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Host of an International Light Tackle Tournament
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On this page we give you some history of the tournament and for the break down of last years outting check out the Tattler pages results.
For information on fishing the 2007 tournament check out the 2007 ILTT page
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The International Light Tackle Tournament (ILTT) grew out of a government-sponsored tournament between the Bahamas and Bermuda. The trophy and running of the event tournament passed to the Bermuda Anglers Club (BAC) in 1961. We still have a team that fishes from the Bahamas.
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There were 6 teams in the first ILTT and originally there were only three fishing days - Wednesday, Thursday, Friday - but anglers and guests would arrive by Sunday to take part in the events before the tournament. These days the event is still a week long but fishing is held on four days - usually Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday, with the Captains meeting on the Sunday before the start.
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A total of 69 fish were caught in the first tournament using 30lb. 20lb. 12lb test - 47 being Allison, 11 Black fin, 7 Mackerel, 2 Wahoo, 1 Barracuda, 1 Rainbow Runner and 1 Oceanic. The largest fish being a 107lb Allison on 30lb test caught by John Hunter - the records show that this was a potential Bermuda record. Over the years the line test changed to 16lb, 12lb, 8lb. In 2001 just 12lb, 8lb were used and there were 224 fish caught, only 35 of those fish were killed. 146 Allison,64 Black Fin, 4 Wahoo, 2 Almaco Jack, 6 Barracuda, 1 Steelhead Jack and 1 rainbow Runner. Colin Rose caught a world record Almaco Jack - 38.10 pounds on 12lb test. He also got very close to a world record Wahoo - 56.10 pounds on 8lb test. In 2002 it was 20lb and 12lb test to encourage new teams but decided in 2003 to use just 12lb test - 6 teams fished with a total of 304 fish caught with 217 being released. Predominantly Blackfin tuna, 259, were caught. Only 16 Yellow (Allison) fin tuna were caught - 6 by Wayne Booth, 3 by Bill DuVal, 4 by Crayton Greene on the final day all fishing in team “Survivors”. Other fish included 7 Almaco Jack, 4 Amberjack, 13 Barracuda, 3 Wahoo, and 2 Rainbow Runner.
We have stuck with the 12lb test and in 2004 262 fish were caught with 158 weighted in - predominantly Yellowfin Tuna.
The weigh-in of fish was oringinally at Cambridge Beaches Hotel and then at Newstead Hotel but these days it’s held at Spanish Point Boat Club.
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1982 saw the 21st year of the tournament. The American T.V. network ABC came down to film the tournament for their fishing program and also entered a celebrity team – Ernest Borgnine, Lynn Swan and Curt Gowdy.
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We have had some regulars visitors to fish the ILTT such as Bill Duval who made the annual trip for 30 years and Gene is wife fished for may of those as well. Lisa & Wayne Booth celebrated 10 years in 2004 and many others that are coming for the 6th plus year. Local club members that fished regularly are Cyril "Hooks" Cooper, Francis Patterson, Crayton Greene & Danny Fox. Each year we award anglers a special pin for 10yrs of fish this tournament.
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This tournament isn't any thing without the captains and mates. Originally anybody could enter their vessel but now we only use licensed charter boats and many have fished with us year after year, so know what the teams are looking for.
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In 2002 we became a qualify event for the IGFA Offshore Championship
held in Cabo San Luca, Mexico each year.
We would like to thank all the anglers, captains, club members and spectators for supporting the tournament and look forward to welcoming them back again next year.
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