WEST END, Grand Bahama -- All roads led to West End and the Old Bahama Bay Resort and Marina over the recent holiday weekend as the property kicked off its first ever Native Fish Hunt, which concluded on Whit Monday, June 1, 2009.

The two-day event sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Waugh Construction, Bradford Marine and GB Foods provided a weekend of sun and fun for all participants as well as their friends and families.

The idea for a Native Fish Hunt was born out of the desire to bring greater attention to the wonderful fishing opportunities available in The Bahamas and more specifically off the coast of West End.

For years Old Bahama Bay has hosted scores of international and U.S. fisherman in various tournaments and has had a great deal of success in doing so. The Native Hunt now gives local fishing enthusiasts a similar platform. The wide variety of vessels used in the tournament made the event more interesting.

Despite the days of rainy weather, participants were grateful for the intermittent sunshine which allowed them to move forward with the event.

Festivities began with the Captain's meeting and welcome on Sunday evening, but the real fun began early Monday morning as scores of local fishing talent turned out to cast their lines in hopes of taking home the titles of Best Bottom Fishing Guru and Trolling Champion.

There were six entries in the competition; among them Bradford Marine on the Buddy Davis, Waugh Construction on the Waugh-Hoo, Ramon Lightbourne on the First Strike, and Hugh Efird on the Kitten.

A group from Sanitation, headed by Lou Carroll, also made a showing on-board their vessel Mayhem as well as well-known West End native Bonefish Foley.

At the end of the day Bradford Marine team took home top honours as the overall winners with a weight of 64 pounds. The team also placed first in the Striking Fish category. Also claiming his own victories was Ramon Lightbourne who caught the first place Bottom Fish as well as the Heaviest Striking fish: a 24 pound dolphin.

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