as part of its winning, captured second place with a 170.8 pound wahoo catch received $19,110. Third and fourth place winners went to O-Sea-D with 162.2 pounds for $8,010 and Bad Habit winning $6,690 for its 154.6 pounds catch.
Donna Mackey, Sr. Sales Manager, MOTA Plantation office, who organized the event alongside Wickett said, “it was imperative that our guests, not only enjoyed Bimini’s pristine beauty and fishing in our crystal clear waters, but that they experienced the true and real authentic cuisine, flavor and culture of The Bahamas. Our famed entertainer “Stevie S” and the Bimini Boys provided live Bahamian music during the awards gala as Genesis, regaled in in all its splendor and vibrant costumes, bought the house down, with their pulsating Junkanoo rush out performance, to climax this exciting event,” she said.
“The MOTA could not be more pleased with the success of this event,” said Jennifer Gardiner-Bannister, Area Manager for the MOTA-Plantation office.
“This luxury ‘Lifestyle’ event truly was a first class production, which attracted a high caliber of vacationers and adventure seekers. Bimini World Resort was completely sold out during the period of this event as each boat bought numerous family and friends along as well as others who flew in for the event. Much needed revenue, especially during this traditionally slow period, was injected into the hotel, casino and local economy as anglers and their love ones ventured out in rented golf carts to the local restaurants, shops and fuel docks,” she said.
Captain Jimmy said “the success of this event was accomplished through the great partnership and synergy of the sponsors, anglers and people of The Bahamas. We are thrilled with its success and that Resorts World Bimini has already agreed to guarantee a cash prize of $40,000 for the second Bimini Wahoo Mayhem, which will take place, during super bowl weekend, February 1-4, 2018.
Steve Howe owner of Warpath and its first mate and sole female crewmember, Rachel Alexander, who advised the winning boat where to drop its anchor to fish, said they “look forward to returning to Bimini in February to defend their tournament title, relive the fun and enjoy the food, culture and warm hospitality of the Bahamian people”.
About The Islands Of The Bahamas The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world’s best golf, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and the Bahamian dollar on par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It’s Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
