[dropcap]C[/dropcap]aptain Chase Camacho, tournament director for the popular Wahoo Smackdown Series hosted by the Bimini Big Game Club Resort and Marina, today announced more potential prize money, a new fourth place level prize and the addition of Papa’s Pilar as a major new tournament sponsor.
Camacho said the tournament, scheduled for February 19-21, needs only to hit 20 boats to add another $5,000 to the cash pool. Currently a total of $50,000 in cash and prizes are on the line at Wahoo Smackdown VI, including an original Cary Chen painting.
“We had 29 boats entered last November, so I don’t think we will have a problem with getting 20-plus teams out on the water for Smackdown VI,” said Camacho.
Named for Ernest Hemingway’s beloved fishing boat and developed in conjunction with his estate, Papa’s Pilar Rum has announced it is joining Smackdown VI with its popular Dark and Blonde rums, which evoke the spirit of Papa Hemingway, who spent a few seasons fishing, drinking and writing in Bimini during the 1930s.
“Hemingway set the mark for sportfishing in Bimini, and we are thrilled to see the Pilar’s name returned to our dock. Pilar’s Rum comes in as a major first time sponsor and serves as a reminder of Hemingway’s days spent on this historic island,” said Camacho.
Returning to the tournament series for Wahoo Smackdown VI is the celebrated marine wildlife artist and accomplished angler Carey Chen, who has been named Grand Marshal. Chen has again been commissioned to “paint a trophy” that will be awarded to the top team for Smackdown VI. A Carey Chen original is typically valued at $15,000 or more.
Joining with Chen as “Official Tournament Photographer” is Pat Ford, an avid angler whose dramatic action shots can be found on the covers of sportfishing magazines around the world. Ford is a retired trial lawyer who has developed a second career in marine oriented photography and has published two books “The Best Fly Fishing Trips Money Can Buy: and “Fly Fishing Day Dreams”.
Wahoo Smackdown V, held this past November attracted a record 29 boats. Team “Cash Out” took heaviest fish honors with 47.6 pounds. Heaviest five fish over two days trophy went to team “Fishin A Loan”, and Heaviest Fish (First Day) winners were team “Snow Cone’s Revenge.”
A Boca Raton fisherman, coincidentally fishing the waters off Bimini at the same time as Smackdown V, landed a huge 122.7 wahoo, but did not qualify for an IGFA record because he used an electric reel.
For information regarding the Wahoo Smackdown VI tournament and to register online, please go to http://www.biggameclubbimini.com/big-game-tournament.htm or call (800) 867-4764 or email chaseuone@aol.com.