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Host of an International Light Tackle Tournament
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This was sent to our members from Bill Duval -
It is with deepest regret that Gene and I must advise you that there will not be a Key West Tournament in 2005. We simply could not charter enough quality boats to continue the level of fishing to which you are accustomed. There were also other problems, which we could not solve.
During the past sixteen years fishing has changed very dramatically. It is no longer possible for the captains to run to the Gulf, catch a limit of little tunny and blackfin and spend the balance of the day on one of the wrecks catching limits of other species. You will probably remember last year the captains had to run over 100 miles per day, first to the Gulf, then all the way back to the Atlantic to catch other limits. With fuel at the Marina now over $2.50 a gallon this is prohibitive. Not only has the fishing changed, but the captains have also changed. Each year there are fewer and fewer light tackle guides who are qualified to fish 6 or 8 lb. Line. Today’s captains are tuned to fishing tourist with heavier tackle, and making short runs. This of course is much more profitable and certainly easier on the captain and the equipment. There are many other problems, such as a shortage of rooms since the Holiday Inn is being torn down and replaced with Time-Share Condos.
This doesn’t mean hopefully there will not be tournaments in the future. Key West is still a very wonderful place to fish. In fact we cannot think of another place that would solve any of our problems. The answers must be found in changing the rules and format to attract more teams and additional boats.
Hopefully many of you will join us at the 40th Bermuda Light Tackle Tournament. This is truly the greatest and most well run light tackle Tournament in the world.
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Cyril and Barbara Cooper had this to say in reply -
What a shame about the KW ILTT - it is a tradition that will be sadly missed by all who participated (and some of us who didn't - i.e. there goes "Barb's girlie-week") !! However, when challenges become aggravations, it's time to make a decision - which I am sure was VERY difficult for you.
You folks have personally worked so very hard during the tournament's tenure to produce a top class tournament . Thank you ! It was always a much-looked-forward-to event, and despite the problems that couldn't be 100% resolved, it was always a resounding success. The camaraderie will be especially missed.
Thank you too for your kind comments about the BAC ILTT. It is complimentary to know that folks like YOU feel that way !
Let's hope that more KWILTT-ers will head our way!
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