Photo courtesy of Elaine Moore
44th Annual NEFMA Bluewater Is May 26-29
In the north Florida region, the Blue Water Tournament season peaks with the Northeast Florida Marlin Association’s Bluewater tournament at the end of May. This year will be the 44th annual event, making it one of the oldest and most important fishing tournaments in the region.
More traditional than the Jacksonville Kingfish tournament and older than The Players Championship, this tournament is part of the fabric of the First Coast. The NEFMA Bluewater was once an exclusive event restricted to the top 100 sport fishermen and their grand bluewater vessels from 36 to more than 70 feet, but these days the event is much more inclusive. Tournament entries will include a wide variety of vessels, including 26-foot center consoles and bluewater hotrods with triple and quadruple outboards. In fact, more than half the fleet of 60 to 100 boats will likely be outboard-powered boats this year, as the club has adapted to modern times and offers cash prizes in both Billfish and Gamefish divisions this year.
The Billfish Division will target blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish, with an eye toward breaking the club marlin record and winning a bonus prize. The Gamefish Division targets wahoo, dolphin, tuna and kingfish. Cash and prizes up to $35,000 are important, but the prestige and the side bets are just as important to many of these fishermen and members of the Northeast Florida Marlin Association (www.nefma.com).
Bluewater fishing is really picking up this time of year, and fishing participation appears to be picking up as well, with successful tournaments around the region gaining fishermen and increasing prizes and cash winnings. The NEFMA Bluewater format is a bit different from the common shootout format often used for gamefish, and it is intended to foster both cooperation and competition among the entrants. Fishing days are captain’s choice among three potential days. Captains may pick any two days between the May 26 captains’ meeting and the May 29 awards party.
Captains and fishermen are invited to become part of northeast Florida history by entering this special bluewater tournament. Information and entry forms are available from the club as well as at tackle stores and tournaments around the region.
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